1. Advertising
Definition: A paid, non-personal message communicated through mass media to persuade an audience.
Examples:
Television and radio ads
Social media advertisements (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
Online banner ads and search engine marketing (Google Ads)
Billboards and transit ads
Print ads (newspapers, magazines)
Advantages:
Wide reach
Can create strong brand recognition
Effective for introducing new products
Disadvantages:
Expensive
Less personalized
May be ignored by consumers (ad fatigue)
2. Personal Selling
Definition: Direct, face-to-face communication between a sales representative and a potential customer.
Examples:
In-store salespeople
B2B sales representatives
Telemarketing
Advantages:
Two-way interaction; allows for immediate feedback
Tailored to the customer’s needs
Builds customer relationships
Disadvantages:
High cost per contact
Requires skilled staff
Limited reach
3. Sales Promotion
Definition: Short-term incentives designed to encourage immediate action or purchase.
Examples:
Discounts and coupons
Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offers
Loyalty programs and point systems
Flash sales and limited-time offers
Product samples and free trials
Advantages:
Encourages quick sales boosts
Attracts price-sensitive customers
Can introduce new products
Disadvantages:
May reduce profit margins
Can lead to brand devaluation if overused
May only create short-term interest
4. Public Relations (PR)
Definition: Activities aimed at creating and maintaining a positive public image for a business.
Examples:
Press releases and media coverage
Sponsorship of events or charities
Community involvement
Crisis management
Advantages:
Builds credibility and trust
Low-cost compared to advertising
Can improve brand reputation
Disadvantages:
Less control over the message
Difficult to measure impact
Results are not immediate