Profitability Power: New Thinkbox Study Crowns Advertising the King of Growth

In the ever-evolving marketing landscape, a crucial question lingers: does advertising still deliver real business growth? Thinkbox, the champion of commercial TV in the UK, has roared back with a resounding "yes" thanks to their latest research, Profit Ability 2. This deep dive into advertising effectiveness silences doubters and throws a spotlight on the significant profit-driving power of advertising, with TV taking center stage.

Profit Ability 2 isn't messing around. This expansive study, the most comprehensive analysis of advertising's financial impact to date, crunched data from a whopping £1.8 billion worth of media spend across 141 brands and 14 categories. The results are nothing short of a game-changer and it’s fantastic to finally have up to date data, following on from their first study back in the late 2010s.

Firstly, the study throws cold water on the myth that advertising is just a short-term sales booster. The study reveals a hidden champion: the long game. While some return is immediate, a whopping 58% of advertising's profit magic unfolds over time. Businesses that focus solely on short-term metrics are missing out on a treasure trove of future growth.

This endurance test highlights another key finding: advertising is a safe bet. Across a three-year window following campaigns, a staggering 72% deliver a profitable return. TV advertising reigns supreme in this arena, boasting the highest success rate – both in the short-term (70%) and the long haul (a triumphant 86% after three years). So, when it comes to placing your marketing wagers, TV emerges as the safest pair of hands in the advertising casino.

But the study goes beyond just return on investment. TV's unique power lies in its ability to captivate audiences and build lasting brand connections. The immersive experience of the big screen fosters deeper engagement with advertising messages, creating a powerful emotional connection that resonates long after the ad ends. This emotional resonance translates into stronger brand loyalty and advocacy, driving not just sales but a passionate customer base.

Furthermore, TV offers unparalleled reach and scale. A single, well-placed TV ad can blanket a target audience in moments, creating a wave of awareness that digital marketing, with its fragmented landscape, often struggles to match. This mass reach allows advertisers to tap into new customer segments and amplify their brand message across the nation.

Profit Ability 2 is a landmark study, reminding us that advertising isn't just about catchy slogans and dancing mascots. It's a powerful economic driver, fostering business growth and consumer choice. And within this advertising landscape, TV stands tall – a safe bet, a builder of emotional connections, and a champion of brand reach. So, the next time someone questions the value of advertising, especially TV advertising, point them towards this research. Advertising isn't a cost, it's an investment – and with TV leading the charge, the return on that investment is undeniable


Leah Brophy