We used to call this stuff “advertorials.” It was easily identifiable, except to the most gullible reader, and was usually purchased by the most gullible advertiser.

The digital crew call it “native advertising” but it’s the same thing.

Two questions:

1. If your advertising is so lousy that it’s not working, why do you think sneaking it into view is going to change the performance?
2. Do you think so little of your target customer that they can’t see through the ruse?

Takeaway: Don’t fall for this digital flimflam. Make good ads. Place them in good locations. Become a marketer again. And win.