How Advertising has Affected my Buying Habits

Is advertising effective? This is too broad a question to be answer "yes" or "no." Some advertisements are extremely effective with some audiences, whereas other advertisements are ineffective with the same audiences, and similar advertisements are ineffective with other audiences. Because we are pounded with so many advertisements each day, I believe that most advertisements are ineffective. Most fall on deaf ears. I ignore most advertisements on TV and most pamphlets I get in the mail. Even the funny ones often only motivate me to laugh, not to buy.

However, there are a few very effective advertisements that have induced me to buy a few products. These advertisements usually either stand out as very different and notable advertisements, or else pertain directly to me and my condition.

I laughed at "freecreditreport.com" advertisements for many months without actually visiting the site. Then, one day, I realized I wanted a credit report. Where did I go? You bet I went to freecreditreport.com! They have very unique, fun, effective advertisements.

It seems there is always some kind of sale going on at furniture stores. There are always inserts in the newspaper and billboards advertising "blowout sale at Henry's Furniture Store!" I think this is one secret to effective advertising. No one pays attention to these advertisements. Until one day, they realize they need a new sofa. They then see a sale advertised and rush to the store, thinking they can get a great deal. They don't realize that the prices are marked up; that there is ALWAYS a sale going on. Advertisements are somewhat effective when they are cute and funny, but most effective when they find a consumer who is looking for their product.

Most of the advertisements I remember as a child (Kool-Aid, Gushers, Hotwheels) never really provoked me to purchasing. Things like Orbit gum or Icebreakers, Axe Cologne or JC Penny's are more likely to affect me, because these are things that pertain to me. These are things I am thinking of buying anyway, and the fun advertisements just inspire me to pick a particular brand.