Is your advertising simply false hope?

Written by David H Walker

Topics: Advertising, Marketing

It does not make sense to have an advertisement that appeals to a small group of people in a mainstream location.

For example, I saw a big poster on the wall advertising a cement truck company.  When people see this, it does not apply to them.  Find out where cement truck customers go, and advertise there!  I’m not sure where that is—perhaps near a a construction site, cement supply store, industrial areas, Home Depot type places, etc.  But not just randomly in the middle of mainstream walkers!

Probably the biggest reason this is a problem is because it makes you feel as if you’re putting yourself out there—you’re advertising.  It’s this sense of “I’m working towards success!”  But in reality, putting up that ad was a waste of your time.  It will not bring you any new customers.  And no, it does NOT help build brand awareness, despite what some may say. As soon as it’s looked at by someone who’s not in your niche market, they dismiss it almost instantaneously.  It’s viewed as an interruption—spam.  In effect it may even promote negative brand awareness.

We’re not in the same kind of interruption-based advertising world we used to be. Grow up!

7 Comments Comments For This Post I'd Love to Hear Yours!

  1. Cesar says:

    Targeting, or as I like to call it, narrowcasting (versus broadcasting) is the most effective means of media placement.

    I think you’re right. Companies just think that by advertising, they’ll gain the exposure they need to make new clients, just like that. Everything you do for your marketing has to be intelligent and well-thought out. Granted, there are some things you can’t accurately predict, but that’s why professionals and specialists exist.

  2. Franco B says:

    Great point! Although finding the best methods to advertise may take a few trials, they should all be well thought out.

  3. nick k says:

    lol @ halo.

    Probably the only spam I’d ever consider keeping given the nature of the blog post!

  4. David says:

    @nick haha! i didn’t even notice that, that’s pretty funny stuff–irony at its best

Leave a Comment Here's Your Chance to Be Heard!