The last few weeks I took a break from blogging to focus on the 2014 Buyer’s Guide (which will be on its way to you soon), but I kept making notes of interesting articles about advertising and branding. When I got ready to write my blog today, I didn’t want to narrow my focus to one article. So, here they are: advertising and brand tips and news to keep in mind as you plan for 2014.
1. Eating Food Makes People Immune to Advertising
The Journal of Consumer Technology found that people eating popcorn in a movie theater retained less information from the ads before the movie started than those not eating anything. The best way to combat this: food gifts. Consumers can understand the advertising if it is on the food they are eating.
2. Susan G. Komen Finds a Competitor in Cheekier Organization F* Cancer
The awareness market is a gold mine–if you can get involved. Susan G. Komen may be set on products, but new and rapidly growing organizations like F* Cancer need products and distributors with a sense of humor.
3. “You’re not a princess” School Ad Campaign
An all-female prep school in Kentucky is reaching out to potential students with a campaign that states, “Life’s not a fairytale,” “Don’t wait for a prince. Be able to rescue yourself,” and “You’re not a princess, but you can still rule the world.” Some see the “Prepare for real life” campaign as brutally honest while others see it as empowering. As someone who has been writing about advertising and branding for three years, I see it for what it is: sticky. The campaign was featured on many websites created heated debates among readers, which means Mercy Academy has become more than just a small school in Kentucky. Look to more #morethanaprincess-type campaigns in 2014.
4. Squats for Subway Tickets in Russia
In preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Moscow started charging subway users in squats instead of money. Doing 30 squats buys you a subway ride. This idea works for any city or company trying to increase physical fitness. You can provide the exercise gear needed to make it happen. Free pedometer if take the stairs in the morning, a healthy gift basket if you take the most steps in a month, etc.
