Analysis of Print Advertisements
Background:
A mark of a professional is being able to analyze and evaluate information using objective criteria rather than making haphazard and capricious judgments. The purpose of this assignment is to apply objective evaluation criteria to print advertisements.
Assignment:
Each student will select two full-page advertisements from magazines.
One advertisement should be an example of an effective ad; the other, an ineffective ad.
Using first the effective ad and then the ineffective ad, identify and/or discuss each of the following:
Part One: Magazine; intended public
Part Two: The positioning of this product/service/organization vis-a-vis the intended public, in terms of (1) visibility/reputation, (2) consumer advantages and (3) disadvantages
Part Three: The need being addressed, and the appropriateness of focusing on this need
Part Four: The consumer benefit addressed, and the appropriateness of focusing on this benefit
Part Five: The message source used in the ad, and the effectiveness of using this source
Part Six: The effectiveness of the written content of the ad
Part Seven: The effectiveness of the visual (nonverbal) content of the ad
Part Eight: Any ethical issues or questions this ad raises in your mind
Part Nine: The main competitors, and the type of print advertising used by these competitors
Part Ten: Your overall personal evaluation of this advertisement, and what you have learned from this assignment.