Core Insights - The article serves as a sequel to the history of marketing over the past 117 years, focusing on the theories of advertising masters from perspectives of communication, semiotics, and advertising [1] - It emphasizes that understanding these theories requires contextualizing them within the specific economic conditions of the time they were proposed, particularly in the United States [2][4] Group 1: Historical Context and Theoretical Development - The advertising industry has evolved significantly since Claude Hopkins entered it in 1908, with American advertising figures addressing issues like product surplus and changing consumer preferences [2] - The theories proposed by advertising masters are fundamentally methods of communication aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, ultimately to drive sales [4] - Hopkins advocated for scientific advertising, emphasizing that the primary goal of advertising is to sell products rather than to entertain or please consumers [4][5] Group 2: Key Advertising Theories - The Unique Selling Proposition (USP) introduced by Rosser Reeves focuses on having a clear and unique sales message, which is essential for effective communication and cost-efficient marketing [6][8] - David Ogilvy's concept of image advertising highlights the importance of visual symbols in product packaging to enhance communication efficiency and reduce marketing costs [10] - Jerome McCarthy's 4P theory (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) is presented as a comprehensive framework for marketing, relevant across various industries [11][13] Group 3: Evolution of Marketing Concepts - The positioning theory introduced by Trout and Ries addresses the challenges of product variety and high promotional costs, although it is critiqued for lacking theoretical rigor [15] - Integrated Marketing Communication, proposed by Don Schultz, aims to enhance two-way communication with consumers, although it is also critiqued for its ambiguity [17] - The article concludes that all these advertising methodologies fundamentally aim to lower marketing communication costs and improve the efficiency of information exchange between products and consumers [22]