Media Sales Today

Just when consumers thought they’d seen it all with respect to bells and whistles on their televisions, manufacturers are ready to sell something new. This year, large screen TVs with extra slim profiles will be lining store shelves. To move these products, both manufacturers and retailers will be rolling out new ad campaigns.

Globally, automakers are expecting a strong 2012. Demand in the U.S., the world’s third largest market, will be solid, but outpaced by faster-growing economies. This year, U.S. automakers will likely be revving up their ad budgets to compete with international manufacturers who have set aggressive targets in the U.S. market and they’ll also be promoting luxury vehicles and lease financing.

General economic conditions and the continued high rate of unemployment are conspiring to keep consumers away from their dentists. While consumers are resorting to a variety of strategies to reduce their costs, dentists are taking action as well, often by joining discount networks. Reps can boost their sales by contacting discount dental plan providers as well as dentists who belong to these networks.

The spa industry has been through 4 difficult recessionary years. Many spas closed their doors while others cut back on programs and waited for signals from consumers indicating that they are ready to begin spending on discretionary services. Industry analysts believe 2012 may be the year that spas will begin promoting a range of new services.

The U.S. population is not getting enough quality sleep. The stresses of modern day life means that more women are looking for help to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. More children are developing sleep problems as well and sleep centers are coming up with new ways to diagnose and treat these patients. Reps should call on sleep centers in their market and propose an ad campaign to call attention to this important health problem.

With consumers staying in their homes for a longer period of time these days, kitchen remodeling is growing popular again. Consumers are not as likely to spend lavish sums on the most ostentatious upgrades like they were in pre-recession days, but they are shopping and buying everything from professional services to appliances. Reps should connect with kitchen remodelers in their market and discuss the latest renovation trends. Ad opportunities may come from these professionals as well as from interior decorators and appliance stores.

Certified financial planners across the U.S. have identified the demographics of their dream clients. The problem is many of these consumers don’t know what a certified financial planner is. To correct the situation, the CFP Planning Board of Standards is rolling out an educational ad campaign.