Advertising is really important in today’s marketing. It helps people to know about a product or service. But it’s not just about showing ads to people and convincing them to buy something. There are different ways to advertise, and brands use different strategies to ensure they connect with the right customers.
Basically, a brand uses different types of advertising to share its message and reach people at different times when they may be interested.
So, what are the different types of advertising that a brand uses to reach the right customers?
Type of Advertising
There are two main types of advertising: traditional and digital.
- Traditional advertising: This is an older form of advertising, using things like TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and mail. It helps brands to become famous among a lot of people quickly.
- Digital Advertising: This is the modern way of advertising on the Internet. It uses digital platforms like Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and email. The good thing about digital advertising is that it can target specific customers more precisely.
Types of Digital Advertising
There are 12 type of digital advertising listed below with the brief description.
Paid search advertising (PPC)
This places ads on webpages or search results, targeting users who search for specific keywords or products. Brands only pay when someone clicks, views, or takes action on an ad.
Social media advertising
Advertisers use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach users based on interests and behavior, making ads more targeted.
Influencer marketing
This involves dedicated social followers promoting products through sponsored posts, reviews or other content. Influencers influence the decisions of their followers.
Product Placement
Brands place their products in films, shows or content to reach a wider audience in a subtle way, making a lasting impact. For example, the Mini Coopers in ‘The Italian Job’.
IM Advertising (Instant Message Advertising)
It uses instant messaging channels like SMS and WhatsApp to send promotional messages with offers or product information to those customers. It’s quick, cost-effective and personalized.
Display advertising
This places banner and display ads on websites, apps, or social media to attract potential customers with engaging content. This is great for building brand awareness in the short term.
Native ads
This type blends seamlessly into the content structure of the platform, making it look like a natural part of the user experience. For example, sponsored content in an article or editorial section is a form of native advertising.
Email Advertising
This involves using email to directly promote a product or service. It is one of the oldest forms of digital advertising and is effective for reaching customers, building relationships, and increasing sales.
Digital Signage Advertising
Advertisers use digital screens such as LCD or LED displays in public places such as retail stores, shopping malls, airports, and sports arenas to communicate their message and capture audience attention.
Video ads
Ads placed within videos, including pre-roll (before the video starts), mid-roll (during the video), and overlay/banner ads. They are popular on social media, streaming services and websites to increase brand awareness and increase sales in an attractive way.
Retargeting and Remarketing
This form targets people who have visited a website, app, or online store with personalized ads. It uses browser cookies to track user behavior and effectively re-engage with potential customers who have not completed the desired action such as a purchase.
Mobile ads
When ads appear on smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices. It is a popular form of digital advertising, which includes text-based, display, and video ads.
Types of Offline Advertising
Offline advertising, also known as traditional advertising, uses traditional media channels to promote products or services without using the Internet. The most common types of offline advertising include:
Printing Advertisement
Print advertising involves placing advertisements in magazines, newspapers and other printed materials. It is one of the oldest forms of advertising, still used by many brands to increase local brand awareness or target specific demographics.
Television Commercials
Television advertising uses TV commercials to promote products or services. This is one of the most expensive types and is used by large companies with big budgets to reach a wide audience and achieve marketing goals through visuals, audio, and text.
Radio Advertisement
Radio advertising uses radio commercials to promote products or services. It is a cheaper broadcast medium than TV and is commonly used to target specific demographics, such as music genre enthusiasts or people in specific geographic areas.
Direct Mail Advertising
Direct mail advertising involves sending printed advertisements directly to potential customers via post. It is considered effective to reach new and existing customers with materials such as brochures, postcards, catalogues, sales letters and newsletters.
Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor advertising, or out-of-home (OOH) advertising, includes billboards, street banners, and signage on public transportation. It is used to promote products, services or brands outside people’s homes or businesses.
Trade Shows
Trade shows involve setting up booths to display products or services and demonstrate how they work. They attract industry experts, potential customers and investors, serving as a great platform for networking, promoting products and generating leads.
In-store advertising
In-store advertising uses point-of-sale materials such as banners, posters, signs, and displays to promote products within retail stores. It is effective for reaching customers already in the store, encouraging purchases or creating a unique atmosphere.
Telemarketing
Telemarketing involves using the telephone to reach potential customers and promote a product or service through calls or text messages. It is a cost-effective way to promote products, services and generate leads.
In Conclusion
Advertising is important for business marketing, which plays a vital role in brand promotion and customer engagement. Both online and offline advertising methods provide businesses with options to reach their target audience effectively. Online methods such as social media and email marketing are popular for their cost-effectiveness and wide reach. Meanwhile, offline methods such as billboards, print advertising and TV advertising still hold significant importance for reaching local audiences. Each medium has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it is essential to understand your audience in order to choose the most appropriate advertising methods to achieve your goals.
