Above The Line
Above the line is advertising that targets a broad audience, often using mass media. In many cases above the line ads are intended to build brand awareness or support a campaign such as a sales event. The creative aspects of producing a video advertisement or graphic are also considered above the line.Below The Line
Below the line ads reach a specific target market or an individual. For example, a direct mailing campaign to specific customers is considered below the line. Modern advertising techniques such as contextual and behavioral ads are also below the line. In many cases, below the line ads are highly measurable.Through The Line
Through the line indicates a hybrid technique such as a campaign that includes both mass media and highly targeted contextual ads.The Line
The term "line" originated with a financial concept that denotes whether a cost is considered general overhead. It became an advertising term due to the way that some advertising fees were charged as commissions and others were considered overhead. This is no longer relevant to the marketing term. In other words, the accounting treatment of advertising costs has no relationship to above the line as a marketing concept.| Overview: Above The Line | ||
Type | ||
Above The Line Definition | Advertising that reaches a broadly targeted audience. | |
Below The Line Definition | Advertising that reaches a highly targeted audience. | |
Related Concepts | Overhead CostsAdvertisingContextual AdvertisingBehavioral Targeting | |
