Is hiring sales reps to sell online ads an outdated way to compete in 2015?

ROBERT WYNNE

Partner

Wynne Communications

Yes. Does anyone ever read online ads? With AdBlock for Chrome and other apps, it’s very easy to bypass most ads on the Web. Most companies should utilize public relations instead of advertising.

CHRIS MIGLINO

Chief Executive

Social Reality

You need both. You need somebody who’s going to sell the ads or the automated process. People buy ads. Computers don’t buy ads.

ANDY DAVIS

Director of Business Development

TruBrain

It is very outdated with all the online sales tools that can reach a lot more people in a lot less time. All that is needed is one person to manage the process.

EITAN WEINSTOCK

Managing Director

AST Defeasance

No, a personal touch makes a difference. Particularly in a complex, sophisticated field, online marketing needs to be tailored to most effectively target relevant potential customers.

JENNIFER SARGENT

Chief Executive

HitFix

No. If you want to command premium CPMs and sponsorships in the marketplace, it is necessary to have a (preferably direct) salesperson representing your brand. Programmatic buying only gets you so far, but it doesn’t address the custom, high-margin opportunities that require a live conversation and/or relationship with the marketer.