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In ancient Mesopotamia, merchants hired criers to shout offers and product names in busy streets. This oral tradition was one of the earliest forms of advertising. Since writing wasn’t widespread, the human voice was the main marketing channel. -
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An old piece of papyrus from Thebes is often seen as one of the first ads in history. It talks about a missing slave — but also casually mentions the writer’s textile shop. So besides being a lost-and-found note, it worked as early self-promotion. -
Greek towns employed a "kerux" to deliver political and commercial messages in public squares. These criers used rhythm or poetry to make their messages more memorable. In a largely oral culture, they held an important advertising role. -
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Because many people couldn’t read, shops used signa: simple visual symbols like a boot, a wine jug, or a crown to show what they sold. -
The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication and advertising. Flyers and pamphlets could now be mass-produced. It allowed sellers to reach larger audiences with consistent messages. -
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Early print ads often included woodcut illustrations to explain what was being sold. This was vital in a time when literacy rates were still low. Visual appeal became as important as the message itself. -
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Although it started earlier, the 1800s saw advertising become essential in daily newspapers. Ads now promoted everything from soap to spectacles, reaching a growing urban middle class. This was necessary to distinguish identical products -
As industrial goods entered shops across cities, producers used colorful trade cards and decorated boxes to differentiate themselves. These cards were given to customers and collected like postcards. They often showed idealized images of families, exotic locations, or product benefits — making them an early form of brand storytelling and loyalty marketing. -
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This poster by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is one of the most iconic examples of early poster advertising. It promoted the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris and featured famous dancer La Goulue. The bold outlines, flat colors, and exaggerated style were influenced by Japanese prints. It marked a shift where advertising became both commercial and artistic. -
Mucha’s elegant, floral designs transformed posters into decorative objects. His work advertised everything from champagne to theater shows. It showed how beauty could enhance brand perception. -
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Governments used posters to recruit soldiers and encourage public support. These ads used emotional appeals and patriotic symbols. They demonstrated the persuasive power of visuals in mass mobilization. -
This toothpaste claimed to be “doctor approved” and could prevent tooth decay by removing a mysterious film on teeth. The ad used medical-sounding language and white-coated figures to appear scientific. It’s a classic example of early health-based persuasion in advertising. -
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Hopkins introduced the idea that advertising should be tested and measured for effectiveness. He used methods like coupons and A/B testing to track results. His approach is the foundation of modern performance marketing. -
Ocean liners, trains, and cars were promoted using bold, stylish Art Deco visuals. The clean lines and symmetry reflected progress and a fast-paced lifestyle. These ads didn't just sell transport — they sold the feeling of being modern and sophisticated. It made everyday travel look glamorous. -
Brands used Art Deco to promote a modern image of elegance and power. The visuals often featured powerful women and urban sophistication. This mirrored the cultural mood of the Roaring Twenties. -
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This U.S. campaign encouraged women to join the workforce during WWII. It combined empowerment with national duty. Rosie became an iconic figure in both feminist and advertising history. -
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Television brought ads into living rooms across the world. Brands used jingles, animation, and repetition to build recognition. It changed how families interacted with media and consumption. -
Originally targeting women, Marlboro repositioned with a rugged cowboy to appeal to men. The campaign became one of the most successful in ad history. It showed how storytelling could reshape brand identity. -
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Saatchi Saatchi became one of the most powerful ad agencies in the world during the 1980s. They helped shape the image of the modern ad agency as bold, political, and culturally influential. Their campaigns blurred the line between marketing and social commentary, making advertising feel provocative and elite. -
Directed by Ridley Scott, the ad introduced the Macintosh by comparing it to rebellion against conformity. It aired only once but became legendary. It set a new standard for high-budget, cinematic advertising. -
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Both brands invested heavily in celebrity ads and taste tests. The 1990s saw intense competition over Gen X loyalty. It was an era of big-budget, flashy branding battles. -
Benetton used shocking imagery (AIDS, war, race) to challenge norms and get media coverage. The brand blurred the lines between advertising and activism. This sparked debates about ethics in advertising. -
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With Google AdWords, advertisers could target users based on searches. This marked the beginning of data-driven advertising. Every click became measurable and monetizable. -
Brands now collaborate with online creators on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Audiences trust influencers more than traditional ads. It’s personal, visual, and often hard to distinguish from content.