The Changing Shape of Advertising

However, this likely won’t be the case for long. Just as so many advertising methods have fallen to the wayside, so too will the tried and true methods many of us grew up with. Further, due to the bewildering speed at which the world moves today, what once took decades to go from fresh to obsolete will now stand idly by the Edsel and war bonds as a relic of a past most don’t even remember within a year of its inception. That being the case, it’s important to stay ahead of the advertising curve.

First of all, think about ways that you can contribute. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you give a little, you’ll get a lot. Community involvement is a wonderful way to advertise your business and contribute locally to your neighborhood. Firstly, this presents you and your business as both human and caring. Moreover, it provides for a better, safer area in which to do business. Choose a charitable event or community group to get involved with and much of the promotion for the events themselves will be taken care of for you. No business has ever suffered by showing people that they care.

Internet Advertising

The internet is a part of everybody’s life in one way or another, so take advantage of it. This doesn’t mean that you necessarily need a website, but you can purchase advertising space on the websites of other local businesses. Particularly businesses already popular with your target demographics. The common misconception about internet advertising is that your ad will get lost in literally a world of data, but if you think locally you can focus your approach.

That being said, it’s generally a good idea to have your own website, even a simple one. That way you can take advantage of search engine optimization and pay per click advertising. A good PPC company and smart advisers can make a little investment go a long way.

Multimedia Advertising

Finally, make your advertisements incidental to a form of entertainment. Many younger people are using videos that they hope will have a viral effect to draw people to their website. The videos themselves are almost purely entertainment but require somebody to visit the website in order to view them. GoDaddy.com has adapted this concept by playing part of a commercial on television and offering the other part online, but the idea is very much a new iteration of traditional television advertising, simply put on its head, so to speak.

Videos are not the only way to do this. It can be done with photos, giveaways, even cleverly written articles with valuable advice. The point is that by entertaining your potential clients and customers, you also associate your name with fun and good feelings.

There are several ways to go about advertising in the modern world and these are only a few. Try to think outside the box and stay ahead of your competition.

Advertising is one of the aspects of business that will constantly change. Clinging to outdated methods will only outdate your company. However, keeping up on the latest advertising innovations will ensure a consistent supply of clients.