Ogilvy on Advertising Summary and Analysis

Please note: This is a summary and analysis of Ogilvy on Advertising, not the original book. This summary and analysis is not endorsed by or affiliated with the original author.

Ogilvy on Advertising was written in 1983 by David Ogilvy. He was a prominent advertiser who shared his knowledge about how to advertise, how to get a job in advertising, and described changes happening in the world of advertising at the time. One of the most important points of this book is that originality and creativity should not be sought after for its own sake: if a strategy works in advertising, then use it. Advertising is possibly one of the most stressful occupations and does not pay well unless you absolutely love it. The author is forthcoming about many mistakes he made in the advertising industry.

Ogilvy opens by emphasizing that good advertising does not just simply make people admire your message for its creativity; it influences people to action. It's a simple adage, yet easy for many advertisers to forget.