For years, businesses have used advertising in the hope of generating an increase in product sales. Advertising allows businesses to reach a large number of potential buyers at one time, and can be especially effective when targeted to people that have a need for the product. Advertising can not only explain the features and benefits of a product, but also provide information that helps consumers make an informed buying decision.
Product Introduction
If your company has developed a product that you feel is better than anything currently on the market, advertising allows you to let the world know about. Use advertising to demonstrate the features and benefits that sets it apart from the pack as well as to introduce any special promotions or pricing.
Brand Reinforcement
Advertising a product also helps you reinforce your brand's name and image to the public, which can be part of a long-term marketing strategy. For example, when Coca-Cola produces an ad for Diet Coke, it is not only touting the benefits of that product but is also keeping the Coca-Cola brand in the minds of consumers, which can also help the sales of its other products.
Clearing Misconceptions
A product may have a negative image in the eyes of consumers due the lack of information or knowledge. Advertising allows a company to further explain the the features and benefits, which can help clear up any misconceptions. This technique is also beneficial when a product contained a defect that the company has corrected.
Product Improvement
Advertising can also be used to introduce improvements to existing products. For food products, advertising can explain how changes to the recipe have improved the flavor. Car dealers can introduce upgrades to models from the previous year. Makers of household cleaners can demonstrate how stronger chemicals makes the product more effective.
Increased Sales
Ultimately, things like improving brand recognition and making people aware of new products should lead to increased product sales. To gauge the actual benefits of your product advertising, you need to weigh the cost of your advertising against the dollars it brings in.
