"We're servicing a need, and advertising helps the public find who offers these services," he said.

Consumer research it conducted this year found that advertising could help it improve its standing.

For example, advertising of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may help save lives by bringing patients into treatment.

Yet, only 11 percent said that any Presidential candidate's advertising had helped them decide which one to support.

Limited advertising on the site helped support the cost of the servers.

Where advertising could help her is, she could create a little more emotional bond with voters.

The advertising helped the company sell about three million units last year.

In larger markets, national advertising may help fill holes.

As in politics, advertising can help a Web site get noticed, but it is not enough to win.

Vast advertising has helped many American brands gain ground in China.