Discount Coupon Magazines Are Hot Trash

Why Print-Based Coupon Magazines Are a Complete Waste of Your Advertising Budget

If I have to look at one more terribly designed, mind-numbingly repetitive ad in a print-based coupon magazine mailed to my home, I might just lose it. These discount rags—MINT, Money Pages, Prestigious Living, and their equally uninspired counterparts—are the graveyard of bad advertising decisions.

Seriously, where do I even begin?

The Same Industries, The Same Ads, Over and Over

Flip through one of these publications, and you’ll see the same HVAC contractors, roofing companies, tree removal services, weight loss clinics peddling GLP-1 medications, garage door repair companies, and indoor air quality specialists—all stacked on top of one another, fighting for attention.

Instead of standing out, they’re advertising against their own competition in the same damn magazine, sent to the same audience. Brilliant strategy, right?

If You Have a Quarter-Page Ad, You May as Well Not Bother

Advertising in one of these coupon books only works if you dominate the space. A quarter-page or smaller ad? It’s lost in the mix, drowned out by full-page spreads and competitors flashing bigger discounts. At that point, why even bother? Save yourself the frustration and put that money to better use.

People Who Read These Magazines Want Cheap, Not Quality

The audience for these publications isn’t looking for the best company—they’re looking for the biggest discount.

That means:

• You’re either forced to slash your prices or create the illusion of doing so.
• Your brand becomes associated with discount-seeking customers, not loyal, high-value clients.
• The moment a competitor offers a better deal, your customer retention is shot.

If your only value proposition is being the cheapest, then congratulations, you’ve just become the Dollar Store version of your industry.

What Should You Do Instead?

Ditch the coupon books and invest in smarter, high-return marketing channels. Instead of burning cash on ads destined for the recycling bin, try:

• Google Local Service Ads & PPC Campaigns – Be the first business people see when they actually need your service, not when they’re absentmindedly flipping through junk mail.
• SEO & Content Marketing – A well-optimized website and strong local SEO can ensure your business ranks higher without throwing your profit margins in the trash.
• Social Media & Retargeting Ads – With Facebook, Instagram, and Google retargeting, you can target real potential customers, not just bargain hunters.
• Streaming & OTT Advertising – If you really want visibility, streaming ads on platforms like Hulu, YouTube, and Roku will actually get seen by engaged audiences—unlike that coupon book collecting dust on a kitchen counter.

Final Thought: Buy Better Toilet Paper Instead

If you were even considering throwing money into one of these print coupon books, do yourself a favor—spend it on better toilet paper instead. At least then, you’ll get some actual use out of it.

Or, if you actually want to invest in marketing that works, contact Mad Men Marketing today. We’ll help you put your budget where it actually drives results, not where it ends up in the trash.

Lawyers’ Love Affair With Billboards

Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Love Billboards? And Why They Should Rethink Their Strategy

Billboards are everywhere, and if you’ve ever driven down a major highway, you’ve likely noticed a trend—personal injury attorneys dominate this outdated advertising medium. In fact, one could argue that if it weren’t for this particular industry, the entire billboard sector might collapse. But why do lawyers cling so tightly to billboards? Is it a misguided attempt at brand recognition, or just an ego-driven need to see their own faces plastered across the skyline?

The Appeal of Billboards for Personal Injury Attorneys

1. The Visibility Factor (Even If It’s Ineffective)
Law firms that invest in billboards believe that sheer exposure will lead to business. But visibility doesn’t equal engagement. A driver speeding down the highway at 70 mph has mere seconds to register an attorney’s name and phone number, and the chances of that driver immediately needing legal representation at that moment? Almost zero.

2. Ego Over Strategy
Many lawyers love seeing their own faces on billboards, as if their larger-than-life presence alone will inspire trust. But advertising should be about connecting with clients, not fulfilling a personal need for recognition. Consumers don’t hire attorneys because they’ve seen the same headshot 50 times on their daily commute—they hire based on trust, reputation, and credibility.

3. Lackluster Creativity
Legal billboards are infamous for their uninspired creative. Whether it’s a serious-looking attorney with crossed arms and a phone number in massive font, a particular Tampa lawyer harkening back to his good old days at college in EVERY SINGLE AD (even though it was probably more then 30 years ago), or a cringeworthy pun, the result is the same: forgettable. The best advertising evokes emotion and action—billboards for attorneys, on the other hand, rarely achieve either.

The Bigger Problem: Outdated Advertising and Neglected Digital Presence

While lawyers continue to dump money into billboards, many of their websites remain outdated, slow, and difficult to navigate. A poorly designed website sends a clear message to potential clients: If you don’t care about your own digital presence, how much will you care about their case?

Smarter Advertising Strategies for Attorneys

Rather than burning cash on overpriced, ineffective billboards, law firms should focus on data-driven digital marketing strategies that actually generate leads and build long-term brand authority:

• Google Search Ads & Local Service Ads – When people need a lawyer, they don’t scan billboards. They Google it. Investing in Google Local Service Ads ensures that law firms appear when and where potential clients are actively searching.
• SEO & Content Marketing – A professionally designed website with well-optimized legal content helps law firms rank higher on search engines and establish authority.
• Social Media & Video Marketing – Personal injury attorneys should leverage YouTube Video Ads and social media platforms to connect with potential clients in a more engaging, memorable way.
• Retargeting & Email Campaigns – Digital advertising allows law firms to re-engage potential clients who have visited their website but haven’t taken action.

Conclusion: Stop Wasting Money, Start Building a Better Brand

Personal injury attorneys have relied on billboards for far too long, but in today’s digital-first world, that approach is inefficient, outdated, and costly. Instead of pouring money into roadside ads with uninspired creative and minimal engagement, law firms should invest in smarter, measurable marketing strategies.

At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in creating customized digital marketing strategies that actually convert leads into clients. Don’t waste your budget on billboards—contact us today and let us help you build a brand that truly stands out.

Radio Ads Are Dead

The Decline of Traditional Radio Ads: Why Digital Alternatives Are Superior

For decades, conventional radio has been a dominant force in advertising, reaching commuters in their cars and workers in their offices. However, as technology evolves and consumer habits shift, traditional over-the-air radio is losing its effectiveness. If you’re still investing heavily in radio advertising, it’s time to reconsider your strategy and explore better digital marketing solutions.

Why Traditional Radio No Longer Delivers

1. Limited Engagement and High Tune-Out Rates

People often listen to radio passively, using it as background noise while driving or working. Unlike digital advertising strategies, where users actively engage with content, radio ads are easy to tune out. The lack of visuals also makes it harder to create a lasting impression.

2. Segmented Audiences and Volatile Listenership

Radio audiences are highly fragmented, divided across numerous stations, genres, and time slots. This segmentation makes it difficult to achieve broad reach without significant investment. Additionally, listenership peaks and valleys can make it challenging to predict ad performance, unlike targeted digital marketing campaigns that provide measurable results.

3. No Visual Component for Better Recall

Audio-only ads are inherently less memorable than ads that combine sight and sound. Without visuals, it’s harder to establish brand recognition, reinforce messages, or create a compelling call to action. Streaming video advertising offers a more engaging and effective alternative.

4. Lack of Immediate Actionability

Unlike Google Search Ads or YouTube Video Advertising, which allow users to click and engage instantly, radio ads rely on listeners remembering your brand later. In a world where instant gratification is key, this delay significantly reduces conversion rates.

Better Advertising Alternatives for Modern Businesses

If you’re still relying on traditional radio, consider shifting to more effective digital advertising channels that offer better targeting, measurable results, and greater engagement:

1. Streaming Radio & Podcasts on Spotify

Streaming services like Spotify allow advertisers to target specific demographics and interests, making ads more relevant and impactful. Podcast advertising also offers high engagement rates, as listeners are more likely to trust and respond to host-read ads.

2. Streaming Television (Connected TV & OTT Advertising)

Connected TV (CTV) and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising reach audiences across multiple devices—smart TVs, computers, tablets, and mobile phones—combining the power of sight and sound for maximum impact.

3. Google Search & Local Service Ads

People searching on Google are actively looking for solutions, making Google Search Ads one of the most effective ways to capture high-intent leads. Local Service Ads are another great way to target customers in your specific geographic area.

4. YouTube Video Advertising

YouTube Advertising combines visual and audio elements, offering a more immersive ad experience. With billions of users, it provides unparalleled reach and targeting capabilities based on user interests and behavior.

Let Mad Men Marketing Build Your Custom Media Plan

Traditional radio advertising is becoming less effective in today’s digital world. If you’re looking for a smarter, results-driven approach, Mad Men Marketing can help. Our team specializes in custom-tailored media plans that maximize your advertising investment and drive real business growth.

Contact us today to explore the best digital advertising solutions for your business!

Why Billboards Are A Waste Of Money

For decades, billboards have been a staple in traditional advertising, but in today’s fast-paced, digital world, they have become an antiquated, ineffective, and overpriced medium. Businesses looking to maximize their marketing dollars need to rethink their strategies—because putting all your eggs in the billboard basket is a costly mistake.

The Problem With Billboards

1. Lack of a Captive Audience
   Unlike digital marketing or even traditional media like television and radio, billboards never provide a captive audience. People driving past an advertisement are often distracted or focused on the road, making it nearly impossible to capture their full attention.
2. Impressions Are Fleeting
   With digital billboards constantly rotating ads, your message is visible for mere seconds. This reduces the likelihood of retention and significantly diminishes the impact of your campaign. Static billboards are no better—while they may be visible for longer, they quickly blend into the background and become part of the everyday scenery.
3. Overpriced and Inefficient
   Billboards demand a premium price for placement, yet their return on investment (ROI) is difficult to measure. Unlike digital marketing, which provides trackable engagement metrics, billboards leave businesses guessing about their effectiveness. If your advertising budget is limited, investing in a medium that lacks measurable results is a risk you cannot afford.
4. Lack of Immediate Actionability
   Most people are not in a position to take immediate action when they see a billboard. Whether they’re driving or commuting, they can’t just stop and make a purchase or visit a website on the spot. Contrast this with digital ads, where users can instantly click to call, visit a website, or complete a purchase.

Smarter Alternatives for Your Marketing Budget

Instead of pouring money into an outdated medium, businesses should focus on advertising strategies that provide measurable results, better audience targeting, and higher engagement rates. Some effective alternatives include:

– Search Engine Marketing (SEM) & Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Get your brand in front of potential customers actively searching for your products or services. – Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn allow precise targeting based on user behavior and demographics. – Content Marketing & SEO: Creating valuable content and optimizing for search engines ensures long-term visibility and organic traffic growth. – Email & SMS Marketing: Engage with your audience directly through personalized campaigns that drive conversions.

Invest Wisely—Go Digital

If your business relies solely on billboards for advertising, you may be setting yourself up for failure. At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in data-driven, digital-first marketing solutions that deliver real results. Don’t waste your budget on an outdated medium—let us help you build a marketing strategy that works.

Contact us today to learn how we can maximize your advertising investment and take your brand to the next level.

Evaluating the Best Super Bowl Ads of 2025

The Super Bowl is more than just a championship football game—it’s the grand stage for the most anticipated advertisements of the year. In 2025, the best ads were front-loaded in the first half, which, given the tough loss suffered by the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles, was probably a good thing for viewers looking for some lighthearted entertainment.

Before diving into my top pick, here’s a quick rundown of a few standout commercials that deserve an honorable mention:

• Ritz Crackers featuring Aubrey Plaza (and friends) – A quirky, star-studded ad that brought humor and charm.
• Stand Up to Hate with Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady – This ad was in my top three for its strong message and creativity, punctuated perfectly by Snoop’s delivery at the end.
• WeatherTech’s Old Ladies – If Liquid Death can make water exciting, WeatherTech made rubber floor mats amusing in an unexpected way.
• Ram Trucks’ Goldilocks – A testosterone-fueled reimagining of the classic children’s tale, blending ruggedness with nostalgia.
• Angel Soft’s Bathroom Break – A clever, well-timed spot that capitalized on a natural Super Bowl moment.
• Post Malone’s Bud Light Cul-de-Sac Party – Another entry in the Bud Light playbook that delivered good vibes and brand recognition.
• MSC Cruises with Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom – Highlighting the cultural divide between the U.S. and England with humor and elegance.
• Super Boston Dunkin’ Ad – Ben Affleck’s return to Dunkin’ was packed with heavy Boston accents and familiar faces, making for a crowd-pleasing hit.

My Favorite Ad of the Night

The standout ad for me was Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban, featuring their new smart glasses. The commercial kicked off with Chris Pratt using the Meta AI within the glasses to inquire about some artwork he’s observing—a banana duct-taped to a wall. The AI informs him that the piece is valued at $6.2 million.

The scene then shifts to Chris Hemsworth, who is casually eating the infamous banana. Though he’s also wearing the Meta glasses, he doesn’t seem to be using them—though, let’s face it, he can make anything look stylish. Pratt, in shock, exclaims, “That’s a 6.2 million dollar banana!” to which Hemsworth replies, “Are you kidding?”

Their ensuing scramble to replace the banana leads them to a sleek, well-stocked refrigerator, revealing that they are actually inside a private collection rather than a museum. Enter Kris Jenner, the art’s owner, who sternly asks, “Who eats art?!” In an attempt to deflect, Pratt and Hemsworth bumble their way into demonstrating the AI’s functionality: “I think you’re supposed to say, ‘Hey Meta, who eats art?’ and then Meta would say Chris Pratt,” as Pratt points at a Hemsworth in shock. The ad closes with Jenner deadpanning, “Hey Meta, call my lawyer,” before the Meta and Ray-Ban logos appear, along with the glasses’ $299 starting price.

Why This Ad Stood Out

This commercial wasn’t just funny and packed with pop-culture relevance; it showcased a product that could genuinely change consumer technology in a meaningful way. Much like the rise of smartwatches, these AI-powered glasses have the potential to redefine how we capture and interact with the world around us.

For younger generations who document their lives on social media, or for influencers who rely on seamless content creation, these glasses streamline photography, video recording, and AI-driven assistance. The ability to take natural, unobstructed mirror selfies, capture videos effortlessly, and receive instant answers makes them a game-changer. Given their stylish design, reasonable price, and practical functionality, these smart glasses could become a major hit in the wearable tech industry for years to come.

Elevate Your Brand with Mad Men Marketing

Super Bowl ads prove time and time again that great storytelling, creativity, and cultural relevance drive brand success. If you want to make an impact with your advertising, whether it’s through engaging digital campaigns, compelling TV spots, or innovative branding strategies, Mad Men Marketing can help. We specialize in crafting powerful, results-driven marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences and elevate brands to the next level.

Let’s create something unforgettable together. Contact us today to start shaping the future of your brand’s advertising strategy.