System and method for computer-created advertisements
The invention relates to a computerized method for a user to create an advertisement by displaying a plurality of advertising formats for selection by a user; displaying a template corresponding to a selected advertising format; displaying a plurality of product references for selection by the user; displaying on the template a selected product reference to create a proposed advertisement; and creating a preview of the proposed advertisement, all of which may be implemented using the Internet. The invention further relates to a computerized system for creating an advertisement that comprises a template database for storing advertising formats; a product database for storing product references; and a computer to access the databases. Preferably, the user has a network interface such as Internet access that permits access via a remote location, software to permit a user to specify specifications such as quantity, printing information, ship date, paper type, pricing information, and payment information, and may be configured to receive images and text for new products.
1. A method to automatically determine charges related to an advertisement for a product reference that is inserted into an advertising space, the method comprising the steps of one or more computers:
obtaining advertising expenses associated with the advertising space;
one of obtaining or automatically determining the advertising space allotted to the product;
determining a portion of the advertising expenses to be allotted to the product based upon the advertising space allotted to the product;
determining a charge for the product by applying a surcharge to at least one of the advertising expenses, the advertising space allotted to the product, or the portion of the advertising expenses to be allotted to the product;
obtaining a selection of at least one report relating to the product and the charge;
generating the selected at least one report; and
outputting the selected at least one report to at least one of a printing device and a display device.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one report comprises at least one of an individual report for each product which is advertised, or a general report of all products advertised in the advertising space.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the surcharge is a predetermined surcharge.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the surcharge is entered by a user.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the portion of the advertising expenses to be allotted to the product is automatically determined based upon the ratio of the advertising space allotted to the product to the advertising space associated with the advertising expenses.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one report comprises at least one of advertising activity by dealer, advertising activity by area, advertising activity by region, advertising activity at large, sales with respect to advertising expenses, and annual advertising productivity.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the report is sent to the client of a user along with a copy of the advertisement for the product.