Showing posts with label honesty in advertising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label honesty in advertising. Show all posts

Friday, March 16, 2012

Have you had concerns over the claims made by companies in their marketing?

If so, you are not alone.

I have always believed that marketing is an art and a science. That meaning that there is a way to make it look good, but there is also a proper way or a formula for it to be effective.

Sadly too many companies are not using both the art and science of marketing.

I was watching an ad on television a couple of days ago. It came close to ignoring what was called ‘truth in advertising’. If it wasn’t for a few well placed words in the ad that were barely visible the advertisement would have crossed the line and been a lie.

The challenge with not being honest in advertising is that you may get many sales immediately, but are these the type of sales that will build your business long-term? Of course you know the answer is no.

Let me give you an example. In 1999 a company named Airborne Health launched a product that ‘would boost your immune system to help your body combat germs’. The sales grew quickly due to a insightful marketing campaign and an endorsement by Oprah Winfrey.

In 2008 the Centre for Science in the Public Interest led a class action law suit against Airborne. The results were a $28 million settlement that the company’s claims were false.

What can you do to make sure you are honest in all parts of your marketing?

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