Advertising is the action of calling something to the attention of the public, especially by paid announcements as Merriam-Webster has it. But beyond this simple, clear definition the practice of advertising is surrounded by myths and controversy.
From the medieval couriers shouting in Venetian piazzas to the wild years of Mad Men in New York to today’s digital gray area, advertising has fascinated the public and spawned a series of interesting myths around it.
Are you ready for some Adbusters? Scroll down and together we will uncover the truth behind the most popular advertising myths circulated online.
Myth #1: “I don’t need it. I have enough business”
Your business might be going well. But ask yourself why. The first thing that comes up is your customers, your precious, satisfied customers. They buy your product or service and then they talk about it to their friends. Then their friends come to you and tell their friends about it and so on. Well, sorry to break it to you, my friend. But you are already advertising, and you don’t even know. Your customers are spreading one of the oldest ads on Earth, word of mouth and it’s coming back to you as profit.
We’ve already busted this myth and you know you’re advertising. So, take it up a notch and get yourself featured on Los Angeles billboards, it’s worth a try.
Myth #2: “Ads are annoying and disruptive”
Sure, there are a lot of black sheep out there, but most advertising is made with two important criteria in mind: entertaining and informative. Ads are made to excite your senses, tingle your curiosity, and drive you to make a decision for your own good and enjoyment.
More so, today’s ads are so precisely targeted that the chance of getting an ad that annoys you is very low.
And about the disruptive part, it’s the name of the game. Good advertisements break up the monotony and offer you something interesting to view, listen or drive by. Because it’s more interesting to see an ad for a blockbuster movie on Los Angeles billboards while driving than looking at a stop sign.
Myth #3: “Funny down sells the product”
If you think humor means cheap, you are in the wrong business. Our target audience is bombarded with the same sounding, dull communication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A bit of witty humor used right brightens up their day and attracts positive attention to your brand.
Myth #4: “Advertising is unethical”
Some people believe advertisements are a form of manipulation. The same people believe advertising creates artificial wants and over-sells underperforming products.
It couldn’t be further from the truth. Advertising is a form of persuasion, and you cannot persuade someone against their own will. Brands and consumers are partners and together they make the world a better place.
Advertising abides by a set of strict rules, it has several bodies which check its activity constantly and the ever-watchful eye of the public which knows when something is wrong.
Myth #5: “Only Big Brands should Advertise”
While not everybody has a Superbowl ad, you don’t need one to be successful. Sure, big brands get the most media space, and they work with high-level creative agencies. But every brand can have a share of the spotlight. Today you can easily research how much a Times Square billboard costs and advertise your superhero pizza next to a summer blockbuster. Digital advertising has evened the field even more allowing smaller, smarter players to outplay the big brands with clever solutions.
It’s not all about budget. With a sound strategy, a strong message, and a will to win, your brand will find a way. But for that, you should advertise. Starting today!
As you can see, advertising is not so bad. It’s so good, some of us enjoy creating it and seeing it every day. Hope you enjoyed these 10 Adbusters and learned something new for you and our brand.
Now it’s time to put it into practice. Take a friend and brainstorm. Chase that big idea. Put it down on paper or your iPad. Think how to make it bigger. Find your why, your who, and your what. And then go boldly where every billionaire has gone before and put it on the market for people to experience. Several clicks later and phone calls ahead and you will thank us for the tips. Good luck!
Photo: Pexels
