My Idiot Friends
Stories are memorable, cherished, and shareable because of imperfection. A good ad writer creates attraction to imperfection.
Empire Builders: Spider-Man – Saved by a real Super Hero
A new kind of hero and a tricky way to get his idea past the editor.
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.
Screw You, I’m Going To Stand Out
How do you become the industry market leader if you say the same thing as every other business?
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.
The Thing is Never the Thing
I would never criticize something I have no experience with… so I went ahead and bought an automated iHeart radio ad to advertise this article.
Fundamental Forces of Business – Part 4
Harley Davidson's use of the Strong Atomic Force earned them $360 million last year -- not on bikes -- on branded merchandise.
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.
You have twins in your head
At the end of structured education, our brain is a bodybuilder who only does curls with his left arm.
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.
Fundamental Forces of Business – Part 2
This technique is used by many who think they understand advertising. It can turn a person into a customer, but only a weak one.
SUPERbowl vs SuperBORE
Professional sports now revolve around storylines. Business is about stories too. They glue us to the game and keep us wanting more.
Putting Funny Ads To Work For Your Boring-Ass Business – Pattern Interrupt
When you shatter a pattern, their meat-computer snaps into focus.
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.