Every day, companies make advertising mistakes that hurt their business. This article lists 10 of the most common mistakes in advertising, and how you can avoid them. Even the biggest and brightest companies fall into these traps occasionally. Once you stay away from these mistakes, you can start advertising more profitably. When advertising is planned right, it works!
“I know I waste half the money on advertising.
The problem is, I don’t know which half.”
- department store pioneer, John Wanamaker
Mistake #1: Not clearly advertising your product or service
It’s the simplest of mistakes, but it happens more often than you think: a company fails to properly advertise its product or service. The company spends a lot of money on advertising, but barely mentions the product or service in their commercials, leaving the audience to wonder what the ads were about. Even the largest advertising agencies are sometimes guilty of this marketing blunder, developing concept ads more geared toward winning creative awards than generating business for their clients. What good is a clever TV commercial that is seen by millions if few can remember what the commercial was promoting? Maximize your advertising success by representing your product or service in a manner that creates a positive, memorable, lasting impression on the consumer.
Mistake #2: Not knowing your target audience
Advertising shouldn’t be considered an expense: it’s an investment that pays off by increasing your business. And, to fully capitalize on that investment, you must first identify your target market. This means conducting research to learn where your audience lives, what they read, what shows they watch, what their hobbies are, and so on. Doing so gives you valuable, insightful information on how to reach them, and how to motivate them to purchase your product or service.
Mistake #3: Not advertising in the right place
Even if you outshine your competitor in every other way, if their advertising is more effective, you’ll get trapped in their shadow. Let your advertising illuminate how great your business really is!
You’ve got a great product or service and a fantastic advertisement. But, if you run the ad in the wrong place, your potential customer will never see, hear, or read it. Sure, a TV or radio ad might sound like fun, but is that the most efficient way to reach your audience? Ask yourself what are your customers watching? What are they listening to? What are they reading? When are they doing so? When are they driving? If you can find out where your best potential customers are going to be and when, you’ve got a terrific place to advertise. Don’t make the mistake of choosing an advertising medium just because it’s the least expensive choice. If your target audience never sees your ad, you’ve just wasted your money.
Mistake #4: Not having a “call-to-action”
Effective advertising not only appeals to its audience, but motivates them. Your advertising must inspire your potential customers to take action, whether it means going to your store, visiting your Web site, or giving you a call. Create a sense of urgency that drives your audience to act immediately. The best way to achieve this is by having a thorough understanding of the needs, desires, and interests of your audience.
Mistake #5: Not advertising enough
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Most of your target audience won’t buy or take action after the first time they come across your advertisement. It takes a consistent advertising campaign to capture their business and catch them at a time when they are most receptive to your message. One-shot advertising may trigger a response, but it likely won’t be the greatest response. Smart companies often commit a large percentage of their revenue toward repeat advertising, knowing these types of campaigns offer the best chance of boosting sales.
Don't overlook the next 5 vital mistakes!
Enter your e-mail address to recieve the full article, free of charge.
Your e-mail address will remain 100% confidential.
This article provided courtesy of Syndicate Pictures, an integrated marketing and advertising company.
(c) 2008 Syndicate Pictures, LLP
To find out how Syndicate Pictures can help your business, call them today at (800) 565-9624
Every day, companies make advertising mistakes that hurt their business. This article lists 10 of the most common mistakes in advertising, and how you can avoid them. Even the biggest and brightest companies fall into these traps occasionally. Once you stay away from these mistakes, you can start advertising more profitably. When advertising is planned right, it works!
“I know I waste half the money on advertising.
The problem is, I don’t know which half.”
- department store pioneer, John Wanamaker
Mistake #1: Not clearly advertising your product or service
It’s the simplest of mistakes, but it happens more often than you think: a company fails to properly advertise its product or service. The company spends a lot of money on advertising, but barely mentions the product or service in their commercials, leaving the audience to wonder what the ads were about. Even the largest advertising agencies are sometimes guilty of this marketing blunder, developing concept ads more geared toward winning creative awards than generating business for their clients. What good is a clever TV commercial that is seen by millions if few can remember what the commercial was promoting? Maximize your advertising success by representing your product or service in a manner that creates a positive, memorable, lasting impression on the consumer.
Mistake #2: Not knowing your target audience
Advertising shouldn’t be considered an expense: it’s an investment that pays off by increasing your business. And, to fully capitalize on that investment, you must first identify your target market. This means conducting research to learn where your audience lives, what they read, what shows they watch, what their hobbies are, and so on. Doing so gives you valuable, insightful information on how to reach them, and how to motivate them to purchase your product or service.
Mistake #3: Not advertising in the right place
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| Even if you outshine your competitor in every other way, if their advertising is more effective, you’ll get trapped in their shadow. Let your advertising illuminate how great your business really is! | |
You’ve got a great product or service and a fantastic advertisement. But, if you run the ad in the wrong place, your potential customer will never see, hear, or read it. Sure, a TV or radio ad might sound like fun, but is that the most efficient way to reach your audience? Ask yourself what are your customers watching? What are they listening to? What are they reading? When are they doing so? When are they driving? If you can find out where your best potential customers are going to be and when, you’ve got a terrific place to advertise. Don’t make the mistake of choosing an advertising medium just because it’s the least expensive choice. If your target audience never sees your ad, you’ve just wasted your money.
Mistake #4: Not having a “call-to-action”
Effective advertising not only appeals to its audience, but motivates them. Your advertising must inspire your potential customers to take action, whether it means going to your store, visiting your Web site, or giving you a call. Create a sense of urgency that drives your audience to act immediately. The best way to achieve this is by having a thorough understanding of the needs, desires, and interests of your audience.
Mistake #5: Not advertising enough
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Most of your target audience won’t buy or take action after the first time they come across your advertisement. It takes a consistent advertising campaign to capture their business and catch them at a time when they are most receptive to your message. One-shot advertising may trigger a response, but it likely won’t be the greatest response. Smart companies often commit a large percentage of their revenue toward repeat advertising, knowing these types of campaigns offer the best chance of boosting sales.
Don't overlook the next 5 vital mistakes!
Enter your e-mail address to recieve the full article, free of charge.
Your e-mail address will remain 100% confidential.
This article provided courtesy of Syndicate Pictures, an integrated marketing and advertising company.
(c) 2008 Syndicate Pictures, LLP
To find out how Syndicate Pictures can help your business, call them today at (800) 565-9624
