How Advertisers Trick People. [scroll for video]

Alright, just seeing that headline, you're thinking one of two things: 

1. "Advertisers are jerks and they use deceitful methods to trick us into buying stuff."
2. "Uh Tony...don't you work in advertising? Are you calling your clients out?"

If your initial reaction was the first one, then you probably think Saved By The Bell was a conspiracy thought up by the Illuminati.?

While the truth of using certain advertising "tricks" probably sticks somewhere in the middle, here's what I tell you after working 15 years in the advertising space...it's only a trick if you are fooled by it. Did I just call you dumb? Uh...no. It really comes down to being an informed consumer.

Good advertising does an incredible job of being honest, real, relatable, and generally as transparent as possible. The advertisers that work hard at crafting solid campaigns that impact a potential buyer, have truly mastered an art form.

It's not a trick if you relate to the message, or feel a real emotion after experiencing an ad that reminds you of Grandma. The storytellers have done their job. It's up to you as a consumer to decide whether or not to spend your money.

Remember, it's not a trick. It's a story, a message, and an idea. Enjoy the ride. There are some great ads out there.