Michael Sheward October 2nd 2001
Advertising
'Advertising is a very powerful influence in society today'
What is it?
Advertising is a way for a company to make the public aware of its product or service, so it can be sold and the company can make money. Companies spend big money on advertising; in the 1980's approximately $120 billion was spend on advertising in the USA alone. Advertising is not just used to sell products; health information and anti-drink-driving campaigns are examples of the advertising industry as a way to promote public welfare.
How does it work?
Advertising can come in many forms - on television, in magazines, on the Internet, in newspapers, on commercial radio and on billboards. Many adverts are easy to remember so the public can recognise a product they have seen in an advert. Direct advertising is when an advert is sent straight to the prospective buyer, e.g. by post or handed to people as flyers. Advertising for children's toys are designed so a child sees the advert and uses their pester power to get their parents to buy them the toy. Another trick used by advertisers is repetition; it's not unusual to see the same advert on TV day after day. Product names also pay an important part in the advert; some products sell more because their names are easier to understand. Also a clever catchphrase is used to help sell the product. The Coca-Cola advertising campaign is one of the most successful ever. This is because it shows people enjoying a joyful and happy life. The adverts use the colour red quite a lot to make it appear warm and happy. It shows people from different races celebrating together. It has a festival theme and everybody it happy. It shows coca-cola being a part of that happy life.
Advertising
'Advertising is a very powerful influence in society today'
What is it?
Advertising is a way for a company to make the public aware of its product or service, so it can be sold and the company can make money. Companies spend big money on advertising; in the 1980's approximately $120 billion was spend on advertising in the USA alone. Advertising is not just used to sell products; health information and anti-drink-driving campaigns are examples of the advertising industry as a way to promote public welfare.
How does it work?
Advertising can come in many forms - on television, in magazines, on the Internet, in newspapers, on commercial radio and on billboards. Many adverts are easy to remember so the public can recognise a product they have seen in an advert. Direct advertising is when an advert is sent straight to the prospective buyer, e.g. by post or handed to people as flyers. Advertising for children's toys are designed so a child sees the advert and uses their pester power to get their parents to buy them the toy. Another trick used by advertisers is repetition; it's not unusual to see the same advert on TV day after day. Product names also pay an important part in the advert; some products sell more because their names are easier to understand. Also a clever catchphrase is used to help sell the product. The Coca-Cola advertising campaign is one of the most successful ever. This is because it shows people enjoying a joyful and happy life. The adverts use the colour red quite a lot to make it appear warm and happy. It shows people from different races celebrating together. It has a festival theme and everybody it happy. It shows coca-cola being a part of that happy life.
