Comment by simonsarris

> If nobody advertised, every solution would be equally discoverable via search and word-of-mouth.

This is unbelievably untrue. Consider clothing brands, large and older labels have an immense advantage over newcomers. Newcomer word of mouth will never come close to some brand that has a store in every mall across the US.

With (say) Instagram ads alone, tiny labels can spend and target very effectively to create a niche, and begin word of mouth.

Gap and Lululemon would love it if all advertising was shut off today. It would basically guarantee their position forever because of the real estate and present day distribution Schelling point.