If you were wondering why I haven't posted much lately, I want you to know I completely blame ratings. See, I work for a local TV network, and we are smack dab in the middle of November sweeps. It's one of four times a year the folks at Nielsen Media Research canvas the nation and see how many people are watching each show. That data directly impacts the amount of money we can charge for commercials, so it's a pretty big deal, and generally requires some overtime at work. So to wish everyone a happy November book, I decided to post a story about a really cool commercial advertising company.

Spot Runner is an ad agency that helps local business get targeted advertising space on national cable networks. They provide this service through an intuitive, and slick web interface. Advertisers choose from a wide variety of packages, and because the company targets unsold cable ad space, clients can get commercials for a song.

Spot Runner users begin by completing a profile of their local business. They fill out information about products or services, as well as their target audience and coverage area. After that, Clients submit budget information (how much they are willing to spend) and Spot Runner provides them with a list of packages detailing which networks best fit the demographic, and how many times an ad will run.

After advertisers have settled on the details, Spot Runner actually lets them build their own commercial through the site. Clients can choose from a huge library of stock footage and pre-cut commercial "blanks." Then, via a simple web form, they provide spot runner with voice over script, on screen text, and personalized logo images. Because of the prefab nature of the ads, Spot Runner can turn around a commercial in as little as two weeks. The agency also offers some regional exclusivity, so an identical ad doesn't pop up for businesses in same area.

As a video editor, I was initially skeptical of the overall quality of a Spot Runner commercial. After poking around their site for a bit, I have to admit it's a brilliant business model. If you're skeptical, tell me what local sporting goods store wouldn't be thrilled to have THIS on the Outdoor Channel? How about this floral shop Ad? Still not convinced?

click READ below for a link to more of Spot Runner's samples.