Advertising is a powerful tool used by companies to persuade consumers to purchase their products or services. However, not all advertisements are created equal, and it can be difficult to see beyond the gimmicks that companies use to grab our attention. Here are a few tips on how to see beyond advertising gimmicks and make more informed purchasing decisions.
1. Learn to spot advertising tricks
Companies often use certain tricks, such as celebrities, emotionally charged language, and unrealistic imagery, to grab our attention and make us more likely to purchase their products. By learning to spot these tricks, you can become more skeptical of the advertisements you see.
2. Look for evidence to back up claims
If an advertisement makes a claim about a product or service, look for evidence to back it up. Check for studies, statistics, or other sources of information that support the claim. If you can’t find any evidence to back up the claim, it’s likely that it’s not true.
3. Seek out alternative opinions
Companies want you to think that their products are the best on the market, but that is not always the case. Seek out opinions from others such as friends, family, experts, or even online reviews from customers, who have purchased and used the product.
4. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals
If an advertisement is offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of deals that seem too cheap, or offers that seem too good to pass up. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Research the company
Companies often use advertising to create a certain image, but that image may not reflect reality. Research the company to learn more about its history, its products, and its reputation. Look for any red flags that suggest the company may not be trustworthy.
Advertising is a powerful tool but it’s important to be able to see beyond the gimmicks and make more informed decisions as a consumer. By being aware of advertising tricks, looking for evidence to back up claims, seeking out alternative opinions, being wary of too-good-to-be-true deals, and researching the company, you can become a more savvy consumer and avoid falling victim to false advertising.
References:
1. https://www.businessinsider.com/advertising-tricks-2019-1
2. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-advertising-or-selling
4. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-advertising-or-selling
Great article. Good work SLT