Media Sales Today

New data shows automotive ad spending will hit $22.6 billion this year, up 7.2 percent from 2010. That spending should result in increased sales as consumer purchase intent is strong.

Interest in and use of online marketing continues to grow. According to the Ad-ology Small Business Marketing Forecast, 71 percent of small businesses surveyed plan to increase online advertising spending in 2010. Many of these businesses are new to online advertising, and may make online mistakes. In “Local Online Advertising For Dummies” (yes, there really is a Dummies book for everything), Court Cunningham lists ten local online marketing mistakes.

  Our most viewed post of 2009, by far, is this piece on the importance of advertising in a recession. The economy seems to be improving, but a consistent, continued advertising presence is still crucial to ongoing success. Make sure your clients know that their advertising tells consumers that they are ready to do business! [...]

Traditional media influenced more than 30 percent of recently surveyed pizza Adology Media Influence logoconsumers, while online media like restaurant Web sites were the most influential for restaurant-goers. The Ad-ology Research study also found 61 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed said they had visited “a restaurant they had not visited before” in the last year.

Thirty-nine percent of recent travelers say online media influenced their choice of travel services, with hotel/B&B Web sites having the most influence, according to Ad-ology Research. Online content also influenced 34% of visitors to local attractions like amusement parks, zoos, and concerts.

Online comments and product reviews influenced 65% of U.S. adults who recently used a diet or weight loss program, according to the Spring 2009 Ad-ology Media Influence on Consumer Choice survey.

Some positive economic news is emerging, but some numbers still show consumers are only buying what they need, and they continue to look for the best deal. So how do you help your advertising clients create effective ads?