I don't click on ads. Given the size of the advertising industry and the amount of money that changes hands over this kind of thing, I have to imagine that I'm not at all representative of the population at large.
But last I checked, most of my peers don't respond particularly well to advertising, either. Are we the minority, as a class of people who don't go out and buy? Do the majority of people really get swayed by this sort of thing?
I realize a substantial part of advertising is more about exposure than it is about persuasion, but I blank on banner ads (and so forth) so readily that I'm doubtful even that goal is met.
Thoughts? Are we really affected more than we think?
I agree along with the exposure. Perhaps if you are 'exposed' to a type of product that you are ignorant about, I would readily believe that your first choice would be first thing you remember being exposed to whether it was crap or not.
As for the persuasion in advertising, I think that it appeals more to people who are trying to impress other people.
Any takers?
I always wonder about the numbskulls who call the house trying to sell me a home warranty! Do they really ever get any takers? I guess its a question of odds. Also...is anyone else offended at the Safeway cashier asking for a "dollar for breast cancer research"? Makes me feel like in mexico!
Phil-
Yeah, very true. Even infomercials (which are almost universally about initial exposure, as opposed to competition) leave me with my cash in my pocketbook. Even when it's for the corn baller.
Leisa-
Odds, indeed. Cold calls (and other high-pressure sales tactics) are waaay over in the other end of the spectrum at persuasion. Infuriating, that is.
But ... Mexico?
--D
you know, when you go to mexico, and everywhere you turn someone is begging you for money.
when I go to safeway, I dont want to be asked to save the girl scouts or buy a pink ribbon. I just groceries!
oopsie..I just want groceries!
Speaking of groceries and advertisements, is it just me or do you ever see advertisements for things that consumers need. If you need the product it will sell itself?? (Its my industrial strength hair dryer and I CAN'T live without it!) 'Necessities' around the house such as milk, bread, eggs, tissue paper, home appliances, light bulbs, etc. I guess my current view on advertising is to try to get the consumer to purchase or invest in things that they don't really need or plain don't work, for example: manhood enlargement pills. If those things really worked every man would be walking around with the aid of wheel barrows.
Leisa-
Aha! I get it. Yeah—too true.
Phil-
Interesting point—advertising doesn't really work for items that we're already committed to spending money on. I suppose this is all Advertising 101 stuff, but it makes sense to my non-marketing-oriented and otherwise tiny brain.
--D
Mine's tiny too!
Um...yea, brain.
I've learned that there are different amounts and types of advertising based upon the market for the product. In other words, if you have two or three brands of toothpaste, for instance, you'd have a large amount of advertising between the few major brands. Each one is trying to achieve dominance over another. Same thing with automobiles, cell phone providers, et cetera. Each product is largely the same for most purposes, so it matters more how you perceive the product rather than how the product actually works. With some exceptions, of course.
In regards to new items that you don't really need, advertising serves the purpose of showing you how much you need the new product. It astounds me that the disposable mop and dusting products ever sell - mostly because they are completely useless to me, and a waste of money. But i guess it fills some perceived need of convenience, or perhaps just plain old know-how, to someone out there in tv land.
I also completely ignore the overwhelming majority of online adverts. When I find a page where they get in the way, I'll close the tab and find whatever information I needed elsewhere.
Rob-
Well said.
--D