Advertising is an investment proven to deliver long-term, top-line growth for businesses. Reducing advertising expenditure will deliver short-term savings, but it comes at the cost of future revenue growth – it can be the beginning of a downward spiral for business in general.

That is the key message behind a new campaign launched by major media owners.

ACE Radio, Australian Radio Network, Foxtel, Grant Broadcasting, JCDecaux, Macquarie Media, News Corp Australia, Nine, Nova, Ooh Media, Seven West Media, Southern Cross Austero and 10, want to help business leaders regain confidence in the effectiveness and impact of advertising.

An example:

Their campaign, developed in partnership with Saatchi and Saatchi, is supported by the industry bodies Think TV, Outdoor Media Association, Commercial Radio Australia and News Media Works. 

The campaign hook message is “If your brand’s not here, it’s nowhere”, supported by a new website: advertiseordie.com.au. It reminds business leaders of the dangers of not investing in promoting their products and services, and the impact that not advertising will have on profit and earnings.

“There are three key messages for those who manage Australia’s corporate budgets,” said Advertise or Die spokesperson, Mark Ritson. 

“First, continue to invest money in advertising, not just despite a tightening economic situation but because of it. Second, make sure at least half your budget is invested on the top of the funnel and on long-term brand building, not just on short-term spending.

“And finally, don’t fall for the siren song of new, exaggerated media opportunities at the expense of proven long-term, brand-building media.”

The campaign will be running across the media assets of the participating owners from 8 December, pointing audiences towards advertiseordie.com.au for further information on the campaign and the power of effective advertising.