History of advertising

When advertising is considered from its entire history it is not surprising at all that it currently maintains such a significant factor in our lives and society. The history of advertising can be traced all the way back to the people of Babylonia and was present in several societies from that time forward. Moving forward outdoor adevertsing was implemented announce such things as properties for rent and sites where food and drink was available in places such as Rome. It seems that we’ve all heard various tales of town criers and the travels to various villages to spread the day’s most significant news. But, these traveling announcers also delivered promotional pieces detailing the positive qualities of various products. The products producer’s of course were behind the promotions. Although, the property advertisements were a form a graphic advertising it wasn’t until 1472 that the first printed ad appeared in England. What was for sale? As one indicator of issues and products of importance today, the same held true in 1472 England. A prayer book was for sale. The profitability of advertising finally captured the attention a Philidelphia entrepreneur, who started the first advertising agent for hire in the U. S. in 1841. It wasn’t long after this that our current advertising agency systems began to take form. The agents, and later agencies, turned profit in those days primarily by buying advertising space from newspapers and then selling and creating ads to various businesses. The next step to make the advertising as recognizable, and complex, as it is today was to implement market research and the writing of copy based on the findings, which was done by an advertising agency in the late 1800’s that is still in existence today.

The advertising that sells

What is your reaction to advertising? Well, do not tell me that it annoys or irritates you. I know that. The same goes for me. I’d like to know how you act after reading some advertising piece. For example, sometimes it makes me just rush to the nearest store and buy the advertised item. Sometimes the name of the product may linger in my mind for a long time despite my resistance and desire to stop thinking about it. Awful. There are also cases when on the contrary I cannot remember the name of the advertised product. Weird. Occasionally I do like advertising, when it conveys something useful and helpful to me. As you see it has different or even quite opposite effects. Why? Because the effect of the advertising depends on the type of the advertising text. There are four of them. Persuading texts emphasize the advantages of the product. Urging texts aim at making the customer memorize the name of the product so they repeat it for many times. Informational texts provide us with the information about the product, they are clear and short. Reminding texts are very brief. Though the four types have their own peculiarities, all of them comprise five essential components: title, subtitle, the main text, caption and comments and slogan. The title should capture the attention of the audience. It is the pivot of advertising and the most powerful appeal to the potential buyer. If the title fails to attract the readers’ attention, they won’t read on your message and won’t become your clients. The subtitle connects the body of the advertising with the headline. It is another opportunity to make the reader buy from you. So, do not miss it. Usually the headlines sound like promises or bargains. In the body you should explain how you are going to fulfill them. Body is the essence of the advertising message. Emotional words and phrases are especially effective in creating the image of the product. They appeal to people and convince them to buy. Make explanations to your audience in simple sentences using clear words. There is no necessity to stuff your text with specific terms no one except you knows. If people do not understand something about your product, they won’t buy it. You should strive at providing more information with fewer words. All the additional information about the sales is presented in the captionments usually describe some particular feature of the product or dwell on the included pictures, photos. You can find a great variety of literature sources devoted to successful advertising, so I will not attempt to reveal advertising secrets in a small article. It is impossible. Personally I will always associate good advertising with making people buy without urging: “Buy me”.