Getting noticed is the most important objective of any advertising or shall we be suitably contemporary and say, ‘content’. Sadly, most of what’s paid for and put out there simply goes unnoticed. Only a handful break through the huge clutter of media noise and commercial messaging and an even smaller number are recalled and associated with the correct brand. Every week, I compile such creative ads. Here are a few from the week ending November…
Titan Industries, known for its watch and jewellery brands, released an ad which evoked a polarised reaction on social media. While one group praised it, another group raised objections and called for a boycott of the brand itself. In response, the company decided to take the ad off air. No, I was NOT referring to the recent ‘Ekatvam’ ad for Tanishq jewellery but to the ad for ‘Tamil Nadu Collection’ of watches which came under…
Advertising has changed over the years. Or shall we say it has evolved and adapted as it always does, to suit the media environment, consumer trends and changing times? Deep down, the fundamentals of advertising and marketing have and will remain the same forever. Products & services have to meet a genuine human need, solve genuine problems or capitalise on valid opportunity. Communication has to break the clutter, offer a proposition which is relevant in…
Every week I attempt to share a compilation of clutter-breaking creative ads. Occasionally I comment on industry related issues too. This week’s creative picks include a hilarious spot for Australian shoe-maker R.M. Williams starring Hugh Jackman, a clever print ad for Grin scooter rentals and more. R.M.Williams: Maximum Jackman Maximum Effort, the creative agency started by Ryan Reynolds (‘We make films, TV and content for the personal amusement of Ryan Reynolds. We occasionally share them…
Every week, I attempt to share a compilation of clutter-breaking creative ads. I also occasionally share my views on industry topics. This week, my compilation of creative ads include TV spots from Apple for the Apple Watch Series 6, Tesco UK for its Clubcard and more. Apple Watch Series 6: it already does that Over the years, the Keynote events held by Apple have been master classes in both PR and presentation. The hallmarks have…
Every week, I attempt to share a compilation of clutter-breaking creative ads and occasionally some commentary on industry topics. Being noticed is an ad’s No.1job as far too many of our ads simply go unnoticed in the clutter of media noise. This week, my collection includes a charming ad for Yorkshire Tea among others. Yorkshire Tea: The Social Distancing Teapot Brands have been tripping over each other to release ads pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic…
The ad industry trade portals were abuzz recently on the topic of ageism in advertising following the comments made by the CEO of WPP. The crux of an argument from Bob Hoffman (‘The Ad Contrarian’) is that in other ‘creative’ domains the best work is produced by senior people while the ad industry thinks they can’t produce a web banner. In management consulting, legal practice or medicine the premium is on experience. Since the rise…
Every week I attempt to share a compilation of clutter-breaking creative ads from around the world. As pundits have pointed out before, getting noticed is the first test of an effective ad. It is even more difficult in today’s highly cluttered media. My compilation this week includes a print ad for LandRover with clever wordplay, a TVC to highlight the heritage of Renault Clio and more. LandRover: streaming The extended lockdown periods over the past…
Humour is perhaps an under-explored route in advertising. Admittedly, not all categories, causes or objectives maybe be served well by making the ad funny. When it comes to serious subjects, ads which bring a tinge of smile are still ok, but the laugh-out-loud type humour – be it quirky or bizarre is limited to some fun categories such as colas, beer and confectionaries. Among the clutter-breaking creative ads of week ending August 21, 2020 was…
Competitive advertising has been an effective strategy for many brands., particularly so when consumers see two equals or a ‘worthy competitor’ take on a category giant. Some of the examples and legendary campaigns include rivalries between Coke & Pepsi, The Hindu and TOI in Chennai, iPhone vs Samsung (fueling the flame wars) and Mac vs PC. A few ad campaigns become so popular that they are spoofed by brands in other categories. Apple’s iconic ad,…