Which of the following is a primary function of advertising?

The primary function of advertising is to create awareness and stimulate demand for products. This involves making potential customers aware of a product or service, informing them of its benefits, and encouraging them to consider purchasing it. Advertising serves as a crucial communication tool that promotes brand recognition and helps differentiate products in a competitive marketplace. By effectively conveying the value proposition, advertising can stimulate interest and lead to increased consumer demand, ultimately driving sales and supporting business growth.

The other options touch on related but distinct functions that are not the central focus of advertising. For instance, facilitating customer service interactions is more about post-sale support and ensuring customer satisfaction rather than directly promoting a product or service. Setting production schedules for manufacturing pertains to operational efficiencies and logistics, which are outside the realm of advertising. Developing customer loyalty programs is about maintaining existing customer relationships and encouraging repeat business, while important, is not the primary role of advertising itself. Thus, while advertising can play a role in supporting customer loyalty, its main function is to generate awareness and demand.