Advertising guide · Published · Updated
What it costs to advertise in a Charlotte neighborhood magazine
For a Charlotte-area small business, the useful question is not just the price of a printed ad. It is what that price includes, which neighborhood the issue serves, and how you will measure the response. Here are ZipScout’s current listed rates—not an industry-wide price survey.
ZipScout’s listed prices
Prices below are per issue month in USD. An open issue and category availability must be confirmed before an ad can be reserved.
- Spotlight: $495 · 1/8 page · 3.625 x 2.25 in. A focused local introduction with one clear message. Category exclusive.
- Quarter page: $949 · 3.625 x 4.75 in. More space for your offer and photo, at a lower price per square inch. Category exclusive.
- Half page: $1,549 · 7.5 x 4.75 in. Room to tell your story with category exclusivity.
- Full page: $2,595 · 8.5 x 11 in + 0.125 in bleed. Our lowest price per square inch, with a full page for your business.
- Premium cover: $3,595 · Back cover · 8.5 x 11 in + 0.125 in bleed. Premium back-cover positioning carries a premium over an inside full page.
What is included
Every size includes category exclusivity for the issue and eligible access to ZipScout’s advertiser software, including weekly competitor watch. There is no separate monitoring subscription to add to the magazine price. A business process audit is optional and separately priced.
Choose the neighborhood before the ad size
Start with the ZIP codes where your customers live or where you want to grow. Check the real issue’s household target, artwork deadline and planned mail date. A Charlotte mailing address does not mean every issue reaches all of Charlotte. Coverage is specific to each issue.
An issue’s household distribution figure is a target, not a guarantee or evidence of a completed mailing. Check available issues and categories before committing.
Choose an offer you can measure
A focused message, a clear offer and a dedicated QR destination help you understand response. QR counts are estimated scan requests, not unique people or confirmed sales. Ask new customers how they found you and compare actual requests with the cost of your ad.
Before you sign
Confirm the price, commitment, any separately quoted fees, artwork requirements, cancellation terms, delay terms and make-goods in your ad agreement. The website’s rate card is not a signed agreement. A person at your business still reviews and signs the agreement and approves artwork for print.
Current rate card · Refund and cancellation information · Questions for ZipScout
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ZipScout ad cost?
Listed prices range from $495 for a Spotlight to $3,595 for a premium back cover, per issue month. Confirm the price in your agreement before purchasing.
Is competitor monitoring an additional charge?
No. Weekly competitor watch and eligible advertiser software access are included with magazine advertising. A business process audit is a separate paid service.
Does the household target guarantee delivery or results?
No. Household counts and planned mail dates are targets. They are not proof of delivery and do not guarantee leads or sales.
Can two businesses in the same category advertise?
ZipScout reserves one business per category per issue, across all ad sizes. Availability must be checked for the specific ZIP, category and issue.