Marketing is one of the most important aspects of any business. Utilizing the marketing tactics that work best for your business, increasing your customer base and profits. While marketing is nearly everywhere today, the history of this industry dates back centuries.
The History of the Marketing Industry
Marketing began centuries prior to the invention of the internet, or even the computer. The first records of marketing date back to pre- historic times. A clay tablet in Mesopotamia was found with a customer complaint written on it. In Ancient Greece, pottery was found to having branding on it that even encouraged a competition between potteries. During the Roman Empire, one could find advertisements written on the walls in their communities.
The Gutenberg Press was invented in 1450. This is often held as the beginning of the marketing industry we know today. This invention allowed the mass production of print, including advertising. In 1786, William Taylor opened the first advertising agency. Taylor used his expertise as a sales representative for newspapers and printing firms to advise his clients on how to best advertise.
In the 1830’s, the Ringling Brothers posted the first billboard. The Ringling Brothers often used these boards in 1835 to advertise their business in New York City. In 1902, Edward David Jones taught the first class on marketing at the University of Michigan. In the 1910’s, marketing expanded beyond print into cinema. The radio advertising followed close behind. The first paid radio advertisement airing in 1922 on WEAF radio station in New York for $50 for a 10-minute spot. Television advertising begin a few decades later, in 1941, with the first ad being for the water company Bulova.
How Marketing has Evolved Today
One of the largest advancements in the advertising industry was the invention of the internet. Not only did this allow businesses to reach an entirely new audience base, but it also offered various new tactics to explore.
Email advertising began in 1971, with the first mass email to 400 people. This single email led to an ROI of $13 million—Proving how lucrative internet marketing could be. In the 1990’s, access to the internet and its technologies expanded and became a part of everyday life. At this time, Search Engine Marketing began with the first search engine Open Text. Marketing became easier in 1992 with the release of the first marketing automation software by Unica, part of the IBM Campaign. Banner Advertising was close behind, beginning in 1994 with AT&T. social media came on the scene in 1995 with the first platform, ClassMates, offering a new way for customers to connect not only with their friends, but also with businesses.
As technology continues to evolve, the marketing opportunities only increase. The invention of the internet revolutionized marketing with its ability to connect people across the globe. Utilizing both traditional and digital marketing tactics offers your company the optimal way to meet your audience where they are at. As new technology comes along, the marketing industry will continue to evolve with it.
Media Venue is Here to Help
Today, the marketing industry has been around for centuries and only continues to evolve. From traditional marketing tactics to social media and digital tactics, Media Venue is here to help. Our team has the expertise to help create a personalized business plan that will work best for you and your business.
