Method for evaluating a test advertisement with redemptions of electronically distributed coupons

Abstract

A method for comparing the efficacy of a plurality of test advertisements starts with distributing the advertisements over the internet. The plurality of test advertisements promote the same product or service. Upon viewing or hearing an advertisement distributed over the internet (an “imprint”), a viewer is given the option of printing out a coupon corresponding to the product or service referred to in the advertisement. Each printed coupon bears information that can be correlated with the particular test advertisement shown to the viewer who printed that coupon. The coupon server or other platform tracks the number of imprints of each test advertisement as well as the number of coupons printed as result of each test advertisement. After they have been redeemed, the coupons are subject to a clearing process. During the clearing process, the number of redeemed coupons corresponding to each test advertisement is tracked. Metrics can be derived from the number of imprints of each type of test advertisement, the number of coupons printed and the number of coupons redeemed. The raw numbers and/or these metrics, can be used to decide which, if any, of the test advertisements should be pursued or discontinued, in connection with a broader advertising campaign.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.