How important is advertising for increasing sales?

Advertising plays a crucial role in increasing sales, especially in a competitive market like Shanghai. The main reason is that it creates awareness and influences consumer decisions. For example, as a UI designer, I've noticed how apps like Taobao use targeted ads based on users' browsing history. Recently, I was searching for a new laptop bag, and suddenly ads for stylish options started popping up everywhere. I ended up buying one because the advertising made me feel like it matched my needs perfectly. That said, there's a fine line between informing and pressuring consumers. While ads can guide choices, they can also push people to buy things they don't truly need. So, it's effective, but it needs to be handled responsibly.