At Dave Creek Media, we’ve been seeing the shift in how people consume content, and let’s just say—this is the golden age of media. Gone are the days when local businesses had to rely on traditional TV ads to reach their audience. With the rise of connected TV (CTV) and streaming, small businesses now have the power to compete with the big guys in ways that were once out of reach. And this is especially crucial as we head into the holiday season, one of the most competitive times of the year.

But how can your business take advantage of this? Let’s break it down.

What’s All the Hype About CTV and Streaming?

In 2025, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and even smaller services like Pluto TV, are no longer just a way to binge your favorite shows—they’re the go-to spaces for entertainment. In fact, CTV now accounts for nearly half of all TV viewership. This means your audience is not watching traditional cable; they’re tuning into streaming content. And here’s the exciting part—you can advertise directly to them.

With the holidays around the corner, it’s the perfect time for small businesses to take full advantage of this shift. Here’s why.

Small Business, Big Opportunity This Holiday Season

Historically, television ads were something only big brands could afford. But now, with CTV and streaming, small businesses have the chance to target holiday shoppers directly without the hefty price tag. And the best part is, you don’t need a massive budget to make an impact.

During the holidays, consumers are watching more content than ever before, with nearly 60% of them finding streaming ads helpful for holiday purchasing. For businesses like yours, this presents a golden opportunity to reach ready-to-buy customers at the right moment, in a cost-effective way.

Why CTV is Perfect for Local Businesses This Holiday Season

Here’s the kicker: While large brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi still dominate traditional TV ad space with multi-million-dollar budgets, streaming ads allow you to jump in and make your mark at a fraction of the cost.

For small businesses, the beauty of streaming is the ability to place geo-targeted ads during the holiday shopping rush. What does that mean for you? It means you can focus on local audiences, making sure your holiday offers reach the right people at the right time, just when they’re ready to purchase.

How Streaming Works for You This Holiday Season: A Local Business Playbook

So, how do you make the most of streaming? It starts with understanding who your customers are and where they spend their time. Once you’ve got that, it’s all about reaching them in the most effective way.

1. Know Your Product – What are you promoting this holiday season? A big sale, a special holiday promotion, or a new product? You need to make sure your message is clear and festive.
   
2. Understand Your Audience – Who are you trying to reach? Parents shopping for gifts? Families looking to make memories? Pinpoint your target audience and tailor your ads accordingly.
   
3. Choose the Right Platform – Streaming isn’t just limited to the big players like Netflix and Hulu. There are other platforms like Pluto TV, Roku, or local YouTube channels that can help you get your holiday message in front of your customers at a more affordable cost.
   
4. Set Your Budget – Streaming ads are more affordable than traditional TV ads, which means you can advertise during the busy holiday season without breaking the bank.
   
5. Track and Optimize – One of the best things about CTV and streaming is that you can track performance in real-time. You’ll know exactly how many people saw your ad, clicked, or took action, helping you fine-tune your campaign for maximum holiday sales.

How DCM Can Work to Your Advantage

At Dave Creek Media, we specialize in helping businesses just like yours GROW, and this holiday season, we’re making the most of CTV and streaming. Contact us today to learn more about our Holiday Streaming Packages and how we can help your business reach more customers with streaming ads. Let’s make sure your business shines on the biggest screen in the house!