Advertising: Its Origin and Classification

Advertising is a form of communication that aims to persuade an audience to purchase or take some action upon products, services or ideas. It has been around for centuries and has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. In this article, we will explore the origin of advertising and its various classifications.

The origin of advertising can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Merchants would use signs and symbols to advertise their products and services. In the Middle Ages, town criers were used to announce the arrival of goods and services. With the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, advertising became more widespread. The first newspaper advertisement was published in 1704 in the Boston News-Letter.

Advertising can be classified into several categories. The first category is print advertising, which includes newspapers, magazines, brochures, and flyers. Print advertising is still a popular form of advertising today, although it has been declining in recent years due to the rise of digital advertising.

The second category is broadcast advertising, which includes television and radio commercials. Broadcast advertising is a powerful tool for reaching a large audience, but it can be expensive.

The third category is outdoor advertising, which includes billboards, posters, and signs. Outdoor advertising is effective for reaching a local audience, but it can be limited in its reach.

The fourth category is digital advertising, which includes online ads, social media ads, and mobile ads. Digital advertising is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to target specific audiences and track results.

In addition to these categories, advertising can also be classified by its purpose. There are three main purposes of advertising: to inform, to persuade, and to remind. Informative advertising is used to provide information about a product or service. Persuasive advertising is used to persuade the audience to take a specific action, such as purchasing a product. Reminder advertising is used to remind the audience about a product or service they may have forgotten about.

In conclusion, advertising has a long and rich history, and has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. It can be classified into several categories, including print, broadcast, outdoor, and digital advertising. Advertising can also be classified by its purpose, which includes informing, persuading, and reminding. As technology continues to advance, advertising will continue to evolve and adapt to new mediums and audiences.