Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Brady. Brady Wonders, “Why are there ads” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Brady!

Do you like to watch commercials? The answer is probably a loud “No!” Many kids—and adults—see commercials as interruptions. Most would rather watch their favorite show or sports event.

Of course, that’s not always the case. Sometimes commercials can be really funny or interesting. Have you ever watched the Super Bowl? Many people enjoy the commercials as much as the game itself! We bet you can think of a few commercials that you really like.

Have you ever WONDERed why we even have commercials? Well, they help fund television! Companies pay large amounts of money every year to broadcast commercials. They use them to advertise their goods and services. This money helps pay for the production and airing of your favorite shows.

Commercials are a form of advertising. Advertisements (or ads) can take on many forms. They can range from television commercials and ads in newspapers to emails and handwritten signs. Their purpose is usually to get you to buy a product or service.

Have you ever done any advertising? Really think about it. Maybe you’ve made a sign for a lemonade stand. Perhaps you’ve made a flyer to let people know that you’re available as a babysitter. These are both forms of ads. Letting people know about goods (lemonade) and services (babysitting) is the best way to get new business!

When it comes to ways to advertise, your imagination is about the only limit. Ads can be creative, funny, interesting, intriguing . . . you name it! If it gets people’s attention and helps you sell goods or services, it’s a good ad!

Think about the things you see in a typical week. You might realize that you’re surrounded by ads all the time. You’ll find them on television, magazines, newspapers, the Internet, billboards, signs, movie theaters—the list goes on and on. Advertisements abound everywhere you look!

With so many ads competing for your attention, advertisers are always looking for new ways to be creative. This has led some to engage in a practice called guerilla marketing.

Guerilla marketing uses unusual—and usually inexpensive—tactics. Their aim is to draw attention to a particular good, service, or cause. Guerilla marketing might involve anything from graffiti and flash mobs to in-store giveaways and viral videos.

Today, many companies use social media to get the word out. This can take the form of ads that simply share information through a video or graphic. Businesses also pay social media influencers to create advertisements for them. This helps companies reach the right audience on a large scale.

Sometimes, advertisements are helpful. They can help you learn about a useful new product or service. However, it’s always important to be aware that ads are trying to sell you something. Do some independent research—don’t believe everything you see in an ad.

Can you think of any ads you’ve seen recently? Just go for a walk or car ride with a family member, and we bet you’ll see plenty! The Internet and T.V. are also good places to find them. Share what you’ve learned today with a family member, and ask them to join your advertisement hunt!

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Be sure to join us in Wonderopolis tomorrow. We’re playing your tune!