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The first known printed advertisement appeared as a flyer nailed to a church door in England in 1472, promoting a prayer book. This marked the birth of the concept of mass communication in marketing. The specific date of this advertisement is unknown. -
ATT aired the first paid radio ad in 1922, revolutionizing marketing by introducing audio storytelling and real-time consumer engagement. The ad promoted the Queensboro Corporation, a real estate developer. -
On July 1, 1941, the first TV commercial aired for Bulova watches. Visual storytelling became central to brand identity and consumer persuasion. -
Wired magazine's HotWired website launched the first clickable banner ad for ATT in 1994. It had a 44% click-through rate, proving digital ads could drive engagement. -
Amazon's 1995 debut marked a turning point in digital commerce and marketing. It demonstrated how online platforms could personalize recommendations, track user behavior, and scale outreach globally. -
In 2003, the CAN-SPAM Act legitimized email marketing by regulating spam and requiring opt-out options. It gave marketers a legal framework to build trust and track engagement. -
Beginning with Facebook's "Lookalike Audiences", launched in late 2012, marketers could target users similar to existing customers using behavioral data. This marked a leap in predictive targeting and the birth of data-driven marketing. -
In June 2020, Nike took a public stand on racial justice, aligning brand identity with social values. It sparked a wave of purpose-driven campaigns across industries. This move demonstrated that values-based marketing could deepen brand loyalty, as seen in a 6-point increase in Nike's favorability among Gen Z and Millennials post-campaign. -
As of 2025, marketing stands at a crossroads where technology, personalization, and purpose converge to redefine how brands connect with people. Consumer expectations have shifted toward authenticity, speed, and values-driven engagement. Short-form video, influencer partnerships, and interactive storytelling dominate the landscape, especially among Millennial and Gen Z audiences.