Explain the different advertisement methods.

A successful advertising campaign will spread the word about your products and services, attract customers and generate sales. Whether you are trying to encourage new customers to buy an existing product or launching a new service, there are many options to choose from.

The most suitable advertising option for a business will depend on what products or services are to be advertised, and target audience. For example, if the target market reads a particular magazine, one should advertise in that publication. 

The following list is an introduction to advertising methods that you could use. One can always be creative in your advertising to get noticed (within advertising regulations).

Newspaper

Newspaper advertising can promote the business to a wide range of customers. Display advertisements are placed throughout the paper, while classified listings are under subject headings in a specific section. A combination of advertising in state/metropolitan newspaper and local paper gives the best results.

Magazine

Advertising in a specialist magazine can reach the target market quickly and easily. Readers (your potential customers) tend to read magazines at their leisure and keep them for longer, giving the advertisement multiple chances to attract attention.

If the products need to be displayed in color then glossy advertisements in a magazine can be ideal - although they are generally expensive.

Magazines do not usually serve a small area such as a specific town. If the target market is only a small percentage of the circulation, then advertising may not be cost-effective.

Radio

Advertising on the radio is a great way to reach the target audience. If the target market listens to a particular station, then regular advertising can attract new customers.

However, sound has its limitations. Listeners can find it difficult to remember what they have heard and sometimes the impact of radio advertising is lost. The best way to overcome this is to repeat the message regularly - which increases the costs significantly. If you cannot afford to play your advertisement regularly, you may find that radio advertising does not generate strong results.

Television

Television has an extensive reach and advertising this way is ideal if you cater to a large market in a large area. Television advertisements have the advantage of sight, sound, movement and color to persuade a customer to buy from you. They are particularly useful if you need to demonstrate how your product or service works.

Producing a television advertisement and then buying an advertising slot is generally expensive. Advertising is sold in units (e.g. 20, 30, 60 seconds) and costs vary according to the time slot in which your advertisement appears.

Directories

Directories list businesses by name or category (e.g. phone directories). Customers who refer to directories have often already made up their mind to buy - they just need to decide who to buy from.

The major advantage of online directories over print directories is that if you change your business name, address or telephone number, you can easily keep it up to date in the directory. You can also add new services or information about your business.

If the target market uses print and online directories, it may be useful to advertise in both.

Billboards

Billboards can be signs by the road, hoardings at sport stadiums or posters on buses, taxis and buses. Large billboards can get your message across with a big impact. If the same customers pass your billboard every day as they travel to work, you are likely to be the first business they think of when they want to buy a product.

Even the largest of billboards usually contain a limited amount of information; otherwise, they can be difficult to read. Including your website address makes it easy for customers to follow up and find out more about your business.

Direct mail, catalogs and leaflets

Direct mail means writing to customers directly. The more precise your mailing list or distribution area, the more of your target market you will reach. A direct mail approach is more personal, as you can select your audience and plan the timing to suit your business. Catalogs, brochures and leaflets can also be distributed to your target area. Including a brochure with your direct mail is a great way to give an interested customer more information about your products and services. 

Online

Advertising on the internet can be a cost-effective way to attract new customers. You can reach a global audience at a low cost. Many customers research businesses online before deciding whom to buy from.

A well-designed website can entice customers to buy from you. There are other ways to advertise your business online - you could promote your products or services on social media sites, blogs and search engines and other websites that your target audience visits.