Not Just What, But When
When it comes time to buy, the customer's priorities change. She might well buy from whichever store offers same-day delivery and installation.
Adding Story-Doing to Your Story Telling
Imagine somebody wants to document your (presumably) unique company culture. You invite her to one of your morning meetings. Now, does her observation confirm or contradict your ads?
The Slow Season Fallacy of PPC Advertising
When almost no one is in the market for what you sell — i.e., when it’s slow season — then almost no one is searching on relevant keywords.
Why Your Word-of-Mouth Ain’t As Good As You Think — And What to Do About It
When marketers and business owners talk about Word-of-Mouth, they only think they’re talking about the same thing.
Why Telling The Truth Ain’t Enough — And What Honest Businesses Should Add to It
Think of “the way” as both a future hope and a path to get there.
3 Reasons Why Everyone’s STILL Talking About “The Slap” — and How to Harness That Power For Your Advertising
I don’t even have to tell you what slap I’m talking about, do I?
Harnessing The Pure Power of Friendly Familiarity For Owner-Operators
Of course you’ll grab Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes over the (significantly) cheaper, generic and off-brand alternatives.
Branding in 75 Words or Less
When the main benefits your brand delivers are self affirmation, status, and hope, you can charge almost anything you want.
A “Common Sense” Mistake That’s Killing Your Advertising Effectiveness
By the time you’ve been on the air for three months, your audience knows who you are.
A Powerful Branding Lesson From an Off-Color Joke My Mom Told Me
Two southern college coeds meet up for lunch during summer break after a year away...
The Hybrid Persuasive Power of “Slice of Life” Campaigns
These are mini-dramas in which the efficacy of the product is semi-demonstrated, as testified by the main character.
Recipe for Success: Strategy First, Messaging Next, Creative Last
You'll need to follow either Pizza Hut or Rolling Stone. It depends on whether customers are wrong about you, or they're right.
Super Bowl Advertising vs. Your Advertising
Even guaranteed attention fizzles with a dud ad, while completely disinterested audiences can be won over with high-impact advertising.
Learning from the Legends: Yes, Virginia, It Really Is That Simple!
Marlboro was a failed filtered cigarette brand, marketed to women with the slogan “Mild as May”
Demonstration Ads — Part Deux.
Demonstration ads are like testimonial ads. They demand more of the advertiser and the creative team, but they're persuasive magic.