According to IAB SA, key findings show that advertising in the news is brand safe, increases trust and drives consumers to take action. More than 40% of consumers would be willing to try a brand after seeing an ad in a news outlet.
This and more is evidenced in the latest research conducted in the US by the IAB in collaboration with Magid Research. Riaan Wolmarans, head of digital: media at Arena Holdings and chairperson of the IAB SA’s Publishers’ Council said, ‘South African publishers go to great lengths to ensure they offer a brand-safe, quality-driven environment for advertisers. Combined with the trust that readers place in the country’s long-established news publications with their massive reach in print and online, it means our readers will have a similarly positive view of advertising in their favourite news publication.’
Here are some of the other findings:
Advertising in the news drives consumers to act
Consumers like brands more when they advertise in the news:
- 49% of respondents saw these brands as relevant to them.
- 47% saw these brands as customer-focused.
- 46% believed these brands were of high quality.
As a result of seeing a brand advertising in their favourite news outlets:
- 45% of respondents were more likely to visit the brand’s website.
- 43% would consider buying from the brand.
- 39% were comfortable recommending the brand.
Consumers trust the news
- Three in four consumers seek national/international news weekly. On average, consumers follow four news sources.
- Seven in 10 consumers find their chosen news sources to be trustworthy
The halo effect: contrary to popular belief, advertising in news is brand safe and improves trust for the brands that advertise
- For 84% of consumers, trust remains neutral or increases for news advertisers.
- Only 16% of consumers said it makes them trust brands less.
- Advertising in the news can increase consumers trust by 6%.
‘Never has trusted news been more important in our society. Over the past year, we have seen significant growth in news consumption as we increasingly rely on news to keep us safe, connected and informed. The IAB study sought to understand the brand impact of advertising in the news. While historically some brands have avoided news due to negative association concerns, the study found that those concerns were unfounded,’ said David Cohen, chief executive officer, IAB. ‘If a consumer sees an ad in a news outlet they deem legitimate, they are more likely to consider trying the brand, telling a friend about it, visiting the brand’s website and, ultimately, finding that brand more trustworthy. News outlets provide a powerful platform to connect with consumers. Put simply, news saves lives and news builds brands.’ To download the report, click here.
