Dolly Kapil asked:




Being the Public Relations’ Director for a major, online holistic journal, I often find myself brainstorming new and creative ways of marketing, and making our site not only visitor/client-friendly, but informative and entertaining as well. While we offer a broad array of alternative healing arts’ schools, I wanted to explain exactly how successful marketing can lead to maximum, effective exposure.

After a little research, I discovered quite a few interesting things about how advertising works. The Nielsen ratings are a classic example of how marketing techniques are applied. In the United States, Nielsen Media Research provides audience estimates for all national program sources. For example, during ‘Sweeps’ week, Nielsen Media Research mails out diaries to certain households across the country. The diaries are collected and processed at the end of each time period. In addition, Nielsen provides many other data services to display viewing records of television, cable and other multimedia programming. These viewing data reflect what, when and how often programs are watched. So, in essence, commercial advertising agencies depend on Nielsen ratings on what commercials to air, and how to design commercials to be ‘eye candy’ to the masses.

The Coca-Cola company made a powerful move in its Christmas advertising campaign by integrating Santa Claus in their marketing plans. So powerful, in fact, that because of its commercials depicting Santa drinking Coca-Cola from a bottle, spawned consumers to take more and more bottles of Coca-Cola home with them!

In an even more elaborate move, Toyota Motor Sales recently cornered the online market with being the only car Ad to sponsor EBay!

During the 1980s, Ms. Clara Peller was recruited to commercialize Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” Slogan in televisions ads everywhere.

But what does this have to do with marketing essentials? Technically, the viewing and listening public – whether it is Radio, Cable TV, or the Internet – is diverse information and entertainment seekers. As consumers, we want a broad selection, we demand diversity, we expect ‘eye candy.’ Thus, while most advertising agencies can only produce and accentuate the positive of products and/or services, it all boils down to viewer-ability.

Clients demand results – and they want them to reflect their choice in advertising. As both a consumer and marketing specialist, a skilled advertising firm is able to fully comprehend the fundamentals of developing successful strategies in commercial promotion of products and services.

So how does a good advertising firm produce positive results in a productive marketing campaign? Below are a few, finer points in proven ‘viewer-ability’ marketing strategies:

1. Research & Development – analysis of current marketing and advertising campaigns

2. Strategic Planning and Implementation

3. Media Buys – buying media at discounted rates and pass savings onto clients

4. Copywriting Services

5. Video Production – Informational and Corporate

6. Public Relations

7. Website Development and Promotion

8. Direct Mail/Email Campaigns

9. Electronic/Print Advertising

10. Brochure & Graphic Design

11. Telemarketing Consultation

12. Market Research

The prime question one should ask himself (or his organization) is ‘What do I want to accomplish?’ Experienced ad agencies will review and analyze what is and isn’t working through review of revenue streams and competition. Specific recommendations are then made on how to target particular audiences – much like that of the Nielsen Media Research.

Since the conceptual design and implementation of the World Wide Web, advertising has taken on a dramatically new perspective, and is steadily climbing to popular ranks likening to mainstream media. Undeniably, many Americans are virtually living in the ‘net.’ Aside from being a vital tool for student research projects, the Internet has become a vast and ever-expanding media outlet for entertainment, information, work and direct-advertising system. By integrating all points of a strategic marketing campaign, electronic advertising agencies are able to assist clients with interactive ad campaigns that help promote exposure to clients (services and/or products).

Realistically, whether we’re selling products or services, we have to realize that exposure (or eye-candy) is what gains attention. In the field of advertising, we personally know that we, as consumers, are smart shoppers. We watch, listen, learn and investigate.

Before we even decide to invest in a product or service, we have a pretty good idea of what we want. For example, if I am interested in attending a particular school, I will research the area for schools that meet my criteria. Hypothetically speaking, let’s say there are 5 acupuncture institutions in one state – 2 are listed, 3 are not. Automatically, my choice of prospective schools has been narrowed down to just two. Now, of the 2 educational organizations, one is 60 miles away and one is just 10 minutes up the street. Okay, my option became a bit closer, but what does school An offer that school B doesn’t? Or visa vi? This is where successful marketing plans come into action. Understandably, clients must want to achieve specific goals, so viewer-ability is a crucial component in becoming the deciding factor for potential consumers.

Exposure is the key element to promoting products and/or services. The unique aspect of Internet advertising is that 1) it’s less expensive, 2.) it reaches individuals one-on-one, 3) it gains worldwide exposure. With the boom of Internet advertising, people are able to attain information at their fingertips – literally.

Television commercials convey consumer information to the viewing public. We might see a Land Cruiser ad, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to go run out and buy one right then. BUT, the notion has been planted in our heads to take a deeper look at Toyota vehicles. The same applies to Internet advertising, but there’s a slightly unique difference: Because the Internet is interactive, we can invest our money and time instantly should we choose to do so. But like many wise shoppers, we selectively peruse our viewable options – But the notion has been planted in our minds for further review.

How Do You Sell Yourself? Below is a list of questions one should ask:

1. Necessity: What is it about my product ( or service) that makes it essential to consumers?

2. Consumerability: What sets my product (or service) aside from other competitors?

3. Communication: Do I inform my potential consumers with detailed accuracy?

4. Location: What makes my location attractive?

5. Amenities: Do I have any to offer?

6. Accessibility: Is my product (or service) easily accessible and within reach?

7. Catch-Phrase: Do I have a memorable slogan? (e.g., Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?”)

8. Presentation: Is my product (or service) being presented in its best light? Can I improve its viewer-ability?

9. Affordabilty: Is my product (or service) affordable? Are financing or other loan options available to consumers?

10. Extra: Do I offer any special tools (e.g., workshops, guides, etc.) that enhance my products and/or services?

Overall, marketing your services and/or products boils down to proficient exposure. The better the presentation, the more likely consumers will be receptive. Clients who work closely with their advertising firms will attain prolific results. If something is not adequately working, it is important to review deficiencies and redefine how to better improve upon ourselves to attract more productive exposure. (See: How Do You Sell Yourself above)

Advertising methods, if understood and implemented properly, are the vital foundation to abundant and powerful, commercial exposure. Knowing, or Knowledge, is still ultimately the key to success; and the key to goal achievements

Mike Watkins asked:




Car advertising is a very simple method people can use in order to get some extra cash every month. Basically, it works like this: specific companies want to promote their products or services, so they pay people to carry around their advertisements which, in this case, are wrapped around their cars. Some companies even give away free cars for those who do not own a personal car or simply want a new one.

In case you choose to take advantage of this program, the only things you will have to worry about are gas money and car insurance, so there are practically no major strings attached. You can continue driving your car as you already do: to your job, school, mall and other places.

There are a lot of companies out there which will offer to pay you to advertise on your car, but most of them will only pay you a little amount of money per month (something around $100). A little trick you can take advantage of is registering with specialized agencies which will help you find the best available deal in your area. I did it and, in exchange for a $30 signing up fee, I was helped to find a company which currently pays me $700 a month just for driving my car.

If you want to learn more about this and get some precious pieces of advice (and also make the most of car advertising), you can visit Paid-for-Driving, which is not mine, but helped me quite a bit.

Renata McGee asked:




Students interested in communication through websites, newspapers, news stations, radio stations, and other media sources have a large number of options to choose from when considering online study. Students can learn how to become a part of the media communications industry by earning specialized degrees through accredited online schools.

Study exclusively centers on the ability to create and distribute information using all forms. These forms include the Internet, television, radio, print, and advertising. This field centers on the principles and procedures of how to convey messages through different types of media. Schooling is constantly widening as technology advances and continues to play a major role in the way individuals and society communicate. This trend is also playing a big role in how education is delivered. Students will learn how to convey messages through writing by using the latest software programs and equipment in the workplace. These technologies can include video cameras and radio switchboards. Online study covers all of this and more depending on what program a student enters.

Online education offers degrees from an associate to a doctorate level in specific areas of the profession. Students can enter a media communications degree program with a concentration in journalism, advertising, and broadcasting. Education requirements change according to the degree students choose. A bachelor’s degree is typically required to enter a career. An associate’s degree is a good option to pursue to enter a four-year bachelor’s degree program or an entry-level position as an assistant in the field.

A student enrolled in online program with a journalism concentration will study how to write and gather information in order to deliver a message to an audience through media. Curriculum provides practical knowledge by incorporating both industry specific courses and general education courses. Industry specific courses include writing for the media, editing, ethics, and interviewing. The goal of this education is to increase success after college by promoting a balanced understanding of the profession. This understanding allows students to be able to commentate and create news coverage through all media. New areas of study include learning how to write for new media like blog websites and how to create video for a newspapers website. Students can continue education until they reach the doctorate level.

An advertising concentration major studies the same initial courses as all media communications students but then branches off to focus on the concentration itself. Online advertising courses focus on creating and implementing advertising campaigns. Students learn how to tell, convince, and remind consumers about a company’s product or service. Key courses teach students how to use up to date software to create advertisements for businesses and organizations. This concentration covers how to manipulate words to get across a meaning with as few words as possible. This is an important factor to learn because advertisements center on this ability along with images to draw in a consumer. Areas covered include advertisements for print, television, the Internet, and billboards.

An online media communications degree is a great option for individuals that want to enter careers that include being reporters and public relations managers. Graduate students are able to enter an exciting career that is constantly changing with technology and society. Enter your dream job by choosing an accredited online media communications program today.