4th of July in the Magic Valley was hot, but the latest in local business developments and widespread advertising trends is scorching! It’s peak biking time, and we’ve got a profile on a local entrepreneur making the activity easy and affordable. We’ve got a surprise repeat of a Magic Valley pastime, and a Senator working on behalf of small businesses. Plus, some eye-popping data on radio advertising, Walmart, and the future of digital marketing that Apple might be portending. What a business load to unpack, so let’s get to it for some July wisdom!

Twin Falls Business News

Biking Made Easier and Affordable Thanks to Local Small Business

Pertt’s Bike Rental launched during COVID, amidst the uptick in outside activities. And it’s not slowed down, as his digital focus - unlike a more traditional brick-and-mortar bike shop - means lower prices for locals to rent bikes. At Pertt’s, they can do so 7 days a week, with choices from kids’ bikes to e-bikes.. It even has a mobile bike shop on weekends that you can find outside the Twin Falls Visitor Center right by the Canyon Rim trail. KMTV has more details and an interview with founding entrepreneur Andrew Pertulla.

Upped Water Levels Mean Shoshone Falls Lighting Encore

Thank you wintery winter! Shoshone Falls After Dark normally unfolds in Spring, but elevated water levels persuaded Southern idaho Tourism to run it again! Catch the light show, which is a partnership with Midnight Production Studios, July 5-9 and July 12-16. The light show will run for approximately 20 minutes, and end sometime around 10:30 each night. To top it off, renowned Idaho DJ Eric Rhodes will be on hand to provide some accompanying musical goodness. Full details at Idaho Business Review.

Senator Risch Highlights Idaho-Themed T-Shirt Business

Last month, Senator Jim Risch, senior member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, honored an array of local Idaho businesses. Why? Selections of the month for a “Support Local Gems” initiative. Making the esteemed list was Perrine Man Press, the coolest t-shirt business you’ll come across in the state. The story of the business itself is inspiring, as Cory and Jenji Paulson went from hustling it out of their home in a 2017 founding, to a Twin Falls storefront. Read more about Risch’s initiative and  other Idaho businesses in the Senator’s press release.

Radio, Advertising & Marketing

Radio Ad Volume Up 20% in Q1 2023, Versus 2021

A new study courtesy of TAM AdEx reveals another testament to Radio’s resilience. While ad volume was virtually the same as 2022, there was a 20% leap compared to 2021. “Services” was the clear frontrunner, logging 32% of total volume. Next up was banking/finance/investment at 13%, with automotive rounding out the double-digit sectors at 10%. Considering commutes are, even if slowly, returning for workers, the increase of radio ad volume could well hold into 2024.

Walmart Tests Selling Advertising on Own In-Store Radio Network

Some massive companies rest on their laurels, growing complacent. Count out Walmart from that list, as the retailer aims to grow its media network to the roughly 140 million weekly in-store visitors. Walmart Radio was launched in the early 1990s, but only recently saw a revamp, from news segments to a full-time broadcast team of associates. Walmart seeks ““ways that we allow brands to speak to consumers while they’re shopping, though they’re not as developed yet,” according to Walmart Connect Chief Revenue Officer Seth Dallaire. Read more quotes and full analysis at Inside Radio.

Is Apple Introducing a New Era of Digital Marketing?

The $3,500 price tag of Apple’s Vision Pro MR headset seems to not be scaring many off, as global enthusiasm appears genuine. ExchangeWire penned a thoughtful piece on how this could usher in a new era of digital marketing…unless of course it’s just another virtual reality fad that will pass.

The Best Advertising in Twin Falls Starts Here

Beyond artificial intelligence, we seem to be at a true paradigm shift in the world of business. So it’s best to stay informed while also embracing what has worked for over a century if you’re looking to get the word out on your product or service. And we make it easy, if you or someone you know has a Magic Valley business that deserves to be heard on the top stations in the region. It’d make our month to chat, and collaborate to achieve your best sales stretch yet.