How much does advertising influence your purchasing decisions?

I’d like to think that I’m immune to all forms of advertising. Probably a foolish thought on my part. Yet to me, advertising is just trash. It gets in the way on tv, web sites, youtube, radio, fluther, and just fills my mailbox with fire starter. That’s all it is to me.

I cannot recall purchasing anything based upon an ad campaign. Well actually, the most impressive ad I’ve ever seen was a note stuck on my door from Tommy wanting to mow my lawn for $20. I might give him my cash. I might not.

Does advertising influence me in subtle ways that I’m not aware of? I can’t think of a single precedent to support that thought.

I could however be influenced by packaging. I appreciate aesthetically pleasing packaging. It demonstrates thoughtfulness, and I perceive that thoughtfulness to be present in the entire product. Perhaps I’m mistaken. Certainly packaging is a form of advertising… yes?

Do you let the ads do your shopping for you? What good does advertising do?

My personal business is 100% promoted by word of mouth. I’d say 50% of my purchases are based upon word of mouth as well. The other 50% based upon need or experience with the product with a healthy dose of web research and end user product reviews.

In fact, I’d say that most heavily advertised products I’ve purchased never come close to living up to the promises made about them. But most referrals have indeed met or exceeded my expectations.

Do companies get their money’s worth in advertising? Is it your money they get because of it?