Advertising

Advertising, Good or Bad' Advertising is an integral part of this fast-paced modern world. It puts otherwise observed small businesses on the map, informs, and promotes competition. “No one complains when high-school teachers puts maps of the world on the wall…why should they complain when companies put advertisements for milk or houses or cars on billboards'” (Culpa). In a month’s time, one could easily receive a menu from that new Chinese food restaurant from a few blocks down, or a flyer for a community meeting about the neighborhood project. What are these both examples of' Advertising. Everyone wants to get their name out there. Marketing is important for smaller businesses that have to make money. No one would expect them to just sit in the shop window, hoping for customers and sales. No, they had to spend their money on flashy signs and catchy slogans in the hope that it will draw in consumers. Why is that so wrong' On the Red Cross poster, it states “Together, we can save a life.” The Red Cross may not be a small business, but many do not have their number sitting in the phonebook. Those that need the Red Cross’s assistance could be ignored and forgotten if a generous individual doesn’t spot the sign. “Advertising also educates. It informs us about candidates running for office, it tells us important issues such as the benefits of seatbelt use, the danger of drugs, and the problems of drunk driving.” (Day). No matter how much they need to, people do not watch or keep up with current events or the news, unless it’s to know what the weather’s like outside today. Some campaign ads are purely propaganda, but they also inspire some to pay attention and go find out the facts for themselves. Advertising uses facts and statistics about the aforementioned important issues. They also, more times than not, end up paying for content in magazines and books, radio, and public-sponsored programming. Not to mention content on the internet. Better to have some false information, swimming with the good, than no at all. Advertising is a part of company competition. When an ad for target claims to have Christmas toys and goods for a certain price, an ad for Wal-Mart has a similar price, and tells that customer if they can find a better deal, they will match the other guy’s price. That customer saved money because the Wal-Mart wants their business again, and does want them choosing Target instead. If both brightly colored catalogs hadn’t arrived in their mailbox, the sale opportunity would have gone by unnoticed. Marketing also plays apart in economic stimulation. Sale catalogs can encourage consumers to spend their hard earned dollars on luxury items that seemed otherwise unaffordable. Advertising is hardly a bad thing. Most non-big business companies and events would be ignored if not for a well-placed flyer.