Recently, I was driving through Mason, Michigan and saw one of those giant inflatable gorillas at a tire store. Really! They honestly think people are going to stop and buy tires because they were so entranced by the giant gorilla balloon?

I am constantly astounded by the extent some places will go just to draw attention to their business. Flashing signs, spinners, banners, oversized flags, etc., etc. The method that particularly amuses me is when businesses place something like the giant inflated gorilla (described above) or hot air balloon on their roof thinking that will draw in customers like flies to honey.

Yep… people will literally come to a screeching halt and dash right into each and every business with such a display, because they are so weak that they cannot control their spending impulses when an inflated gorilla is seen. It’s like King Kong was telling them to buy five extra sets of unnecessary tires.

Personally, I would like to see the market research and consumer behavior data that indicates people will actually stop and buy items from a business just because of some wacky advertising ploy that’s plastered across the site. Honestly, would you stop to buy tires somewhere, just because they have an inflated gorilla or hot air balloon on their roof or out front? Granted, if you have kids, they might want to stop and see the balloon, but that does not mean you will buy tires.

Here’s my proposed solution – try providing excellent customer service along with safe, reliable, and high-quality products instead of wasting your hard-earned money on silly advertising fluff that is visually polluting. If you have a good product or service, people will find you. In the end, there is no better (or more cost-effective) advertising than word of mouth.