Alternative advertising

My favorite thing in the advertising industry is what I term "alternative advertising." This is advertising put in places that traditional advertising (television, radio, print) doesn't go. This type of advertising is distinct because it catches consumer's attention in different ways and that is an advertisement's goal. Here are some of my favorite "alternative advertising" techniques.

EcoHanger. Hangers made from recyclable products display company advertisements. EcoHanger then distributes the hangers for free, this being funded by advertisers.


Micro Target Media. This company incorporated advertising on porta potties in a creative way that got a lot of attention. This type of advertising is excellent because it is used at large events and the people there are people from the target market.


Coffee sleeves. If you're a coffee drinker, I'm sure you've put a coffee sleeve on your cup so that you don't have to hold a hot cup of joe. Have you ever seen one with an advertisement printed on the sleeve? Although this is more of a hit-or-miss type of "alternative advertising" it can be useful if you add a coupon to it. Tracking customers with coupons is easier than putting an ad out there and hoping for the best.


Has advertising gone too far by transforming into this "alternative" type of advertising? Some people think so. From an advertiser's perspective however, it is just a creative way to get a message out to a potential consumer. Although "alternative advertising" is harder to ignore than a commercial or a print ad in a magazine, incorporating ads into everyday items can make them more effective.

I'll continue to update my blog with exciting and new "alternative advertising" techniques as I see them!