Why Safe Brands Get Ignored and Bold Ones Win
"We want our ads to appeal to everyone." It sounds safe, but it's actually the most dangerous thing you can do.
The Hidden Skill Behind Every Great Ad
Every terrible ad that's ever hit the airwaves was approved by someone. Think about that.
How Do I Word My Ads So I’m Remembered?
The best messages are both vivid enough to stick and consistent enough to compound.
Are You Buying Jobs or Building Business Value?
You want marketing to be an investment, not just another expense. Higher returns can take longer.
Don’t Advertise Why You Sell. Advertise Why They Buy.
Consumers are motivated by feelings. Coke spends all their effort just trying to be likable.
What Separates Ethical Persuasion From Manipulation
If you don't believe in it, for the love of God, don't try to sell it.
Don’t Take Shortcuts
Brands want to get buyers there faster, easier, and simpler. The problem is that marketing is relationships.
How Do We Lose to Companies With Worse Service?
You've been perfecting the last 10 feet of a mile-long race as your competitors own the first 5,270.
“We Care” Is Not a Marketing Strategy
Nobody gets bonus points for clearing the basic bar, but most ads are celebrating mere table stakes.
Why Am I Spending More on Marketing For Fewer Leads?
The real problem is almost never that you're spending too little.
Why Great Brands Are Unreasonable
Most people have no idea the Pirelli calendar exists. That may be part of why it works.
Don’t Let The Legal Department Kill Creativity!
They make you as bland as possible to snuff out any chance of going to court. But the edge is what made it funny.
How Being Specific Makes You More Persuasive
Naming details takes guts and makes you trustworthy.
Why Explanation Doesn’t Create Desire
People do not move through the world as neat little logic machines. They are running. Distracted. Hopeful. Insecure.
Repetition is the SECRET to Memorable Advertising!
Repetition is the hill we'll die on. Repetition is the hill we'll die on.