Types of Advertising

Types of advertising are different formats and channels for promoting goods, services, or brands to attract audience attention and stimulate sales.

Simply put:
ways in which a business tells customers about itself

Main types of advertising

1. Digital Advertising
   Promotion through the internet and digital channels.
   Includes:
   • contextual advertising
   • targeted advertising
   • banners
   • video advertising
   • social media advertising
2. Contextual Advertising
   Advertising that is shown based on users’ search queries.
   Example:
   advertising on Google and Yandex.
3. Targeted Advertising
   Advertising tailored by:
   • age
   • interests
   • geography
   • audience behavior
     Often used on:
   • VK
   • Instagram
   • TikTok
   • Facebook
4. Display Advertising
   Graphic advertising:
   • banners
   • animation
   • rich media
     Main goal:
     brand awareness.
5. Video Advertising
   Promotion through video:
   • YouTube Ads
   • Reels Ads
   • Shorts
   • TV commercials
6. Outdoor Advertising
   Advertising outside the internet:
   • billboards
   • signs
   • digital screens
   • transit advertising
7. Television Advertising
   Commercials on TV and streaming platforms.
8. Radio Advertising
   Audio advertising on:
   • radio
   • streaming services
   • podcasts
9. Native Advertising
   Advertising embedded in content that looks natural.
   Example:
   a sponsored article in the media.
10. Influencer Advertising
    Promotion through:
    • bloggers
    • opinion leaders
    • creators
11. Email Advertising
    Promotion through email newsletters:
    • promotions
    • special offers
    • newsletters
12. Push Advertising
    Advertising via push notifications:
    • browser
    • mobile
13. Mobile Advertising
    Advertising in:
    • mobile apps
    • games
    • mobile web
14. Retargeting / Remarketing
    Showing ads again to users who have already interacted with the brand.
15. PR Advertising
    Promotion through:
    • media
    • publications
    • news hooks
    • reputation communications
16. Public Service Advertising
    Advertising on socially important topics:
    • health
    • ecology
    • safety
    • charity
17. Event Advertising
    Promotion through:
    • events
    • exhibitions
    • conferences
    • webinars
18. Product Placement
    Native placement of a brand in:
    • films
    • TV series
    • shows
    • video content
19. Indoor Advertising
    Advertising inside premises:
    • shopping malls
    • elevators
    • subway
    • business centers
20. Ambient Advertising
    Unconventional advertising in urban environments with a wow effect.

Types of advertising by purpose

Brand advertising
Builds awareness and reputation.

Direct response advertising
Stimulates purchases and inquiries.

Informational advertising
Informs about a product or event.

Reminder advertising
Maintains interest in the brand.

How to choose a type of advertising

The choice depends on:

• business goals
• budget
• audience
• product
• stage of the sales funnel

Example

For quick lead generation:

• contextual advertising
• targeted advertising
• performance marketing

For growing awareness:

• video advertising
• display advertising
• PR

Key takeaway

Types of advertising are different formats and channels for promoting a brand, product, or service. Modern marketing typically combines several types of advertising simultaneously to achieve maximum effect.