Since the advent of the television, millions of people have plunked themselves down in front of the "tube" for entertainment. It quickly became, and continues to be, one of the easiest and cheapest forms of entertainment available to the general public.

With such a captive audience, using television programming is a great way to make the public aware of your products and services. When you start thinking of TV industry programming and how it can help you, keep these ideas in the forefront of your mind:

1. Television industry programming reaches a diverse audience

2. A catchy jingle and eye-catching video sticks with possible consumers

3. You can target your programming to reach your desired demographic

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick the right tools for creating TV programming

If you want to create your own television programming instead of hiring a company to do it for you, having the right tools is necessary. It is possible to create television programming with nothing more than a hand held video camera, but it's generally best to have something that packs a little more power behind it. While there is no specific 'television programming software' available, there do exist a number of video editing software suites that will meet your needs.

I recommend: B&H offers a wide range of professional camcorders and supplies for your video needs. When looking for software, check out Software.com for a great selection of video editing software.

Talk to a professional television program manager

TV program managers, sometimes referred to as producers, put together the programming for a station or network. They are very aware of what TV programming works and what doesn't.

I recommend: Contact one of your local stations and speak with the television programmers there about your own programming ideas. While the Parents Television Council offers information on keeping children safe from inappropriate programming, they also keep a list of contact information for all the major networks and their affiliates. This is a great tool for contacting people in your area to help with your programming needs. Copernicus Marketing Consulting offers you a great chance to have your marketing strategies analyzed and will help you create a marking scheme that will work for your business. Copernicus prides itself on the scientific approach it takes to marketing analysis.

Consider an infomercial as your television programming

Infomercials can be a great way to sell your product. The time-tested method has been successful for many products.

I recommend: A1 Books offers a great book titled The Complete Guide to Infomercial Marketing and a variety of other marketing themed books. InfoWorx will help evaluate your product for television success and can even help you create an infomercial.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Marketing of any kind is learning process. Before jumping into the television programming market, take the time to know your goals and expectations.