Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Which form do you think is most effective these days and why ?

Well I stopped watching TV, so not effective on me.

And the ads they play mid-stream when watching shows online ... I just get up and get a drink then.

Is advertising losing its clout in general? I think that is the real question. There`s just so much advertising ... have we just learned to ignore it all?

I stopped owning a TV so there`s my personal answer on that one.  :)

But really, I don`t think you can distinguish which of those media outlets are more effective than the other on a general level.  There are too many variables to consider.

Nikole brings up a great point.  I`ve been reading lately about the shift in marketing/advertising from the "put it in front of the consumers" mindset to the "let consumers easily find you" mindset.  These days, consumers are seeking out the content, products, services they want and need.  It all has to do with the focus on niche markets.

I don`t think it matters which media format an ad takes as long as it is positioned for the right people to discover.  The question is no longer how one can reach a large group of people, rather how one can reach the right people.

I actually saw a website yesterday on Screen Spam.

Those Microsoft ads are HORRIBLE! And I hate all those things.

It shows you what lengths people are going to now to get your attention. And IMO it`s silly, because I know who Microsoft is and what they make ... and if I wanted it, I already know where to find them.

It`s like when I see ads for Coke or Pepsi. Is there people on the planet who don`t know what this product is? And is there anyone with a strong preference for one that would dare drink the other? (I avoid theaters that serve Pepsi, but this is a unique situation and I am an odd girl.) Why are there even ads for these products?

I agree.  These well established companies need not advertise their products per se, rather offer something to their already established consumers.  And that is what they should advertise.  In doing so (successfully) they would probably generate more sales as well as create a broader awareness of the product.

As an example in line with Coke or Pepsi, when beverage companies advertise their "under the bottle cap" contests, I believe they get more for their advertising dollars rather than just advertising their products.

To keep things in line with the subject of the thread, I think a successful ad campaign transcends various media.  Like when a TV ad gets people to a website because of some interactive reason, not just because it displays a web address.

I like when companies put Flash games on their site. 

Saw this on CNN Today, about no one watching TV anymore and the networks losing their advertising dollars.

Marvelous examination of advertising effectiveness. What you don`t seem to realize is HOW much exposure you actually have to advertising. What`s the label in your underwear say? Is it a logo or just text? Coke and Pepsi  are creating and sustaining brand recognition., they NEED to do this to keep their market share. "TOMA" Top Of Mind Awareness... they use contests and games to either launch new products or gain share.

Nicole, be careful on how you quantify the CNN article. Are people not watching TV or are they watching it differently? Are they watching different shows? The television industry has endured an enormous amount of change in the last 2 decades. Fueled by competition from the internet and cable TV they have branched out into more stations, more programming and more advanced media. Why do the BIG 4 networks invest in cable programming? ABC, ESPN?

For all of the debate here and unsubstantial claims there is one VERY valid point. Reaching the right audience is the important part. How you reach them matters very little.


-------------------------

The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge.

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Pay Per Click is the best form of advertising right now.

-------------------------

Seo Consultant | Cure Autistic Adults | Industrial For Rent | Business Park