Q.Explain the functions of advertising.

Advertising serves the seller, the buyer and society by informing, persuading and reminding buyers about products.

Advertising performs several functions benefiting seller, buyer and society.

A. Primary (marketing) functions

• Informing — tells buyers a product exists, what it does, where and at what price it is available, and how it is used.
• Persuading — builds preference for a brand and moves the buyer through attention, interest, desire and action.
• Reminding — keeps an established brand's name fresh so repeat purchases continue.
• Creating and expanding demand — enlarges the total market and supports large-scale production.

B. Functions for the manufacturer/seller

• Introduces new products quickly to a wide audience.
• Builds brand image and goodwill.
• Supports the salesman by preparing customers before he calls (an "advance agent").
• Facilitates large-scale production by assuring mass demand and lowering unit cost.
• Helps meet competition and defend market share.

C. Functions for the consumer and society

• Educates the consumer about new products and better ways of living.
• Guides buying decisions with useful information.
• Raises the standard of living.
• Supports the media, whose advertising revenue helps keep newspapers, magazines and channels running, often at a lower price to the public. …

Do not simply list 'sells goods' as the only function. Show the three-fold core — inform, persuade, remind — and then bring out the separate benefits to sell …