Cleveland businesses have a variety of advertising options, from traditional media like TV and billboards to digital and hyper-local platforms.
Whether you’re a small business looking to reach local customers or a larger company aiming for regional impact, this guide covers the best advertising opportunities in Cleveland.
1. Local TV & Radio Advertising 📺🎙️
TV Stations for Advertising
Television remains a powerful medium for reaching Cleveland audiences, particularly for local brands, events, and high-impact campaigns.
- WKYC (NBC 3) – https://www.wkyc.com
- WEWS (ABC 5) – https://www.news5cleveland.com
- WOIO (CBS 19) – https://www.cleveland19.com
- WJW (FOX 8) – https://fox8.com
- WVIZ (PBS) – https://www.ideastream.org (Great for nonprofit and educational advertising)
Radio Stations for Advertising
Radio is still an effective local marketing channel, especially for targeted demographics through popular talk shows and music stations.
- WTAM 1100 AM (News/Talk) – https://wtam.iheart.com
- WMMS 100.7 FM (Rock/Alt Music & Talk) – https://wmms.iheart.com
- WZAK 93.1 FM (R&B & Hip-Hop) – https://wzakcleveland.com
- WCPN 90.3 FM (Public Radio/NPR) – https://www.ideastream.org
- Q104 Cleveland (Pop & Contemporary Hits) – https://www.audacy.com/q104
💡 Pro Tip: Local businesses can use iHeartMedia Cleveland or Audacy Cleveland to buy ad spots across multiple stations.
2. Print & Digital Publications 📰🖥️
Cleveland Newspapers & Magazines
Print advertising is still relevant, especially for reaching older demographics or business professionals.
- The Plain Dealer – https://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/ (Largest newspaper in Cleveland)
- Crain’s Cleveland Business – https://www.crainscleveland.com (Best for B2B and executive audiences)
- Cleveland Magazine – https://clevelandmagazine.com (Great for lifestyle, events, and local features)
- Scene Magazine – https://www.clevescene.com (Best for entertainment, nightlife, and young adult audiences)
- FreshWater Cleveland – https://www.freshwatercleveland.com (Hyper-local digital publication focusing on Cleveland innovation and entrepreneurship)
💡 Pro Tip: Many of these publications offer both print and digital advertising packages, making it easy to combine traditional and online exposure.
3. Digital & Social Media Advertising 📱💻
Local Digital Ad Networks & Websites
- Cleveland.com Display & Sponsored Content Ads – https://www.cleveland.com/advertise
- Crain’s Cleveland Digital Sponsorships – https://www.crainscleveland.com/advertise
- Scene Magazine Sponsored Content & Ads – https://www.clevescene.com
Social Media & Influencer Advertising
Social media is a must for Cleveland businesses looking to engage locally. Consider:
- Facebook & Instagram Ads – Target Cleveland-based users by age, interests, and location
- LinkedIn Sponsored Posts – Ideal for B2B companies targeting professionals in the area
- Local Influencer Marketing – Partner with Cleveland-based influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
💡 Pro Tip: Cleveland Connects Influencer Network (through Cleveland Scene) helps businesses connect with local influencers.
4. Billboard & Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising 🚏🏙️
Billboards are highly visible and great for brand awareness campaigns.
Top Billboard & OOH Providers in Cleveland
- Lamar Advertising Cleveland – https://www.lamar.com/cleveland
- Outfront Media Cleveland – https://www.outfrontmedia.com
- Clear Channel Outdoor Cleveland – https://clearchanneloutdoor.com
💡 Pro Tip: Consider transit advertising on RTA buses, bus stops, and train stations for high foot-traffic exposure.
5. Local Event & Sponsorship Advertising 🎉🏟️
Partnering with local events and venues can increase brand visibility.
Major Cleveland Events & Sponsorships
- Cleveland Browns, Guardians, or Cavaliers Sponsorships – https://www.clevelandbrowns.com | https://www.mlb.com/guardians | https://www.nba.com/cavaliers
- Cleveland Marathon Sponsorships – https://clevelandmarathon.com
- Ingenuity Cleveland (Tech & Creative Festival) – https://www.ingenuitycleveland.com
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event Partnerships – https://www.rockhall.com
💡 Pro Tip: Local chamber of commerce events and business expos also offer sponsorships for targeted audiences.
6. Email Marketing & Business Directories 💌📊
Cleveland has several local business directories and email newsletters that offer advertising opportunities.
Local Email & Directory Listings
- Cleveland.com Business Directory – https://businessfinder.cleveland.com
- Crain’s Cleveland Email Sponsorships – https://www.crainscleveland.com
- Cleveland Business Connects Email Blasts – https://cbcmagazine.com
- Chamber of Commerce Newsletters (Cleveland, Akron, etc.)
💡 Pro Tip: Partnering with local co-working spaces (such as COhatch) can also give exposure to business owners and entrepreneurs.
Find the Best Advertising Channel for Your Cleveland Business
Cleveland businesses have a wide range of advertising opportunities—whether you want mass exposure (TV, radio, billboards) or targeted digital marketing (social media, local directories, influencer partnerships).
📌 What’s Next?
Let us know which channel you’re considering, and we can help refine your strategy! 🚀