Category: Advertising & Marketing

Super Bowl ads 2012: staff opinions

Posted on by Brian Lee

BRIAN:

I was really underwhelmed by this year’s Super Bowl commercials. Even without the annual build-up, the commercials by themselves were pretty dull. The Chrysler commercial with Clint Eastwood was entertaining, but all it did for me was invoke memories of GM’s “Imported from Detroit” commercial with Eminem. I did notice many spots add a hashtag at the end, which makes me wonder how many conversations they spawned.

STEPH:

In my opinion, a combination of animals and humor make some of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials that are also able to appeal to a wide audience. This year was no exception. One of my favorite ads was the Sketchers dog racing commercial featuring a French Bulldog named Mr. Quiggly. Not only was the commercial creative and funny, but I think people that saw the ad will actually remember what product it was advertising. Good call on Sketchers’ part deciding to ditch the Kim Kardashian commercial for this one instead.

WHITNEY:

Usually the Super Bowl commercials that keep people talking are the ads that no one can remember what the ad was for! This year, my favorite ad fell into that category–the boy peeing in the pool. Call me immature, but it was really cute (especially the look on the boy’s face as the girl jumps into the pee pool). Unfortunately for TaxAct, I had to look up who did the commercial. I’m sure many others will also remember the boy peeing in the pool ad, but what is the point of a great commercial if we can’t remember what was being sold? Second favorite ad–David Beckman for H&M … yum.

EMILIE:

Thoroughly underwhelmed, that’s my feelings on both yesterday’s game and commercials. While I anticipated a boring game, I was taken aback by the lackluster ads. But it wasn’t all bad and if I had to pick a favorite it would be the M&M’s commercial. It had everything I think makes a great Super Bowl ad without trying too hard. Plus, the idea of candy being naked is just silly, and who doesn’t love silly fun? I even like the use of the overplayed “Sexy and I Know It” song, which I have secretly come to enjoy. I think the only thing that put a bigger smile on my face was Bradshaw’s stylishly awkward touchdown.

Marketing through Pinterest

Posted on by Brian Lee

I’ll admit it. I am a Pinterest addict. Over my winter break, I spent countless hours on the site, “pinning” recipes, clothes, photos from blogs, etc. to my “pinboards.”

If you haven’t heard of Pinterest yet, you will soon. The site already has a reported 3.3 million users and is growing quickly. Many companies like Gap, Whole Foods, and the Travel Channel have already created their own profiles in order to interact with their fans through the site.

Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board. It works in this way: users can “pin,” or post, original photos or content from their computers or from around the web. You then pin this content on one of your pinboards (which are like bulletin boards) that are separated into categories like Travel, Recipes, Clothing or Dream Home. You can also “re-pin” other users’ posts.

Pinterest provides an interesting opportunity for marketers. It gives companies the opportunity to promote their brands to their customers in an engaging and visually stimulating way.

At the same time, too much self promotion is a big no-no for brands on the site. For example, a clothing company might have a “Vintage” or “Street Style” pinboard that serve as inspiration for their line, but should avoid posting photos of all the clothing items they sell onto their pinboards. The point is to capture the essence of the brand without just posting content that is directly related to it.

Interacting with customers through Pinterest is a new concept for many marketers. I’m very excited to see how we can integrate the site into our clients’ marketing plans in the future.

Capitalizing on popularity

Posted on by Brian Lee

I recently saw a trailer for a new Fox’s cartoon that made me irrationally irritated.  And by new I of course mean the television version of the 2004 movie “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Now, it’s not that I dislike the movie. To be honest, I haven’t seen the movie all the way through.  I have seen enough bits and pieces to understand the cultural references but I doubt I’ll ever sit down and watch it in its entirety. It’s just one of those movies where it isn’t necessary for me.

My annoyance stems from the movie being eight years old!  If this show came out in 2005 when all the “Vote for Pedro” shirts were popular and everyone doing terrible job impersonating Jon Heder then I wouldn’t have an issue.

I will never hate on someone trying to capitalize on their cultural niche. But you have to move fast.  It doesn’t make sense to wait because you’ll lose the momentum, which is the reason people take interest in sequels, endorsements, merchandise, etc.  I mean come on, think about those kids from the Jersey Shore.  Eight years from now, do you believe anyone is buying Snooki perfume or the Situation’s workout DVD? It’s doubtful.  So I hope they put their name on everything and jump on any spinoff offered! Make that money while you can!

It just doesn’t make sense for a “Napoleon Dynamite” show in 2012. But maybe I am wrong.  Maybe there is a huge nerd following that’s been waiting for years to have Napoleon and crew back in their lives.  I guess I’ll have to wait and see.