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Advertising: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Create a Flyer
Need to advertise something but don't have a lot of cash? Flyers are an inexpensive way to reach a wide audience.
10 Ad and PR Differences
What's the difference between advertising and public relations? It's one of the most-asked questions people have about these two very different industries.
Create a Freelancing Contract
Whether you're a freelance copywriter or a freelance graphic designer, you need a contract in place to protect yourself and to let your clients know exactly what they're getting from you.
Essentials to a Commercial
Investing in a TV commercial is much more cost effective than you might think. You just have to know what to look for and how to produce your company's commercial in order to reach your target audience effectively.
Run Your Own Ad Campaign
Can't afford an agency price tag? Run your own advertising campaign, whether you're a small business or a freelancer trying to promote yourself.
10 Ways to Get an Agency Job
Don't just dream of working with the big boys at an ad agency. Do something about it. These ten tips can help you get your foot in the door.
Creative Director Career
Creative Directors aren't born overnight. It takes a long career in advertising to grow a successful CD. Reaching this management position comes with many perks like a lucrative salary and the bragging rights to a successful ad campaign. See if this career path is right for you and find out how to get started.
Create a Newsletter
Need to create a newsletter? Don't know where to start? This how-to walks you through the process of creating a newsletter.
Advertising Career Myths
Time for a fact check. Get ready to shed some light on a career surrounded by many myths.
Creating a Powerful Brochure
In just five quick steps, you can create a brochure with staying power.
Five Types of Brochures
Consumers are usually well-informed of a product or service before they actually make a purchase. We get that way because we read up on a product, know everything about it before we buy and even comparison shop. Know what type of brochure that will fit into your advertising plan to get consumers one step closer to making a purchase.
That's a Wrap
Car wraps are becoming a popular, low-cost means of advertising. And it benefits both the clients and the everyday driver.
Yellow Pages Advertising
The importance of yellow pages advertising is commonly overlooked but it's one of the most effective methods to get your business name out there. These tips will help you create an effective yellow pages ad.
Advertising Books
Statistics show nearly one in 25 Americans is in the process of starting a business. Don't get lost in the masses. Use these top books to get your ad campaign on the right track and give your business a big boost.
Agency Account Executive
What does an advertising agency account executive do? An AE has many responsibilities and is practically the glue that keeps the client and the ad agency on the same page. Behind every successful ad campaign, there's a fantastic AE that made it all come together.
Creating Press Kits
Get free media coverage by creating a press kit for your company, your band or even yourself. See sample press kits examples and learn how to create a press kit that will generate free buzz.
Kobe Bryant's Endorsements
From the day Kobe Bryant was accused of sexualt his endorsement deals have been in question. Take an in-depth look at each of his deals and find out how other athlete endorsers may be affected.
Creating a Plan of Action
Just as a new company creates a business plan, a new advertising agency needs one too. Even if you're a freelance copywriter or graphic designer, you need a plan of action as well.
Brochure Plan Essentials
Before you tackle writing a brochure, you've got to thoroughly plan it out. These five essentials show you exactly what you need to do first.
Get Into Advertising
So you want to be in advertising? Problem is, you don't even know where to start. Grab your pencils, you're about to take a crash course in advertising.
Low Cost Advertising
As a business owner looking for the best, inexpensive ways to advertise your business, you may feel overwhelmed on the advertising choices you have to make, especially when you're looking at a tight budget. There are plenty of low cost options for you to consider so you can get the most out of your advertising dollars.
10 Tips to a Perfect Portfolio
Deciding on the writing samples in your advertising portfolio is a crucial step in creating a killer advertising portfolio. Even if you don't have writing samples to your credit, you can still use writing samples to land a job in advertising.
Celebrity Endorsement Deals
Kobe Bryant's not the first endorser that's come under fire. Advertisers have to watch out for themselves when it comes to celebrity endorsers.
Your Tagline
A really great tagline conveys a company's benefit with personality and attitude and the most memorable taglines connect on an emotional level.
Advertising - Articles
An index of articles for the Advertising guide site.
Advertising Vs. PR
Looking to enter the world of advertising or public relations? Get ready to shatter some popular myths.
Your Marketing Plan
Starting a new business? Redeveloping an old one? Your marketing plan is a carefully calculated tool that can boost sales and increase profits.
Small Budget Advertising
Whether you're just starting a business or you're on a budget diet, find out the many ways you can bypass high cost advertising.
Land an Interview with an A...
Whether you're pursuing an ad agency position as an account executive or a copywriter, you have to land that face-to-face interview before you can get the job. Help increase your chances.
10 Ways to Customer Action
Why isn't the phone ringing? Maybe it's your call to action. Use these techniques to boost sales and get those phones ringing.
Setting Your Freelance Rates
One of the most common and most difficult questions you'll have as a budding freelancer in the advertising industry is, "How do I set my rates?" Now there's help.
Your Call to Action
Why isn't the phone ringing? Maybe it's your call to action. Use these techniques to boost sales and get those phones ringing.
10 Tips for Creating Contracts
Your contract is key to sealing the deal with the client and making sure you're both on the same page when it comes to the project. Create a solid contract with this step by step help.
Celebrity Endorsements of 2005
They hawk. You buy. Or do you boycott the company in protest? From Paris to Spade, see The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of 2005's celebrity endorsements.
Instant Writing Samples
Need writing samples for your advertising portfolio? SPEC ADS are a great way to show a potential client or employer your copywriting talent. Land the job by using these tips to go from zero writing samples to a portfolio full of them.
Commercial Spotlight: Geico
The Geico gecko is taking a break and celebrities are stepping in for a new series of commercials. The commercial spotlight is on Geico's use of real customers paired with celebrities.
Ad Flops and Why They Failed
Even the ad pros make blunders. From claims of racism in ads to failed consumer-generated commercials, advertising flops can be more interesting than the actual ads themselves.
The Power of Press Releases
Writing press releases helps you get free exposure for your company and its products. Learn how to write press releases that the media can't resist.
Five Keys to Radio Ad Success
Radio commercials are some of the most affordable ads on the market. Find out the five keys to making your radio commercial campaign a success.
How to Write Print Ads
Print advertising is effective and affordable if you know how to write print ads. Understand the elements of effective print advertising to create print ads that sell your products and services.
Send bulk Email responsibly
How can I send bulk Email responsibly?
Advertising in a Bad Economy
Would you rather cut your ad budget to save money now or potentially grow your business more than 200-percent over the next five years? Research shows companies that maintain their advertising during a bad economy reap the rewards long after the recession is over. Find out why this is the time you need to advertise now more than ever.
TV Advertising
Television commercials are a very affordable and profitable advertising medium. Discover the key ingredients you need to have for a successful TV commercial!
Books for PR Pros
Need a little kick in your PR? From business owners to individuals in the spin game, these resources are a must for getting free exposure for your product or service and keeping yourself clean in the public's eye.
Better Pizza? Bigger Lawsuit.
Papa John's claims to have better ingredients and a better pizza. But Pizza Hut feels differently and filed a false advertising lawsuit against its competitor. The U.S. Supreme Court put an end to the case in 2004. And one company was shocked by the results.
The Future of Advertising
Interactive television offers a great advantage for both advertisers and consumers. Find out how you can benefit.
The PR Effect of a Crisis
What do one chili finger hoax, a real custard finger and a slithering snake have in common? It's not a bad joke. It's the hazards of eating these days and the PR effect of crisis management affects all consumers.
Making Your Internship Work
Internships in advertising and PR can be an invaluable experience to your career. Follow these steps to get the most out of your internship.
Ad Agency Copywriter Career
There are plenty of advertising agencies looking to fill copywriting jobs. Learn more about this advertising career to decide if you want to fill one of those copywriting jobs and become the copywriter behind the next memorable ad campaign.
Five Copywriting Materials
As a new copywriter, you have to know how to write a wide variety of materials. How do you know which ad mediums to learn about first? Every copywriter should know how to write in these five advertising mediums.
Organizing a Media Event
Having the media show up at your event can give your company free exposure to a large audience. Organizing the event and handling the media once they get there can make or break your coverage. Avoid the common mistakes people make by using these tools to effectively deal with the media and establish a long-term relationship.
Ethical Issues in Online Ads
Avoid the gimmicks of many online ads and run your online ad campaign responsibly. These tips help you study what works and what doesn't so you can get the most out of your online ad campaign.
Managing Public Relations
Managing a public relations campaign takes a solid understanding of the fundamentals. See what it takes to manage your own PR campaign and develop a public relations strategy that gives your company free publicity.
Making Your Ads Personal
No matter what your advertising medium, drive your message home by making it personal. Because nobody wants to buy a product from someone who sounds stuffy and unfriendly.
Choosing an Advertising Career
If you're on the fence about a career in advertising, you need to know what to expect before you take the plunge. Evaluate this career's traits to find out if working in advertising is right for you.
Getting Your Freelance Start
Ready to branch out on your own in the advertising world? Use these tips to begin your new freelancing career path.
Plan Your Print Newsletter
You've learned the fundamentals of creating a newsletter. Now it's time to learn the most cost effective way to getting your newsletter in print and getting your advertising message to consumers.
Advertise on Cable
Budget blues don't have to keep you from advertising. For less than $10 a day, you can reach customers through ads on cable. And the best part, you don't even need a degree in advertising to create your ad.
Celebrity Endorsements Dumped
Many celebrities bank on endorsement deals to up their income. Now, many companies are shying away from celebrity endorsements altogether.
Ad-Wrapped Cars
Just how do you get to be one of the lucky few to drive an ad-wrapped car around town? It's not easy but if you're patient, you could get paid for advertising companies while you drive around town.
Commercial: DirecTV Celebs
DirecTV's new ad campaign reunites the company with its previous agency. The commercials featuring real movies, events and celebrities are generating a lot of buzz from consumers as well as advertising experts. Weigh the pros and cons to see if the commercials are a hit for DirecTV.
A to Z Advertising Agencies
Looking for a comprehensive database of advertising agencies? Look no further.
Getting Paid for Freelancing
You spent all of your time working on that project. The client approved it. So why isn't that check in your mailbox yet? You have several options for dealing with a freelance client who doesn't seem to want to part with the cash you're owed.
How to Write a Sales Letter
When you know how to write a sales letter, you can hone in on your target audience and turn those prospects into paying customers. These tips show you how to write a sales letter that will get results.
Press Release Building Blocks
How should your press release look? From contact information to headlines, these step-by-step instructions show you the visuals of a powerful press release.
Starting an Ad Agency Books
Ready to start an ad agency? Now what do you do? Use these top picks to get your agency off the ground.
Books for Copywriters
Copywriting takes talent. Enhance your skills with these top Guide Picks.
Media Director Career Profile
When you think of working in the advertising industry, you may automatically think of working as a copywriter or a graphic designer. However, working in the media department may just be the right career for you. See what it takes to become a Media Director and what a typical day is like on the job.
Advertising Trivia
Are you an advertising know-it-all? Test your knowledge in the advertising trivia game.
Five Keys to Getting Customers
Getting customers in the door is crucial to your company's success, whether you own a traditional brick and mortar store or all of your business is handled over the Internet. Use these five keys to complete the sale and get repeat customers.
Blow Your Ad Campaign
You didn't really want your ad campaign to be effective did you? Turn your ad campaign into a disaster by making these ten mistakes.
Sales Letter Copy Secrets
Write sales letters that sell products and services simply by using psychological triggers and even the blunt truth to gain customers.
Finding a Job in Advertising
You may be fresh out college or maybe you're just looking for a career change. There are 10 things to do right now before you find a job in advertising.
International Ad Agencies
Advertising agencies located in Germany, Spain, China, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, Norway, Russia and more.
Profile: Freelance Copywriter
Freelance copywriters work for themselves. Are you ready to make the transition? Freelance copywriter Kimberley Freeman shares her own expertise on getting started, a typical day and other insider information in this industry profile.
Writing Headlines
Are you writing headlines that draw consumers in or are they turning the page? You have many options for writing headlines that will make your advertising campaign effective.
Copywriting Portfolio Online
Creating an online copywriting portfolio can be the key to getting a job at an advertising agency or landing your next client as a freelance copywriter. These five reasons help you decide if you need to publish your copywriting portfolio online.
Naming Your Business
Naming your business is not only your first step to opening your company, the name you choose can also help advertise what it is you do. Create a solid name for your company with these six essentials.
Don't Be a Sinner
How much junk mail do you receive each day? Do you read it? Toss it? Now put yourself in the shoes of your direct mail recipients. Avoid direct mail mistakes or your materials will end up in the trash too.
Freelance Copywriter Profile
Thinking of setting up shop as a freelance copywriter? Before you do, find out the special skills necessary, a typical day and how to get started.
Pitching Your Own Ad Idea
You have a great idea. You've never seen it done before. Now what do you do with it?
Super Bowl XXXV Fun Facts
Fun facts from Super Bowl XXXV.
Attack of the Flavored Soft Drinks
Your favorite soft drinks are getting a dash of flavor added to them. And the market's getting flooded with new ads as a result.
Virtual Product Placement
You've seen product placement in movies and on TV. Now product placement is branching out into an area where the possibilities are virtually endless - video games.
A Spam Free Email Campaign
How can my Email ad campaign be spam free?
Advertising Through Your Site
All business is moving toward e-business. Regardless of the products or services you sell, every company needs a Web site. Is your ad campaign ready for the Internet?
Taking Your Product to Market
Half the battle of making your product a success is being prepared when you take the product to market. These five steps show you how to get on the right track from the start.
Starting Your Freelance Career
You've made the decision to become a freelance copywriter but you're not sure what to do next. These seven tips show you how to start your freelance copywriting career off right.
Make the Media Go Away
Run the media off so they won't give you free coverage. Be sure to make these mistakes when holding your press event.
Blogs as PR Tools
Blogs can be an effective PR tool that give you good word of mouth advertising and puts you directly in touch with your consumers. Learn from other successes and failures before you enter the blogosphere.
DMA
The advertising definition of DMA.
Michael Vick Endorsements
Allegations over Michael Vick's involvement in a dogfighting ring have left companies scrambling to disassociate their names with his. Even companies that don't hold his endorsement deals simply want to get away from the controversial situation so they're taking action.
An Education for an Ad Career
Do you need a degree? If so, what kind? Anyone with an interest in working in advertising always wants to know what kind of educational background they need and how they can get started. Find the answers to your common questions about beginning your career in advertising.
National Ad Agencies
Advertising agencies with locations throughout the United States. Learn more about the clients they handle, typical business scenarios and sample client lists.
Your Copywriting Career
Get your copywriting career on track today. Whether you're looking to become an advertising agency copywriter or you want to be your own boss as a freelance copywriter, there are five ways you can jumpstart your copywriting career right now.
Demographic Segmentation
The advertising definition of demographic segmentation.
Choosing an Advertising Course
With so many advertising schools, online courses and correspondence lessons out there, how do you know which one is the right program for you? These fundamentals show you what to look for in an advertising course.
The PR Effect of a Crisis
What do one chili finger hoax, a real custard finger and a slithering snake have in common? It's not a bad joke. It's the hazards of eating these days and the PR effect of crisis management affects all consumers.
Buying a TV Commercial Package
Ready to get a commercial produced for your company? Who will shoot the video? Write the copy? How will you get it on the air? How much will it cost? Should you go with a production company, ad agency or a tv station's production house? Don't get lost in the flurry of questions. Find out what you need to know before you buy a television commercial package.
Incentives Attract Customers
Time's running out and you need extra customers now. These perks can turn those potential customers into paying customers.
Writing Direct Mail Subheads
How well you're writing subheads for direct mail will help determine how successful your sales letter is to the campaign. Apply these techniques to your sales letter to write subheads that make your customers act now.
Orbit Gum Featuring Snoop Dogg
After a string of commercial appearances, Snoop Dogg is back at it again for Orbit Gum. The commercial also features a Web site and even a telephone call from Snoop Dogg himself.
Speculation: It Can Get You a
Breaking into the advertising industry may seem impossible. But a little speculation can get you in the door and on your way.
Writing a Restaurant Radio Ad
Can you help a struggling restaurant regain its customers during the week? In this copywriting exercise, you're writing a radio commercial for drive time.
Post Your Ad on YouTube
Your commercial looks great on TV but what happens when the airtime you bought has come and gone? Get more out of your ad budget, reach new customers and generate buzz about your company by posting your commercial on YouTube.
Words That Sell
Have advertising materials to write? Get a jumpstart with this tool to effective writing.
Worldwide Advertising Agencies
Ad agencies with locations throughout the world.
Advertising Trivia Challenge #12
2006 advertising year in review quiz.: trivia challenge year in review quiz advertising
Testing Your Advertising Idea
Is that great advertising idea really going to be the one to increase your sales? Test your concept before diving in.
Ford Sinks More Than \$100 M...
The launch of the next Ford F-150 has Ford Motor Company spending more than $100 million in a new campaign, Ford Motor Division's largest advertising tab in the automaker's history.
Commercial: Double Stuf Oreo
Oreo's "Ready, Set, Lick" campaign pits two Oreo lovers against each other in a race to see who can eat the cookie the fastest. The commercial spotlight's on Oreo, "Milk's Favorite Cookie."
Hiring a Freelancer
Your particular project doesn't warrant hiring a permanent, full-time copywriter or graphic designer. You just need some help temporarily. Choosing the right person for your project is a must for getting the materials you need, the expertise required for the job and making your ad campaign a success.
In-House Agency
The advertising definition of in-house agency.
Firestone's New Ad Campaign
The tire manufacturer's trying to shake its deadly image. Part 1 of this feature gives you complete details on the company's new ad campaign and relives Firestone's previous problems that may sound familiar to you.
Is spam illegal?
Is spam illegal?
Commercial: Alltel My Circle
Alltel's My Circle commercials poke fun at other companies using their own icons. Can the ads help Alltel sell a new service and establish a brand identity?
Oops! You Forgot the Holidays!
With all the shopping, wrapping, baking and just plain holiday madness, did you forget one of the most important people? Your clients. Use these tips for what you can do to spread the holiday cheer at the last minute and keep your customer relations flowing smoothly all year long.
Advertising - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Advertising guide site.
Secrets of a Press Room
Your online press room can be a leading source of news for journalists. These five tips share the secrets of a successful online press room.
Worldwide Ad Agencies
Advertising agencies serving clients throughout the world. Find out who their clients are, sample business scenarios and who they serve.
Preparing an Ad Portfolio
Preparing an advertising portfolio when all you have is SPEC ADS can be a challenge. But most of it is just nerves getting the best of you. This Q&A segment answers real questions budding copywriters have when they begin preparing an advertising portfolio.
Profile: Trey Sullivan, AE
Not sure what an Account Executive does at an advertising agency? Trey Sullivan takes you inside his career at a major ad agency.
Writing a Tourism Brochure
This copywriting exercise helps you write a brochure for a small city's tourism brochure. Copywriting exercises help you become a better copywriter, no matter what your advertising experience level.
Agency Copywriter or Freelance
Should you go for the the ad agency experience or become your own boss as a freelancer? Evaluate both sides of this career path to decide which route best fits your personality and goals.
Offline Advertising for Your Online Presence
Advertising your online presence begins offline. Television, radio and print are cost-effective advertising mediums that can drive traffic to your Web site in droves.
Snapple Gets Sexy
What do you get when you cross a banana with an apple? It's not a bad joke. It's Snapple's new ad campaign.
Setting Rates and Getting Paid
Per project? By the hour? Find out the best way for a freelancer to set rates for freelance jobs and get paid when dealing with an ad agency.
Writing a Toothpaste Print Ad
This copywriting exercise helps you write a print ad for a toothpaste. Copywriting exercises help you become a better copywriter, no matter what your advertising experience level.
Writing a Car Commercial
Copywriting exercises help you become a better copywriter, no matter what your advertising experience level. This copywriting exercise helps you write a used car commercial.
Steroid Scandal and Endorsers
Sports marketers predict all athletes could be affected by the steroids scandal surrounding athletes like Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and Marion Jones.
POP Goes Your Advertising
Can you honestly say you've never made a last minute purchasing decision? Point of purchase materials are your ticket to capitalizing on the impulse buyer. But you have to know how to select a POP supplier first.
Paula Abdul
Singer and FOX American Idol judge Paula Abdul's celebrity endorsements.
Advertising Awards
Creatives work in advertising for the thrill of creating the next big campaign. But there's also a nice little reward when your work is recognized as one of the greats. Learn more about the different advertising awards in the business.
Ask Apryl: Targeting the Student Demographic
Launching a new business aimed at college students? Ask Apryl tackles the student market with low-cost advertising solutions.
Commercial: VW Rabbit
Volkswagen's making headlines with its relaunch of the Rabbit. The first commercial bringing the Rabbit back focuses on a simple theory: how fast rabbits breed. But this VW ad is anything but simple.
Your Ticket to Freelancing
One of the most common questions people have about being a freelance copywriter is - How do I get started? You're going to create your own ad campaign to promote yourself and you're going to do it for under $100.
Web Advertising Agencies
Advertising agencies exclusively devoted to advertising on the Internet. See who their clients are, typical business scenarios and locations for these agencies.
White Hat Vs. Black Hat SEO
Optimize your site using white hat SEO strategies and avoiding black hat SEO techniques. These tips show you how by pitting white hat vs. black hat SEO methods.
United States Ad Agencies
Advertising agencies located in the U.S.
Sponsorships for Your Company
Can a sponsorship help you grow your business? Absolutely. Guest author and trade show Susan Friedmann shows you how to get involved and what to expect.
Website Copywriting
Strengthen your copy with in-depth copywriting exercises. Create website copy for a video production company in this copywriting exercise.
Advertising Agencies - International
This complete listing of advertising agencies is arranged by location. If your agency is not listed here, please use the advertising agency submission form.
Endorsement
The advertising definition of endorsement.
Working With the Press
Many businesses don't know how to work effectively with the media. Business owners wring their hands in despair when not a single word about their new products show up in the trade publications. It's a no-win situation - but it doesn't have to be. These Do's and Don'ts show you how to work with the press and start seeing success.
International Agencies
This complete listing of advertising agencies is arranged by location. If your agency is not listed here, please use the advertising agency submission form.
Wii Fit Commercials Spotlight
The Wii Fit commercials featuring the song On Board are the hot topic among consumers. Even with high demand, Wii continues to release new ads. This commercial spotlight takes a look at the Wii Fit advertising campaign.
Ads Adding to Your Bottom Line
Write ads that seal the deal and complete the sale with the customer. These ten tips show you how to create ads that will make your ad campaign a success.
Selling Ads for Your Podcast
Podcasters are quickly finding out their free podcasts are a great avenue for selling advertising. As many Webmasters quickly transform their content to include podcasting, find out what you need to know to begin running paid commercials during your podcast.
Capitalizing on Creative
Morning person. Night owl. Creative levels peak at different times of the day. Use these five fundamentals to get the brightest ideas out of your employees.
Writing Subheads
If you know how to write subheads for any advertising medium, you'll be able to create compelling copy that grabs your reader's attention. Writing subheads for print ads and websites requires different approaches. Find out how to write subheads that work no matter what you're writing.
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