How to Start a Business, Finances and Marketing

Advertising as a in mainstream media like TV/newspapers/radio can only incite awareness, interest. Information not really - most people surf the internet for more info, refer to friends who bought it. The ad can point a website where the info can be obtained.

Advertising can make a particular product a must-have, trendy. So I can't say I agree with your argument. The pillar in advertising is the belief that you can change behaviour.

For eg. "Hot dog is a sausage" is an information statement. "XYZ hot dogs are so yummy" and you show people enjoying it - is advertising. And when a human sees another eating a hot dog, they want one, even though before then, they were thinking of snacking on fries for eg. But that's a TV Ad. Sale Ad in newspapers are the ones that can influence behaviour. After all, what makes you go and queue up for 70% off even though you don't know what's on offer.

Advertorials on the other hand are information based and so is press releases/public relations.

Advertising can influence attitude. It has to do with the human reward response system. Successful companies communicate these rewards effectively. When we perceive a reward, our brain emits dopamine into a particular part of the prefrontal cortext which is responsible for attitudes, emotions, and personality. Communicating the reward will create positive brain activity, making us feel good.

For example, someone mentioned a face cream. If the company shows a person using the product and gaining the rewards, the customer is more likely to have a positive outlook on the product.

People will react positively to products and ads that best fit them.