Advertising is the business or act of making something known to the public, usually through some kind of payment means. It is the action of drawing public attention to something, usually through paid ads, but it does not have to be limited to print media, television, Internet or any other specific medium. Advertising can be used in any medium that can carry a message from an organization to a potential consumer. The most popular media for advertising are television, radio, Internet and the press, such as newspapers, magazines, etc.
Sponsorships and product placement are also popular advertising strategies. The Egyptians in 2000 BC technically invented the first form of outdoor advertising, although today we could consider it slightly different. One of the most successful advertising campaigns in history was Absolut's print marketing campaign which began in 1980 and lasted 25 years with more than 1500 different images. This campaign used everyday items and landscapes to mimic form and create an exciting narrative that everyone loves.
Another example is the 1957 Clairol hair color ad with the slogan “Does it or does it not?” which was created following a real conversation between editor Shirley Polykoff and her mother-in-law. Nike's “Just Do It” campaign in the late 1980s changed the perception of the brand by taking advantage of the latest US fitness fad and rebranding as a clothing store for the masses. Google's annual video is used to promote its services and remind users how much they use and trust the search engine in their daily lives. Volkswagen's small campaign began in 1960 and was a total success.
It changed the way people talk to each other, and because of this campaign, the term “Whassup” is very common today. Apple's campaign experienced 42% growth in participation in its first year by using highly personalized messages. Old Spice had produced 186 personalized, scripted and fascinating video reactions in two days which played a critical role in gaining around 11 million views and gaining more than 58,000 new followers on Twitter and 29,000 fans on Facebook. Advertising is a promotional activity that aims to sell a product or service to a target audience. It is one of the oldest forms of marketing that tries to influence the actions of your target audience to buy, sell or do something specific.
Some countries impose restrictions on alcohol, tobacco or gambling advertising as well as bans on advertising aimed at children. The most basic form of advertising was newspapers which offered advertisers large circulations, a readership located close to the advertiser's workplace and the opportunity to modify their ads frequently and regularly. Television advertising was the most popular way to present a product to people for more than 50 years. Advertising is any paid form of non-personal presentation & promotion of ideas, goods or services by an identified sponsor. The overall objective of these codes is to ensure that any advertising is “legal, decent, honest and truthful”. Advertising is the best way to build brand awareness and let people know that there is a certain product or solution for their consumption.
