What is your opinion about advertising during recession?

A bad economy creates panic in the minds of consumers and as a brand that advertises aggressively during recession shows stability and integrity. Consumers all over the world have shown more loyalty towards brands that have managed to stick around during the hard times. A recessionary market can provide an opportunity for businesses to build a greater share of market through aggressive advertising. Fact: Analysis of the1990-91 recession, Coopers & Lybrand research found that better performing businesses focused on a strong marketing program enabling them to solidify their customer base, take business away from less aggressive competitors, and position themselves for future growth during the recovery.

By keeping up a strong advertising campaign during a recession, it is possible for a company to grow even stronger when the economy turns around. In the time of an economic recession, it seems logical for businesses to decrease spending in any way possible. It makes sense to save money instead of spending money. Cash spent on advertising (including promotional products) is often the first to be cut when there are problems with the economy. However, by continuing to advertise—maybe even more than normal—it is possible for a company to bounce back even stronger than it was before the recession. It makes good business sense to take a risk in anticipation of better economic times. A recession doesn't last forever! When the economy begins to turn around, businesses that remained aggressive in their marketing techniques will have a clear advantage over their competitors. It is possible to greatly boost company sales over the course of the recession (and the years following) by planning ahead for better times. When companies begin to cut back on advertising during an economic recession, they become less visible to the public. Many business owners justify this budget cut because they assume that their potential customers do not have the extra money to spend at that point. However, companies that do not reduce their marketing campaigns remain visible to their potential customers during the recession. These companies will be remembered by consumers when they need a particular product or service. When Sally Customer or John Consumer do have money to spend, they will be more likely to buy from the company that has kept up with advertising. Most consumers will have some money to spend again once the recession passes, and many will want to purchase things that were considered luxuries during those hard times. Companies that were avidly advertising throughout the economic crisis will be the first ones to get customers. The expense of any marketing materials they bought during the recession, such as printed tote bags or personalized can koozies, has the potential to be more than made up by the increase in revenue over normal non-recession sales. Just remember that consumers will still be noticing advertisements during an economic recession; the companies that advertise the hardest during a recession will reap the most rewards when the economy finally turns around. Advertising investments can also act as a beacon of hope to employees, customers, and investors. Businesses that cut advertising during a recession are sending a message to the public that they may not be strong enough to weather the difficult financial times. These businesses could be hurt even more when customers and employees look for other places to work and shop. By remaining somewhat aggressive in advertising throughout a recession, a company sends the message that it is dependable and capable. This can be a very comforting thought for customers, investors, and employees!