What’s the Best Radius for Local Ads? A Guide by Industry
Discover the best advertising radius by industry—from churches to contractors. Learn how far to target to make every ad dollar count with HeyNeighbor.
When running a local ad campaign, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how far to reach—literally. Targeting the right geographic radius ensures your message shows up where it matters most and avoids wasting budget on areas that won’t convert.
But what’s the right radius? It depends heavily on your business type, your customer behavior, and how far people are willing to travel for your service.
Below, we break down smart radius recommendations by industry to help you launch more efficient local ad campaigns.
Why Radius Targeting Matters
Modern geotargeted ads allow you to draw a digital circle around a location—say, 3 miles around a church or 10 miles around a job site. The people inside that circle will be the only ones who see your ads.
- Increases relevance by reaching people likely to take action
- Reduces wasted impressions and cost
- Matches customer behavior, like how far someone is willing to drive
A 2023 study by Meta found that hyperlocal campaigns saw a 27% higher engagement rate than broadly targeted local ads in urban areas.
Practical Radius Guidelines by Industry
🏘️ Home Service Providers (Contractors, Roofers, Remodelers)
Recommended Radius: 7–15 miles
People typically search within 15 miles for trusted service pros. A slightly larger radius can work well since contractors often drive to job sites.
- Rural/Suburban: 10–15 miles
- Urban: 5–10 miles
Pro Tip: If you’re working a job in a neighborhood, launch a short campaign in a 1–3 mile radius around that project to build awareness and capture “while-you’re-there” jobs.
⛪ Churches & Community Events
Recommended Radius: 3–5 miles
Churches and local events thrive on proximity and familiarity. Most churchgoers live within a short drive of their church.
According to Faith Communities Today, over 60% of churchgoers live within 5 miles of their place of worship.
Pro Tip: Layer in interest-based targeting (families, parents, event-goers) alongside a tight radius for best results.
🛍️ Retail Shops & Boutiques
Recommended Radius: 1–5 miles
Shoppers often frequent places close to home or work—especially for everyday or specialty items.
- Cities: 1–2 miles
- Suburbs: 3–5 miles
Pro Tip: Highlight local landmarks or cross streets in your ad copy to feel more connected to the audience.
🍴 Restaurants & Cafés
Recommended Radius: 1–3 miles
Food is impulse-driven. The closer your audience, the more likely they are to visit.
According to QSR Magazine, 72% of quick-service diners visit locations within 3 miles of home or work.
Pro Tip: Use time-sensitive or daily specials in your ads to encourage immediate action.
🧑⚕️ Local Healthcare Providers (Dentists, PTs, Chiropractors)
Recommended Radius: 5–10 miles
Patients typically look for convenience and trust. Many will travel farther for highly rated providers, but proximity still plays a major role.
A PatientPop survey found that 70% of patients consider location when choosing a provider.
Pro Tip: Focus on specific ZIP codes or school zones you want to reach—especially for family-focused practices.
🎓 Private Schools, Academies & Childcare
Recommended Radius: 3–10 miles
Parents will drive farther for high-quality education or care, but usually want something within 15–20 minutes of their home or route to work.
- Preschools/Daycares: 3–5 miles
- Private K–8 Schools: 5–10 miles
Pro Tip: Consider overlapping nearby neighborhoods, churches, and gyms with family-friendly targeting.
How to Choose the Right Radius
- How far would someone reasonably travel for this service?
- Is my area urban, suburban, or rural?
- Are there existing customers I can “geofence” around?
HeyNeighbor lets you launch local campaigns using this kind of strategic targeting—right down to the address level.
Bonus: Radius vs. ZIP Code vs. Geofencing
| Method | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Radius | Simplicity, general awareness | Ideal for service areas |
| ZIP Code | Specific neighborhood targeting | Great for promotions or demographic filtering |
| Geofencing | Event-based or location history | Targets devices seen in physical locations |
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all radius for local ads—but with a little strategy, you can make every dollar work harder by meeting your audience where they actually are. And with HeyNeighbor, we make it easy to apply these best practices right from the start.
Book a demo or get started for free today.
