In its broadest sense, advertising design is the creation, preparation and implementation of the entire spectrum of marketing for a particular product. Most people however use the term to refer to the conception of a particular advertisement. More specifically, it refers to the creative process involved in the concept and imagining of the product.

One of the most effective ways for companies to advertise their business is by using list advertising. List advertising combines two business essentials, listing and advertising. This efficient yet inexpensive method has been the key to much business success. Small businesses can rely on increasing their client base on a yearly basis. In the information age, list advertising may be done in several ways.

Mailing list advertising is a directory of names and email addresses used by an organization or individual to send information regarding their products to numerous recipients. It can refer to print media and so-called snail mail. In early days of mass advertising campaigns, the information for the list was actually mailed. Now, with the advent of email, the mailing list can and does refer to electronic mail distribution. A mailshot is the term for a list where similar or nearly identical materials are distributed to all subscribers on the list. It's important for the recipient to be able to subscribe or unsubscribe themselves from the list in order to avoid sending unwanted advertising.

Each year since 1980 Entrepreneur Magazine has published a list of top franchise opportunities in the United States and to some extent, internationally.