Sunday, May 4, 2025

Week 13 Part A: Online Advertising - Analysis of the Marketplace

 I’ve been paying attention to the ads popping up on my Instagram and Facebook feeds lately, and it’s clear that social media advertising has a huge impact. What grabs my atention the most is when ads use eye catching imagery or videos and have a strong call to action. For example, I recently saw a fitness ad with a high-energy workout video and a “Shop Now” button. I clicked it right away. Same with an ad offering a free trial for an online learning platform, I couldn’t resist clicking "Start my Free Trial."

What makes these ads work for me is that they feel relevant. Sometimes, I’ll search for something online and then, boom, ads for it show up on my feed. It’s almost like they’re reading my mind, which can be a bit creepy but also convenient when it’s something I actually need or want.

On the flip side, some ads just don’t hit the mark. When they use cheesy stock photos or show me things I’m not interested in, I quickly scroll down. I had one ad for cleaning supplies that kept showing up, even though I had no interest at all. It felt repetitive and intrusive.

Comparing this to traditional advertising like TV commercials, billboards, or magazine ads, it feels less personal and less effective. Traditional ads are meant for a broad audience, so they often don’t connect with me on a personal level. Social media ads, though, can be tailored to my interests, which is why they feel more engaging and effective.

With that being said, sometimes ads go too far. When I search for a pair of shoes and then see ads for them everywhere, it can feel a little stalkerish. Still, I think social media ads are generally more helpful and targeted than traditional ones. The best ads are the ones that feel authentic and aren’t just trying to sell me something.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Week 17: Wrapping It Up

Wow, I can’t believe the semester is already over! This class really flew by, and I’ve honestly learned so much, especially when it comes to...