Is online advertising dead?

Traditional online advertising might not be dead but it definitely has one foot in the grave. Growing trends and new ideas in viral marketing are showing results that make web banners seem about as effective as mailing your company logo out on a free ballpoint pen. The pen gets to people and your logo might gain recognition, but it doesn't really mean anything, and it just isn't targeted to the people who are interested in, or who are looking for your product.

Online marketing is evolving. It's changing the way advertisers reach potential customers by using the very content that people go online for; whether it's information, news or entertainment. That's why people go online. Not to view random banner ads. And studies have shown that most people don't even see a banner ad on a web page.

The basis of a viral campaign utilizes the web content your targeted customers don't mind viewing or participating in. And who doesn't want a potential client base that enjoys getting pitched? Viral and stealth ads have many formats: videos, games, animations, contests and more.  It can also be a part of your daily news in blogs. And once a viral campaign is out in the online community, these ads can take on a life of their own, being spread from consumer to consumer via word of mouth/ keyboard or via the speed of email.

How do you know if a viral marketing approach is right for you? If you're looking for a way to build your client base rapidly with lower costs than traditional marketing means, or if you need a campaign that can distribute and target itself, which can develop into a juggernaut of potential business—then  you might want to toss your banners and start thinking about the right way to move people online.