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There have been a few “big bangs” that have put marketing on different trajectories

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I began my marketing journey in 2017.

We had social media, content marketing, website chatbots. The frontier of marketing was already conquered. It seemed we were at the peak–not much new on the horizon.

As I’m writing this in 2025, we have AI taking over the world. Changing how we write, create, and even think. And I believe this is only the beginning, with AI influencers around the corner.

Before we run to AI to save our marketing incompetence, let’s step back and see how we got here. And then maybe can we begin plot a path forward.

Where did marketing begin?

It’s a question I think more people should ask.

Like with life, it’s important to understand where it started. As that “kind of” holds the key to thriving in life (and marketing).

But we will never “truly” know. As someone steeped in religion from an early age, I’m not sure if Adam and Eve were the beginning, or a Big Bang. Or both?

But with marketing, we can trace it’s origin a lot easier. Let’s go through Marketing’s history, touching on each Big Bang and the implications for marketers.

Marketing’s Origin

Rather than go back to Biblical times, when oral stories were used to achieve change, I want to start closer to our modern times. But not too close.

1. The Birth of Print Advertising (15th Century)

Before the printing press, it was hard to use mass communication for marketing. Like with the Bible, mass communication revolved around oral stories being passed on.

Now, “advertisers” could reach the public through newspapers, posters, breaking away from reliance on word-of-mouth.

• Implications for Marketers:
  • Needed clear, concise messaging that resonated with a wide and diverse audience.
  • Strategic planning for ad placement to maximize reach and influence.
  • Development of persuasive copy to capture and hold public attention.

2. The Rise of Branding (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)

With the rise of industrialization came more products and competition. Leading companies like Coca-Cola and Ford to realize the power of branding.

By associating values and lifestyles with their products, they could create strong emotional bonds with customers, introducing the idea of brand loyalty.

• Implications for Marketers:
  • Shifted focus to storytelling that highlighted brand values and created emotional connections.
  • Established the need for consistent messaging across multiple touchpoints.
  • Early strategies for loyalty programs, making brand identity a competitive advantage.