Complete Control with Our Self-Serve Advantage
We put you in the driver’s seat. Unlike traditional platforms, our Directory, Event, and Ad Center tools are 100% self-serve. This means you get instant access to submit, edit, and manage your listings and ads on your own schedule*.
*pending approval after submission, which can often be done within minutes.
McHenry Life is your essential hyperlocal resource for the McHenry County, Illinois region, connecting you to local residents.
Advertising That Works for You
We offer two different advertising methods, Guide Sponsorship and Display Advertising. First, some key similarities between the two.
- Fair & Transparent Billing: We bill based on ad duration (run time), not volatile impressions or clicks. You know the exact cost for the exact time your ad will be visible.
- Secure Self-Service: All ads are managed through our Ad Center and paid securely via Stripe. We never store your credit card information.
- Total Destination Control: Link your ad to any destination you choose—your website, social media, or a page here on McHenryLife.com.
- Standard Ad Formats: Easily reuse existing display ads, as we support all standard image sizes.
- Responsive Design: Ads automatically scale so your message looks its best on desktop, tablet, and smartphones.
Key Differences
| Feature | Guide Sponsorship (Targeted Focus) | Display Ad (Flexible Reach) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Maximum exposure within a specific content guide. | Broad visibility across a content section. |
| Ad Duration | 336 days (nearly a full year of promotion). | 28 day increments (monthly refresh option). |
| Competitive Availability | Exclusive: 1 spot per Guide. | Very Limited: Up to 3 spots per Ad Zone. |
| Placement | Dedicated spot on a single guide page. | Rotating placement across multiple pages in a site section. |
| Position | Prime: positioned toward the top of the page in the Guide Sponsor section. | Variable: 1-3 zones on a page to choose from (approximately near the top, middle, & toward the bottom). |
| Formats | Advanced: image or HTML (HTML does require extra coordination). | Standard: image only. |