Comments on: What if you couldn’t demonstrate the product you’re advertising - A story about Beer

By: Paul @ Web Design Ireland

Paul @ Web Design Ireland — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:13:53 +0000

I think whilst beer advertising sometimes avoids the product in it’s advertising, it mostly has prominant product placement, which helps reinforce the brand. I do get what you are saying though, and I think its a good analogy to make us think longer and harder about marketing.

By: James Duthie

James Duthie — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:17:38 +0000

Fair enough point Pete. A little more creativity makes it more interesting for viewers and enhances viral potential.

Case in point - VB’s Boonie talking figurine. Nothing to do with the product, but everything to do with the brand and its core audience. Brilliant!

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:52:20 +0000

“Of course, most people don’t have the luxury of advertising a product as well recognised and loved as beer”

I can’t argue with that, although there are still plenty of products out there that are well recognised (perhaps not quite as loved) but still, people know what the product does.

If you’re trying to sell a vacuum cleaner - we all know it sucks (no pun intended)… if you’re marketing a service like bookkeeping - we know that they’ll keep our finances in check… etc. etc.

So instead of stating the obvious that people are already well aware of, try and think outside the square.

Don’t get me wrong - there are heaps of industries that people know nothing about, so explaining what you do is often necessary (take my background for example - SEO and Web Hosting… trying to explain this to someone who isn’t tech-savvy is like teach a cow to bake a cake)

By: James Duthie

James Duthie — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:49:52 +0000

Interesting discussion Pete. Of course, most people don’t have the luxury of advertising a product as well recognised and loved as beer. In fact, reading this at 8:45 on a Wednesday morning has me craving… So it still is a risk to not demonstrate the product if awareness isn’t great.

But the viral point is certainly valid. Boring product related commercials won’t ever create interest online.