Credible source: Covergirl – Featuring Katy Perry

This source is credible for several reasons. The Covergirl name itself is exceptionally well-known in the makeup industry and is sold almost anywhere. Secondly, the ad features iconic pop-star, Katie Perry, who is well-received and a credible music sensation in the United States and abroad. This ad offers the notion that the communicators (those who designed it) are knowledgeable in the art of advertising. The layout is modern, clean, and conveys precisely what people are attracted to. Furthermore, this ad features a spin on the relevant hashtag platform in the verbiage of #instaGLAMYOURSELF, which is an eWOM (electronic word-of-mouth). This also adds another level of trustworthiness which proves this ad to be a powerhouse in the communicator’s credibility.

Not Credible source: Smarter than Botox

At first glance, one can conclude this ad is clearly not credible. This picture features the quick pop-up, thumbnail-sized, inconvenience ad-feel that bombards your daily internet searching. The ad clearly states on the side: simulated imagery, which is a tell-tell sign of inconclusive results concerning the effectiveness of the product. The ad also looks to be photoshopped and has the “click-bait” vibe with the large – click here TRY IT FREE – rectangle on the bottom right and the clickable area just below the product name. The only thing I find potentially credible is the after the product name. Nonetheless, if I were looking for skincare in this realm, I would avoid this product, just due to the ad and the ineffective communication it offers.

Attractive source: Anytime Fitness

I found this ad to be attractive, yet not wholly valid. Initially, seeing someone in excellent shape on a gym advertisement can be either intimidating or reassuring. Intimidating for someone who is not familiar with the fitness world and is apprehensive to dive into that atmosphere, and reassuring for those who are seasoned in the industry and are looking for a gym that has all they need to achieve their goals. For those that may be apprehensive, seeing someone in seemingly perfect shape may discourage them or give them false expectations, which may lead to a short-lived fitness experience. I found this aspect to be ineffective in attracting all types of people. On a positive note, the ad showcases the man in half business attire and half shirt off (fitness attire), which attracts those who may consider their lives too busy for a gym membership. This aspect of the ad communicated to people that, though your life may be busy, we’re here when you need us. This 24-hour experience is sometimes the only option for some and is highly appealing to those with extreme schedules.

The below representative photo depicts my work as I gathered information for each ad in separate windows. This allowed me to focus on each individually while ensuring there was continuity throughout.