Evolution of
Advertising: From Selling Products to Building Brands
Subhendu Ray
Over the years, the advertising industry has undergone significant
changes, and the it is presented to the public has changed dramatically. In the
past, advertisements were seen as a tool to simply sell products and services,
but today they have evolved into being an integral part of the brand-building
process. This has led to a change in the way advertisements are designed and
presented to consumers.
One of the most significant changes in the industry has been the
emergence of social media. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter have become incredibly popular, and companies have started using them
as a cost-effective medium for advertising their products. This has allowed
companies to create more targeted advertisements that are designed to appeal to
specific groups of people.
Social media has played a significant role in the growth of the
advertising industry in India. The number of social media users in India is
expected to reach 448 million by 2023, making it an attractive platform for
companies to advertise their products. In 2020, the digital ad spend in India
grew by 10%, with social media advertising being the second-largest
contributor.
Another trend in the advertising industry has been the rise of
influencer marketing. Companies are collaborating with influencers who have a
large following on social media, and these influencers then use their platforms
to advertise products and give their reviews and experiences. This has made
reviews and ratings an important part of the advertising process.
According to a report by Influencer.in, the influencer marketing
industry in India is expected to grow to INR 2,200 crore (approximately USD 300
million) in 2023.
Storytelling has also become an essential aspect of advertising.
Companies are now using stories that resonate with the audiences and create a
more emotional impact making their advertisements more relatable. A good brand
story draws the attention of potential customers and helps in developing trust,
which eventually leads to enhanced brand image.
By telling the story of a brand in a compelling way, companies can
create a more significant impact on potential customers and build trust in
their brand.
For example, the "Daag Ache Hain" campaign by Surf Excel
portrays the message that stains are a part of life and that children should be
encouraged to play and explore.
In addition, product placement and integrated advertising are becoming
popular in India. Advertisements are being integrated into television shows and
movies, creating a more seamless and authentic experience for the audience. For
example, in the movie "Dear Zindagi," the character played by Shah
Rukh Khan is a therapist who uses a specific brand of tea in his sessions,
which helped promote the brand in an authentic way.
Overall, the advertising industry in India is evolving rapidly, and
companies are adapting their strategies to stay relevant and effective in a
changing market. A unique emerging trend is that advertisements are becoming an
integral part of the main story in reality shows, serials, or part of an RJ’s
narrative in FM radio channels. This helps to make advertisements more creative
and innovative and also helps to build valuable brand awareness in an authentic
way.
This is quite evident that the advertising industry has undergone
significant changes in recent years, and these changes are likely to continue
in the future as well. As new technologies emerge and consumer behavior
evolves, companies will need to continue to adapt their advertising strategies
to stay relevant and effective. Advertisements that are designed to be
emotionally engaging, relatable, and authentic are likely to be the most
successful in the years to come.