Contact us about advertising
If you are interested in advertising in the Beacon please take a moment to read over this page and feel free to contact us for advertising rates or questions.
Readership
Approximately 95 percent of the 230,000 copies we print and distribute locally each month are picked up by readers from our more than 2,400 free distribution sites.
Based on reader surveys, this pick-up rate translates into a readership exceeding 400,000 people each month.
Approximately 40% of our readers are between 50 and 64 years old, 40% percent are between 65 and 75, and the remainder are either under 50 or over 75.
Distribution
We are proud of our wide distribution network throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas, and are always striving to expand and improve it.
Copies are always free of charge at our more than 2,400 distribution sites.
The Beacon is delivered each month to the following locations:
- CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies (also NeighborCare pharmacies in Baltimore)
- Public libraries, Recreation, senior centers and clubs
- Churches and synagogues
- Retirement communities
- Apartment buildings with large 50+ populations
- Doctors’ offices/Professional buildings
- VFW, American Legion posts
- Military bases
- Restaurants and retail establishments
To suggest a new distribution site, or to volunteer to become one, contact us. Please note that all sites must agree to provide appropriate space for at least 40 copies every month. There is no charge to become a distribution site.
Advertiser Testimonials
More than three-quarters of our current advertisers have been regularly advertising in the Beacon for more than three years — many of them for more than a decade. They have found that consistent advertising in the Beacon works!
Here are excerpts from some of the testimonials our advertisers have written:
“I wanted to tell you how pleased I and my partners are with the results we’ve been getting from our ad. Our monthly dinner seminar ads in the Beacon regularly attract well-to-do seniors — our prime clientele — and a number of them have become excellent clients. Frankly, we continue to be surprised by how many Beacon readers respond from the Northern Virginia area, since we used to think of you as mostly a Maryland publication.”
Dave Murray
Capitol Retirement Strategies
“I have advertised with other media in the area and have never gotten the results from them that I get with the Beacon. For anyone that wishes to reach the senior market, their first choice should be the Beacon.”
Carolyn Dodek
Shillelagh’s — The Travel Club
“Our Community is now over two years old and fully occupied, thanks in part to our advertising program in the Beacon. We have had numerous inquiries and move-ins from lower Montgomery County and Northern Virginia. The source of those inquiries has been the readership of the Beacon. I have also appreciated your personal attention. Your suggestions not only for placement, but also for presentation of the ads has been most welcome and on target.”
Cheryl C. Wright
Homewood at Crumland Farms
Print Display Ads
Display advertising refers to print ads appearing monthly among the stories in the Washington and Baltimore editions of the Beacon. Sizes range from 1/12 of a page up to a full page or multiple page spreads.
Ads may appear in black-and-white or full color on any page. Ad location is at the discretion of the publisher. Guaranteed placement on a particular page or part of a page may be available for an additional charge.
Advertising agreements are for a minimum of three months, with substantial discounts for contracts lasting six or 12 months.
We provide in-house ad design services at no extra charge for those who choose not to utilize the services of an ad agency or graphic designer. Otherwise, please request a “spec sheet” if you will be having camera-ready artwork prepared else where.
For advertising rates, detailed reader demographics, or any other information related to advertising, contact us. Please indicate whether you are interested in Greater Washington, Greater Baltimore, Howard County or a combination of markets.
Print Resource Guide Ads
The Montgomery County Seniors’ Resource Guide is a bound, full-color glossy directory for older adults and their families. It is published on an annual basis by the Beacon in partnership with Montgomery County Government.
50,000 copies are distributed free of charge at hundreds of CVS locations, county government offices and Beacon distribution sites throughout Montgomery County. Individual copies are available by mail for a modest charge.
The Guide features an extensive table of contents with dozens of topic areas, and a complete index of its more than 1,000 listings.
Ad design services are provided to advertisers at no extra charge, and an enhanced listing in the print directory is included with your ad.
Premium ad placements and foldouts are available.
For advertising rates, contact us.
50+Expos
The Beacon Newspapers has been hosting annual Expos for seniors for over 14 years. For information about this year’s Expo, click here.
For additional questions please feel free to contact us.
Online Banner Ads
As you can see, banner advertisements are available on our website in three sizes.
Jumbo (336 by 280 pixels)
Ads rotate at random across all page views.
Banner ads may be purchased for either six months or, for a discounted rate, twelve months. You may supply camera-ready art, or we can provide ad design services at no extra charge.
If you are interested in purchasing a banner ad, contact our advertising department.
Silver Pages
You can promote your company on this site, and enable visitors to link directly to your website, through an advertorial in our searchable Silver Pages directory.
Your company name, phone number, address, website link and 750 character description, together with photos, will appear in the appropriate category. You can choose to have your advertorial appear in more than one category as well.
For pricing information, contact our advertising department.
Print Classified Ads
Classified ads may be of any length and are accepted in the following categories: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; Financial Services; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities and Wanted.
Prices for these ads vary depending on whether the ad is placed by an on-going commercial business enterprise or by an individual reader. For prices and placement instruction, contact us or call (301) 949-9766 or (410) 248-9101.
