Developer docs
API playgroundTry for free, no card

Search company profiles

AdvertiseCast

Full company profile

uuid00084zj

Namestring
AdvertiseCast
Legal namestring
AdvertiseCast
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2016
Descriptiontext

AdvertiseCast operates a two-sided podcast advertising marketplace that connects independent podcast publishers seeking monetization with brand advertisers seeking access to podcast audiences. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the company has built a marketplace spanning more than 1,300 independent publishers across categories including True Crime, Business, Comedy, News, Sports, and Religion, with exclusive inventory from high-profile shows such as Tosh Show, Girls Next Level, Small Town Murder, ABC 2020 Limited Series, and Darknet Diaries. The platform enables host-read ad placements with detailed show-level reach metrics displayed to advertisers (e.g., 750,000 reach for ABC 2020 Limited Series, 350,000 for Darknet Diaries, 225,000 for Tosh Show), and supports both self-service marketplace browsing and a consultative sales motion with advertising specialists responding within 24 hours.

The core technology is a digital marketplace that pairs publisher inventory with advertiser demand, leveraging integration with parent company Libsyn's podcast hosting infrastructure for ad serving and distribution. Revenue is generated through marketplace commissions on CPM-based ad placements; specific rates are not publicly disclosed, with pricing handled via 'Talk to Sales' and 'Contact Us' channels rather than transparent tiers. The advertiser base includes enterprise brands across diverse verticals: Rothy's (retail), P&G | Lumi (consumer goods), OpenPhone/Quo and Mint Mobile (telecom), Nissan USA (automotive), Prize Picks and MyBookie (gaming), Grammarly (software), Bluehost (web hosting), Inside Tracker (health), Cozey (furniture), and Rock Auto (auto parts).

AdvertiseCast was acquired by Libsyn, a podcast hosting company, and now operates under the 'Libsyn Ads' brand as part of Libsyn's broader creator platform strategy that bundles hosting, monetization, and advertising services. The company had previously pursued inorganic growth itself, acquiring PODGO in November 2021 and Podcast Ad Reps in February 2022. Leadership includes co-founder Dave Hanley (CRO), CIO Trevr Smithlin, SVP of Content Partnerships Rick Selah, and Director of Sales Stephen Pickens. The business is private, US-domiciled, with 11-50 employees, and operates as a subsidiary within the Libsyn corporate structure.

Short descriptiontext

AdvertiseCast operates a two-sided podcast advertising marketplace connecting 1,300+ independent podcast publishers with brand advertisers for host-read ad placements, now operating as 'Libsyn Ads' following acquisition by podcast host Libsyn.

Operating statusenum
Acquired
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
11–50
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersOshkosh, United States
HQ citystring
Oshkosh
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Keyword5 values
podcast advertising, host-read ads, podcast monetization, advertiser marketplace, podcast ad network
Industry3 codes
1Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms
CodeMPACADADPrimaryYes
2Podcast Networks & Multi-Show Publishers
CodeMPACADABPrimaryNo
3Podcast Hosting, Distribution & Listening Platforms
CodeBPAMAJADPrimaryNo
NAICS code3 codes
  • Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers516210
  • Media Buying Agencies54183
  • Broadcasting and Content Providers516
SIC code2 codes
  • Services-Advertising7310
  • Services-Advertising Agencies7311
Product category
Podcast Advertising Marketplace
Social media profiles2 records
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Podcast Advertising / CPM-based Ad Placements
TypeMarketplace Commission
Description

Revenue generated from advertisers purchasing podcast ad placements on the marketplace, likely through CPM (cost per mille) pricing model based on the mention of 'Avg 60-Sec CPM' on the platform. The marketplace takes a commission or margin on ad placements between advertisers and podcast publishers.

advertising.libsyn.com
Marketing channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations
Pricing details1 tier
1CPM-based ad placement rates
ModelTransaction based/ take rateBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

Platform displays 'Avg 60-Sec CPM' metric suggesting CPM-based pricing. Specific rates require contacting sales team. Show listings include reach metrics (e.g., 750,000 reach for ABC 2020 Limited Series, 350,000 for Darknet Diaries) enabling price benchmarking.

advertising.libsyn.com
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeDigital Commerce or Conte…
Digital Commerce or Content
Core offering1 text field

AdvertiseCast (now operating as Libsyn Ads) runs a two-sided digital marketplace that connects brand advertisers with 1,300+ independent podcast publishers for host-read ad placements. Podcasters list their inventory on the platform to receive host-read sponsorships from brands, while advertisers shop the marketplace, view show-level reach metrics, and purchase placements on a CPM basis through either self-service browsing or a direct sales team.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 2 values shown
  • Advertisers gain access to 1,300+ independent publishers through a single marketplace platform
+1 more record
Product overview1 text field

Libsyn Ads operates as a unified podcast advertising marketplace that connects advertisers seeking to reach podcast audiences with podcasters seeking monetization opportunities. The platform functions as a single integrated offering rather than a modular architecture, providing both advertisers access to a curated network of 1,300+ independent publishers and podcasters access to brand sponsorship opportunities. Notable shows in the network include ABC 2020 Limited Series, Tosh Show, Girls Next Level, Small Town Murder, 10% Happier with Dan Harris, Darknet Diaries, and The Viall Files.

Product and service1 record
1Libsyn Ads Podcast Advertising Marketplace
Scale indicator2 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership1 partner
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnounced on2026-04-22
Description

Libsyn, a podcast hosting company led by CEO Brendan Monaghan, acquired AdvertiseCast as part of its evolution from a technology-led hosting platform into a broader creator platform with advertising and monetization infrastructure. AdvertiseCast now operates under the Libsyn Ads brand, combining podcast hosting with advertising marketplace capabilities following the acquisitions of AdvertiseCast and Pair Networks.

Recent move5 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight4 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
TypeDirect peer
Description

Acast is a global podcast hosting and advertising platform operating a two-sided marketplace similar to AdvertiseCast, connecting independent podcasters with brand advertisers via host-read sponsorships and programmatic inventory. Direct competitor in the neutral podcast ad sales network category.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Spotify's self-serve podcast advertising platform offers advertisers access to Spotify Originals and exclusive inventory. After acquiring Megaphone and Spotify Ad Studio expansion, it competes directly with AdvertiseCast for podcast ad budgets, particularly among mid-market and programmatic buyers.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

iHeartMedia operates one of the largest US podcast networks through iHeartRadio and acquired Triton Digital. It offers host-read and programmatic podcast advertising across thousands of shows, competing with AdvertiseCast for brand advertiser spend, particularly via its scale advantage.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Midroll is a podcast advertising network (acquired by Scripps) connecting brands with popular podcast shows for host-read ads. Operates the same marketplace model as AdvertiseCast and is a direct peer in independent podcast ad sales.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Megaphone is a podcast hosting, monetization, and programmatic ad marketplace (acquired by Spotify). It targets enterprise publishers and advertisers with dynamic ad insertion and SSP capabilities — a direct competitor to AdvertiseCast's host-read marketplace model.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

AdsWizz (owned by SiriusXM) is a digital audio ad tech platform providing programmatic podcast advertising, dynamic ad insertion, and audience targeting. Competes with AdvertiseCast for ad budgets, particularly programmatic/automated podcast ad spend.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Stitcher (acquired by SiriusXM) operates podcast hosting, ad sales, and content production services. Competes in the same podcast ad sales network category as AdvertiseCast with a similar marketplace-driven model.

TypeEmerging player
Description

Podscribe is a podcast attribution and analytics platform helping advertisers measure ROI on podcast campaigns. Adjacent competitor focused on measurement layer rather than direct ad sales, but increasingly competes for advertiser mindshare and budget allocation.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

SoundCloud offers creator monetization tools and host-read advertising for podcasts and music through SoundCloud for Creators. Operates an adjacent two-sided marketplace model and competes for independent creator/podcaster audience.

TypeRegional player
Description

Podbean is a podcast hosting platform with an integrated ad marketplace (Podbean Ads) connecting podcasters with advertisers. Competes with the Libsyn/AdvertiseCast stack on hosting-plus-monetization, particularly for SMB and independent podcasters.

Market position
Strengths5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat3 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks2 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers12 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature1 record

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles4 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

AdvertiseCast

Podcast Advertising Marketplaceadvertisecast.com

AdvertiseCast operates a two-sided podcast advertising marketplace connecting 1,300+ independent podcast publishers with brand advertisers for host-read ad placements, now operating as 'Libsyn Ads' following acquisition by podcast host Libsyn.

What AdvertiseCast does

AdvertiseCast operates a two-sided podcast advertising marketplace that connects independent podcast publishers seeking monetization with brand advertisers seeking access to podcast audiences. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the company has built a marketplace spanning more than 1,300 independent publishers across categories including True Crime, Business, Comedy, News, Sports, and Religion, with exclusive inventory from high-profile shows such as Tosh Show, Girls Next Level, Small Town Murder, ABC 2020 Limited Series, and Darknet Diaries. The platform enables host-read ad placements with detailed show-level reach metrics displayed to advertisers (e.g., 750,000 reach for ABC 2020 Limited Series, 350,000 for Darknet Diaries, 225,000 for Tosh Show), and supports both self-service marketplace browsing and a consultative sales motion with advertising specialists responding within 24 hours.

The core technology is a digital marketplace that pairs publisher inventory with advertiser demand, leveraging integration with parent company Libsyn's podcast hosting infrastructure for ad serving and distribution. Revenue is generated through marketplace commissions on CPM-based ad placements; specific rates are not publicly disclosed, with pricing handled via 'Talk to Sales' and 'Contact Us' channels rather than transparent tiers. The advertiser base includes enterprise brands across diverse verticals: Rothy's (retail), P&G | Lumi (consumer goods), OpenPhone/Quo and Mint Mobile (telecom), Nissan USA (automotive), Prize Picks and MyBookie (gaming), Grammarly (software), Bluehost (web hosting), Inside Tracker (health), Cozey (furniture), and Rock Auto (auto parts).

AdvertiseCast was acquired by Libsyn, a podcast hosting company, and now operates under the 'Libsyn Ads' brand as part of Libsyn's broader creator platform strategy that bundles hosting, monetization, and advertising services. The company had previously pursued inorganic growth itself, acquiring PODGO in November 2021 and Podcast Ad Reps in February 2022. Leadership includes co-founder Dave Hanley (CRO), CIO Trevr Smithlin, SVP of Content Partnerships Rick Selah, and Director of Sales Stephen Pickens. The business is private, US-domiciled, with 11-50 employees, and operates as a subsidiary within the Libsyn corporate structure.

AdvertiseCast firmographics

Firmographics
Name
AdvertiseCast
Legal name
AdvertiseCast
Website
https://advertisecast.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
2016
Operating status
Acquired
Headcount range
11–50 employees
Short description
AdvertiseCast operates a two-sided podcast advertising marketplace connecting 1,300+ independent podcast publishers with brand advertisers for host-read ad placements, now operating as 'Libsyn Ads' following acquisition by podcast host Libsyn.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

AdvertiseCast industry classification

Industry
Product category
Podcast Advertising Marketplace
NAICS
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Media Buying Agencies (54183), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)
SIC
Services-Advertising (7310), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)
akta.pro primary industry
Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms (MPACADAD)
akta.pro secondary industries
Podcast Networks & Multi-Show Publishers (MPACADAB), Podcast Hosting, Distribution & Listening Platforms (BPAMAJAD)

Keywords

  • Podcast advertising
  • Host-read ads
  • Podcast monetization
  • Advertiser marketplace
  • Podcast ad network

Where AdvertiseCast is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Oshkosh
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Markets served

AdvertiseCast business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Digital Commerce or Content
Cost components
Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

  1. Podcast Advertising / CPM-based Ad Placements: Revenue generated from advertisers purchasing podcast ad placements on the marketplace, likely through CPM (cost per mille) pricing model based on the mention of 'Avg 60-Sec CPM' on the platform. The marketplace takes a commission or margin on ad placements between advertisers and podcast publishers.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
Transaction based/ take ratePay-as-you-goCPM-based ad placement rates

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

AdvertiseCast product offering

Product offering

Core offering

AdvertiseCast (now operating as Libsyn Ads) runs a two-sided digital marketplace that connects brand advertisers with 1,300+ independent podcast publishers for host-read ad placements. Podcasters list their inventory on the platform to receive host-read sponsorships from brands, while advertisers shop the marketplace, view show-level reach metrics, and purchase placements on a CPM basis through either self-service browsing or a direct sales team.

Product overview

Libsyn Ads operates as a unified podcast advertising marketplace that connects advertisers seeking to reach podcast audiences with podcasters seeking monetization opportunities. The platform functions as a single integrated offering rather than a modular architecture, providing both advertisers access to a curated network of 1,300+ independent publishers and podcasters access to brand sponsorship opportunities. Notable shows in the network include ABC 2020 Limited Series, Tosh Show, Girls Next Level, Small Town Murder, 10% Happier with Dan Harris, Darknet Diaries, and The Viall Files.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Libsyn Ads Podcast Advertising Marketplace

Quantifiable outcome

  • Advertisers gain access to 1,300+ independent publishers through a single marketplace platform
  • +1 more outcomes

Companies that use AdvertiseCast

Customer profile

Named customers12 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

AdvertiseCast technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

AdvertiseCast partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

  • LibsyncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2026Libsyn, a podcast hosting company led by CEO Brendan Monaghan, acquired AdvertiseCast as part of its evolution from a technology-led hosting platform into a broader creator platform with advertising and monetization infrastructure. AdvertiseCast now operates under the Libsyn Ads brand, combining podcast hosting with advertising marketplace capabilities following the acquisitions of AdvertiseCast and Pair Networks.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

AdvertiseCast competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • Acast: Acast is a global podcast hosting and advertising platform operating a two-sided marketplace similar to AdvertiseCast, connecting independent podcasters with brand advertisers via host-read sponsorships and programmatic inventory. Direct competitor in the neutral podcast ad sales network category.
  • Midroll Media: Midroll is a podcast advertising network (acquired by Scripps) connecting brands with popular podcast shows for host-read ads. Operates the same marketplace model as AdvertiseCast and is a direct peer in independent podcast ad sales.
  • Megaphone: Megaphone is a podcast hosting, monetization, and programmatic ad marketplace (acquired by Spotify). It targets enterprise publishers and advertisers with dynamic ad insertion and SSP capabilities — a direct competitor to AdvertiseCast's host-read marketplace model.

Broad incumbents

  • Spotify Ad Studio: Spotify's self-serve podcast advertising platform offers advertisers access to Spotify Originals and exclusive inventory. After acquiring Megaphone and Spotify Ad Studio expansion, it competes directly with AdvertiseCast for podcast ad budgets, particularly among mid-market and programmatic buyers.
  • iHeartMedia Podcast Network: iHeartMedia operates one of the largest US podcast networks through iHeartRadio and acquired Triton Digital. It offers host-read and programmatic podcast advertising across thousands of shows, competing with AdvertiseCast for brand advertiser spend, particularly via its scale advantage.
  • AdsWizz: AdsWizz (owned by SiriusXM) is a digital audio ad tech platform providing programmatic podcast advertising, dynamic ad insertion, and audience targeting. Competes with AdvertiseCast for ad budgets, particularly programmatic/automated podcast ad spend.
  • Stitcher (SiriusXM): Stitcher (acquired by SiriusXM) operates podcast hosting, ad sales, and content production services. Competes in the same podcast ad sales network category as AdvertiseCast with a similar marketplace-driven model.
  • SoundCloud: SoundCloud offers creator monetization tools and host-read advertising for podcasts and music through SoundCloud for Creators. Operates an adjacent two-sided marketplace model and competes for independent creator/podcaster audience.

Emerging players

  • Podscribe: Podscribe is a podcast attribution and analytics platform helping advertisers measure ROI on podcast campaigns. Adjacent competitor focused on measurement layer rather than direct ad sales, but increasingly competes for advertiser mindshare and budget allocation.

Regional players

  • Podbean: Podbean is a podcast hosting platform with an integrated ad marketplace (Podbean Ads) connecting podcasters with advertisers. Competes with the Libsyn/AdvertiseCast stack on hosting-plus-monetization, particularly for SMB and independent podcasters.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

AdvertiseCast social profiles

Digital presence

AdvertiseCast financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

AdvertiseCast leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

AdvertiseCast funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

AdvertiseCast M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AdvertiseCast

What does AdvertiseCast do?

AdvertiseCast (now operating as Libsyn Ads) runs a two-sided digital marketplace that connects brand advertisers with 1,300+ independent podcast publishers for host-read ad placements. Podcasters list their inventory on the platform to receive host-read sponsorships from brands, while advertisers shop the marketplace, view show-level reach metrics, and purchase placements on a CPM basis through either self-service browsing or a direct sales team.

Is AdvertiseCast a public or private company?

AdvertiseCast is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.

When was AdvertiseCast founded?

AdvertiseCast was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is AdvertiseCast based?

AdvertiseCast is headquartered in Oshkosh, United States, in the North America region.

How does AdvertiseCast make money?

One revenue line is on record: podcast Advertising / CPM-based Ad Placements.

Who are AdvertiseCast's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Acast, Midroll Media and Megaphone. Broad incumbents are Spotify Ad Studio, iHeartMedia Podcast Network, AdsWizz, Stitcher (SiriusXM) and SoundCloud. Podscribe is listed as an emerging player. Podbean is listed as a regional player.

Does AdvertiseCast have an API?

No public API is recorded for AdvertiseCast.

What industry is AdvertiseCast in?

AdvertiseCast's product category is Podcast Advertising Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACADAD, Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms, with a secondary code of MPACADAB, Podcast Networks & Multi-Show Publishers. Its NAICS code is 516210 and its SIC code is 7310.

Unlock the full company data

50 free credits on sign-up, no credit card required.

Contact sales
Live signals
PR NewswireBurns & Levinson Closes $30 Million Acquisition of AdvertiseCastLiberated Syndication Inc. (Libsyn) has closed the acquisition of podcast advertising company AdvertiseCast for up to $30 million, comprising cash, stock, and earn-out payments. Burns & Levinson LLP represented AdvertiseCast in this transaction, which positions Libsyn to expand its monetization capabilities alongside its existing hosting platform.PR NewswireIndependent Podcasters Can Earn Money From AdvertisementsPodomatic and AdvertiseCast have formed a partnership to enable independent podcasters to monetize their content through advertisements. The collaboration creates a marketplace connecting smaller creators with brands, allowing podcasters to retain 80% of the ad revenue.PR NewswireLos podcasters independientes pueden ganar dinero con anunciosPodomatic, a podcasting platform and the largest independent podcaster community, has partnered with AdvertiseCast, an advertising marketplace, to help independent podcasters monetize through advertisements. The partnership creates a market connecting independent podcasters with smaller brands and businesses that cannot afford large national advertising rates, while podcasters receive 80% of ad revenue. Trevr Smithlin, founder and CEO of AdvertiseCast, stated the company is honored to be chosen as Podomatic's advertising partner.PR NewswireLes podcasteurs indépendants peuvent gagner de l'argent avec des annonces publicitairesPodomatic, a podcast hosting platform and the largest independent podcaster community, announced a partnership with AdvertiseCast, an advertising marketplace, to help independent podcasters monetize their content through advertising.PR NewswireLos podcasters independientes podrán ganar dinero con anunciosPodomatic, a podcasting platform and the world's largest independent podcaster community, has partnered with AdvertiseCast, an advertising marketplace, to help independent podcasters monetize through advertisements. The partnership creates a marketplace connecting podcasters with smaller brands and advertisers while offering podcasters 80% of advertising revenue. The companies claim podcast listeners are more likely to make a purchase after hearing an ad because of the close relationship podcasters have with their audiences.PR NewswireUnabhängige Podcaster können mit Werbung Geld verdienenPodomatic, a podcasting platform and the largest community of independent podcasters, has partnered with advertising marketplace AdvertiseCast to help independent podcasters monetize through advertising. The partnership creates a marketplace connecting advertisers with independent podcasts, addressing a gap where smaller podcasters struggle to secure deals and smaller businesses cannot afford large agency ad rates. Podcasters joining the platform receive 80% of advertising revenue, and the collaboration aims to leverage the strong listener-host relationship that makes podcast advertising particularly effective for driving purchasing decisions.