“The local digital advertising boom is over, but the battle is just beginning,” wrote Radio Ink Magazine in reporting on Borrell Associates 2026 Local Digital Advertising report.
Drawing on proprietary data from more than 9,000 local media operations and advertising estimates across 513 US markets, the report, which analyzes local digital trends, found that year-over-year digital ad growth has fallen to single digits.
“Some companies mistake being involved in digital for being successful at digital,” said Borrell Associates Founder Gordon Borrell. “The next phase will separate those who are able to measure success against their specific market opportunity and systematically capture share from those who are merely measuring year-over-year growth.”
Local connections matter
While digital ad growth slows, local connections continue to matter to consumers.
A study from The Harris Poll and Locality found that 68% of U.S. internet users think marketing from national brands with local messaging makes ads more relevant and demonstrates that advertisers are investing in local communities. A majority of respondents also said they are more likely to trust, and purchase from, national companies advertising with local messages.
As local digital ad growth slows, local connections still matter.
The key to success is making sure you have the right strategic partner to help drive continued growth.
Mediaspace Solutions powers local digital advertising success
Mediaspace Solutions has unrivaled expertise in local digital media advertising.
Our team leverages decades of experience, combined with the power of our digital-only planning and buying software, which allows us to continually expand our offerings as we can constantly update and adjust our data.
Our extensive knowledge, proprietary tools and dynamic datasets enable us to give our clients the competitive edge that’s needed to break through.
Reach out to Mediaspace Solutions to learn more about our local digital advertising solutions.
