How Salem Media Used a One-Question Survey to Unlock New Revenue Opportunities

June 18, 2025

Case Study: Audience Insights in Action

Salem Media recently used a short audience survey to understand listener behavior better—and uncovered new ways to drive revenue. By asking just a few targeted questions about their audience’s preferences, habits, and buying behaviors, they were able to build a more complete picture of their listeners. The data not only helped refine their programming and marketing strategies but also unlocked new sponsorship opportunities. By sharing these insights with advertisers, Salem positioned itself as a more strategic partner—offering access to a defined, engaged, and high-intent audience. What began as a simple engagement tool turned into a revenue-generating assetSalem Media recently used a short audience survey to understand listener behavior better—and uncovered new ways to drive revenue.

The Question

Salem asked one simple question:
“How often do you attend a church service in person?”

A total of 841 people responded, providing a solid sample of their engaged audience.

What They Learned

62% of respondents said they attend church weekly.
This revealed a clear pattern: Salem’s audience is highly engaged with in-person community and faith-based routines.

Why It Matters

This insight gave Salem a new way to think about alignment between their content, their audience, and advertiser interest. The consistency of church attendance pointed to strong community ties and reliable weekly habits, —both of which are valuable for sponsorships and partnerships.

What They Did With It

Using the results, Salem identified specific areas for potential revenue growth, including:

  • Faith-based product promotions

  • Family-focused brand partnerships

  • Sponsorships for church bulletins, events, and livestreams

  • Localized community campaigns

  • Weekend-focused ad packages

Takeaway

One well-placed question helped Salem Media surface a key behavioral insight—and turn it into a list of tangible revenue ideas.

At Audience, we help publishers gather data like this to drive smarter content, stronger partnerships, and more valuable ad and email experiences. Sometimes it only takes one question to open the door.

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June 18, 2025