My pal, Margie Albert over at Focus on Customer Success, asked a great question on her blog this morning. She asked,
“If I were an advertiser, I would…”
Here’s my answer. What’s yours?
If I were an advertiser or green marketer today, I’d fight the urge to think that social media is a silver bullet. It’s not, it’s a tactic.
I’d seriously question all of the “new media” pundits who bash broadcast advertising. If you can afford TV and radio, they remain among the strongest advertising channels to build a brand. I’d seriously rethink how I use print media, because its dwindling readership is making it more of a niched channel than a mass media.
If I were an advertiser today, I’d ask myself if I’m speaking “at” or ”with” my customer, then I’d quickly find ways to amplify and enhance the conversation.
But no matter where you tell your story, craft a brand story worth telling. Tell a tale that authentically reflects the character of your product or service, and pray to God (which every God you answer to) that your story will make your customer’s life better.
If I were an advertiser, I’d start investing NOW in my brand and snatch away market share from those competitors quivering in the corner out of fear of the economy.
If I were an advertiser, I’d run stuff that makes me nervous. It’s the only marketing that ever cuts through the din of horrible advertising.

I’m usually not an advertiser, but an ad agency. Yet, I’m going to take my own advice. Look for our ad in the Phoenix Business Journal on Friday, December 3. The creative makes me a little nervous, so I think it will work. Please let me know if it makes you think. The best advertising always does.
Now, take a moment and visit Margie’s site and share your answer to her question.









