MAIN Business Advertising

The combination of psychology, sociology, statistics, economics and many other areas of expertise that can punch a whole through the consumer marketplace for your product or service is what is known as ....advertising, and it's not an easy thing to do.

While the business of advertising may not be well understood by by those outside the industry, even professionals may struggle with just the right mix of research, audience targeting, and all-important execution of an ad campaign that cuts through the clutter to become truly memorable.

Good advertising starts with understanding the factors and forces that make an advertisement work or flop:

• Does the ad inform, entertain, or inspire?

• Is the ad promising something new, different, unique?

• Are you putting your ads in places where customers can see them?

• Are you using trigger words and calls for action?

Anyone can put together and advertising campaign. Few can do it well. Around the Web, take the time to learn about what the experts know. A firm background on how advertising works will help you avoid the pitfalls of bad ads, and is an effective way to work with agencies you hire.

Just up ahead, a look at the modern advertising industry, including helpful tips from the top advertising/marketing agencies, plus mega-lists of related resources. additional info on Internet advertising and professional help from marketing pros and PR agencies ...

also see -> Pop Culture - Advertising | Small Business Advertising

More about the advertising industry around the Web:

Advertising - Tips, advice and how to's from Entrepreneur.com for business big and small including guides to print, Internet TV & radio advertising, developing an advertising plan, hiring an ad agency and related resources.

Adbrands.net - A global sweep of the industry with top agency and account assignments worldwide including profiles on leading advertisers, brands and agencies. Plus advertising history, financial information and over 20,000 external consumer brand, corporate and worldwide resources, together with a database tracking who's handling top accounts worldwide.

Advertising World - the Ultimate Marketing Communications Directory - Extensive, annotated listings in over 100 categories for advertising and marketing resources - from account planning to word of mouth advertising - courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin advertising program.

ClickZ Resources : Internet Advertising and Web Site Promotion - Offering reference guides to e-mail marketing, affiliate programs, as well as sample rates and statistics, news headlines and what's hot in online marketing and advertising.

ADWEEK -The ad biz Bible with the latest advertising industry news, streaming video ad spots and more with paid subscription.

Communication Arts - Exhibits - Learn about advertising from watching those who are doing it well, with the latest and greatest examples in print advertising.