Funny Bone No More, Lessons in Advertising to the Heart

If you were among the 4.5 million viewers of Super Bowl XLIX then you might have been reaching for the tissues this year during commercial breaks (even more so if you are a Seahawks fan). This year major companies decided to appeal to viewers’ hearts rather than their funny bone.  Companies such as Budweiser, Always, Nissan, Coca-Cola and Nissan ditched the giggles and made us all cry with their advertising messages (it wouldn’t be a Super Bowl without at least one memorable ad!).  

Brands are starting to think a little more seriously about the role they play in their audiences’ lives. These ads are becoming helpful for the rest of us looking to change up our marketing game. Here are three lessons we learned while watching this year’s Super Bowl ads:

Get Emotional: Ever since the beginning of consumer marketing, we know that humans buy emotionally. We buy something because we feel a certain way or want to feel a certain way. Later, we find ourselves looking back on that purchase and then justify it with logic.  If you want your marketing strategy to be a success, hone in on how your brand can provide your audience with a positive emotion about life. Coca-Cola beautifully embodied this with their ad, which transformed online hate messages into happiness on the Internet.

  - Don’t Be Morbid:  Who DIDN'T hate that ad from Nationwide where the kid dies? While Nationwide probably had the best intentions for that ad, they overkilled the emotions and made the message outright depressing. Fear-based advertisements only go so far with your audience.

  - Use the Power of Social Media: After watching Always #LikeAGirl commercial, who else hopped on Twitter to be a part of the movement? Today, social media is an integral part of all advertisement. Many viewers turn to social media outlets to comment or share their opinions about advertisement on social media outlets.  So, why not give them a hashtag to start the buzz with?

What do you think about this year’s Super Bowl Ads? Let us know!

Written by Tori Simmons of Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Super Bowl XLIX – Touchdown for PR Beginners

The countdown is on. When you hear the words ‘Super Bowl’ typically two things come to mind - football, of course, being the first and running in close second, advertising.  It’s hard to forget the 2013 Blackout with Oreo’s famous “Dunk in the Dark” Campaign or last year’s Budweiser “Puppy Love” Commercial. The impact is priceless for these companies, but what about the PR underdogs? Rightfully so, a $4.5 million price tag on a 30 second spot is a wee bit out of budget for a lot of companies. Instead, Here are 3 Ways to Score Without Fumbling Your Wallet!

Super Bowl Parties

Make your restaurant the spot to be! Instead of viewers going to a family/friend party bring the party to your business. Create “invites” that excite the crowd with contests, food and drinks specials that they won’t want to miss.

Contests

Every sports team has super fans– over the top, face-painting, head-to-toe dressed, die-hard fans. Encourage your customers to do the same! The contest can be in person or a social media campaign. Have contestants come decked out or submit their pictures on social media. The best-dressed super fan receives a prize and who doesn’t love prizes…and maybe bragging rights, too?!

Nonprofit Support

Combine excitement with a helping hand. Offer pay-to-play for your contest or bets! Bets can be related to the game, commercials or score. Winner still receives a prize. Here’s the catch.. the money received goes to support any nonprofit of your choice. Encourage through flyers and social media and gain media attention for anyone that misses out on your event! 

What will this year’s unforgettable PR memory be?!

Written by Morgan Hartz of Rebecca Adele PR & Events