I experienced three very different ways companies market and advertise their company and service.
Example 1: A radio ad for a petroleum company where an excited guy pitches this company’s products. Everything sounded fine until the end where he lists off a number of reasons to chose this company. One of the reason’s he gives is a “new company logo”. Initially I thought it was a joke but it wasn’t. I dunno but a new logo is about as effective at getting me to try your products as an “Under New Management” sign is. Not very.
Example 2: Another radio ad. This one for Home Depot although it’s sneaky. This time a guy with a very menacing voice (queue the mood music) tells us about a free seminar we’re all invited to to learn more about how to “earthquake proof” our homes. He goes on to explain that this seminar, held at at Home Depot, will show us how to bolt our homes firmly to the ground. The guys voice and the music make it sound like an old movie where you can tell there’s danger around the corner. It’s so corny sounding but I can elderly people freaking out after hearing this ad. Do you think that any of the products you’ll need to secure your home will be conveniently available for purchase at the Home Depot? I want to attend just so I can ask them if the same stuff is available at Lowes.
Example 3: This last example of creative advertising is my favorite. As I was walking near King Street Station in Seattle I looked up to see an older hotel with yellow brick. On the side of the hotel, in huge letters, was the name of the hotel and then what I assume to be the three primary reasons to chose this hotel above all others:
Great Rates
Modern
Fireproof
Huh? The last time I checked into a hotel I remember asking about the pool or gym hours but have you ever asked the front desk if the hotel was fireproof?
These examples reminded me of the the funny ad in BBC comedy called “The IT Crowd” about the new emergency services number. Here’s the clip.
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