Advertising Techniques

Advertising Techniques

Advertising is one of the most influential ways a company can entice people into buy their product. Advertising can be approached in many different ways, but I think that there are two very important things that a company can do to an advertisement that can take it a step above the rest. The first is if a company has a jingle or slogan that is exceptionally catchy, or unusual. The second is having a spokes person or character that your audience either wants to be like, or admires. I believe that using these two devices a company can sell both themselves and their product, in a way that will benefit them financially and socially.

If I stated a saying such as “I’m loving it”, most Americans would be able to identify the company, as well as the last time they visited, or purchased any item from that company. This shows just how much we actually retain form commercials. The first company to use a jingle is highly debated, but the first singing jingle was produced by General Mills on Christmas Eve 1926, and it was titled "Have You Tried Wheaties?"(Great Monents) This jingle was a big success, and ever since then companies have been singing and saying their way into our heads and wallets. Jingles/slogans one of the most memorable things a company can do, and when people remember your product, they buy your product.

The second way of having a commercial be a success, is to have a spokes person, or character that will interest your audience. Having a person who is looked up to, or admired really works simply because your audience trusts that person and wants to use the same products as the spokes person is supposedly using. Using a person who your audience wants to be like also works to sell products. This happens because people will do almost anything to be like someone they wish they were. In reality the companies are preying on people’s insecurities and telling them if they buy a certain product they can be cooler, or more attractive, or even a better athlete. Most people will fall into this trap, even if they know deep down that it will not work. Having a person believe that they need your product is another good selling point, and getting the right spokes person is key to getting the desired effect.

A company that uses these two methods can sell just about anything. Advertisers have done their research, and they know that the human race is susceptible to envy, insecurities, and admiration, and their commercials are directed at these factors. I believe that jingles/slogans, and a targeted spokes person, can make the difference between selling, and failing a product.

Source: "Great Moments in Advertising: The First Jingle." Blake Project 15 Dec. 2007: n. pag. Web. 14 Jul 2010. .

http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2007/12/great-moments-1.html