#5 Advertisments

Advertisments are extremely interesting and complicated. Some are much more effective than others. For example, I find billboards to be extremely uneffective. All they can do is attract a consumer's attention, but they are passing by so quickly that the information is often forgotten, or wasn't able to be consumed quickly enough. The only time billboards are really effective is when you're on a road trip and the billboard is advertising fast food. Then it is extremely effective; at least that is what I have found.

Radio commercials, however are extremely effective. Their use of classical conditioning and repitition is what makes them effective. Radio commercials are amazing at accomplishing the goals of advertisers. The song that goes along with the commercial grabs the listeners attention which ultimately makes them aware of the product. As the commercial goes on someone explains the product, its attributes, and other important aspects drawing the consumer in; something is usually thrown in about low prices or deals which hooks the consumer entirely. The tone of a radio commercial allows it to make as many claims as it wants without the consumer noticing. The "we're different and unique" claim is used most often, especially by jewelry store commercials, as well as the compliment claim. It seems that these two work the best with the radio because no one can actually see the product being sold and therefore has nothing to compae it to, or doesn't feel like a goon watching someone "compliment" them. People sound more sincere on the radio because it is slightly harder to altera radio commercial than it is to alter a TV commercial. Propaganda devices are also used quit often on the radio. Personally, I feel as though the radio is trusted moreso than other mediums because its always live. We're used to the radio talking to us, so throwing in weasel words or using the "plain folks" device are much easier since it is mostly plain folks listening. Yet, the repition of certain commercials tends to allow consumers to develop distaste for a product because they are sick of hearing about it... Like Shanes Jewelers... I will never be able to listen to their commercials and say I want to buy their diamonds. Overall I'd say radio is the second most effective type of advertising after TV.

Contextual ads are similar to billboards. Sure they can grab your attention with some annoying tune, or by popping up infront of whatever you're doing on the computer... but there are hardly any Propaganda devices or Claims used. The most a contextual ad does, for the ones I get anyway, are attention getting noises, colors, or sayings. Otherwise i barely look at the ad and close out before I even know what the product is. Advertising online is a huge waste of time in my opinion, especially since "pop up blocker" came out and most of the ads are being blocked anyway.

As a whole, radio commercials are definitely more effective than both billboards and contextual ads. In fact, it would be incredibly amazing if contextual ads could just disapear altogether since they only act as a nuisance to consumers, not aiding the product whatsoever.