Thoughts on Ads
I’ve been up to some shenanigans lately with running ads for
my books, finally after Spirit of Orn
has been published for 4 years and I’ve begun to take current projects more
seriously. Tall Men: And Other Tales
inspired me to “go big or go home” and “big” I did, spending something like $180
on advertising via Facebook.
In light of Facebook’s recent controversy over the use of
personal data to enhance the potential revenue stream from ads, I stand to gain
from the system they architected, and I feel almost dirty after the fact. This
has led to a lot of introspection, especially considering that I plan to run
more ads as time goes on. What I came to
realize is that I’m not sympathetic to Mark Zuckerberg after all the suckerbergs he has made of us. However,
I find his datamining incredibly powerful and worthwhile.
Here’s why:
To get a voice in the continual and tumultuous shouting
contest that is the internet (and advertising in general), many have written
tutorials and given seminars on marketing strategies to showcase and advocate
for a product. The most effective way to do this is the “grassroots” approach.
That is when a small minority of people become influencers. They loudly
advocate, adding new converts to the product that they feel resonates to them
on a personal level. I remember my days back when I interned at my local church
where this model was depended upon exclusively. But, alas, I’m too busy to even
get outside, unless it’s the gym or work. I have a full time job, a wife, a
young , infant daughter, and any extra time I have available I invest in
producing content. Availing myself to ads is then a great option simply to let
people know that I exist, that I’m out there. So while I think large
corporations leveraging personal info to invade our lives with their merchandise
is by nature duplicitous, I am hopeful that people can be empowered to get
relevant content out there and in front of the people that really appreciate it.
Ultimately, by using ads I want people can get to know me. I’m
not the most lovable person, but I’m passionate about what I do, and I enjoy
sharing that passion with other people. Chances are, if you are reading this,
you are one of the people that responded to my invite to like my Facebook page
recently in my last marketing campaign. Though there will eventually come a
time where I can’t reach out to everyone, at the moment you have my attention.
Have a great weekend everyone!