Tag Archives: brand image

Can Imperfection Sell?

Darts in bullseye of dartboard, front view, focus on bullseyeWhen I analyze advertisements, I give far less consideration to the product itself than I do to the lifestyle or ideal that it is selling. Take one of the recent Windex television spots, for example. Sure, the clean windows are nice, but I would venture a guess that many would rather purchase the lifestyle – children who rise out of bed when the sun shines and rocket towards the bus stop without prodding. The benefits that the creative implies one can receive from purchasing Windex are what sell in this spot.

That said, imagine my surprise when I read the recent Fast Company article, Why Brands Should Strive for Imperfection. Author Martin Lindstrom suggests that, since nothing is truly perfect, brands should stop selling perfection and sell imperfection – not manufactured imperfection, but true, everyday imperfection. Continue reading

Ads without Beauty Shots – Are You Serious?

Cornflake Girl

Perhaps I am an idealist.  Maybe just a traditionalist.  But I like a beauty shot to go with my quick-witted copy and eye-catching headline.  That said, imagine my surprise when I learned that Kellogg’s newest ad campaign lacked both image shots and brand logos.  That’s right – these ads don’t show the product that they are promoting or even a glimpse of its logo.

So just what is Kellogg’s doing?  They are selling emotions and the vision of lifestyle.

Selling emotions and lifestyles aren’t unfamiliar concepts Continue reading