by Steve Fodor
Two things I love – fishing and great advertising.
This is another example I show people when they ask me, “What’s your idea of great advertising?”
I love this spot for Ugly Stik fishing rods. Truly, Ugly Stik lives up to its claim as “America’s most popular fishing rod.” And the positioning line they’ve stayed true to, “America’s strongest, most sensitive rod” sums up the product’s core advantage.
But what’s great about this spot? They resisted the temptation to focus on product features in a literal sense. All the benefits of durability, dependability and long lasting are implied and you, the viewer, make that connection yourself. The literal benefits are elevated into an entertaining story of how the “typical” fisherman feels about fishing. It’s empathetic, humorous and fun to watch. The folks at Ugly Stik (Shakespeare Fishing Tackle) “hook” you with emotional interest and then “reel you in” with the rational payoff (strength and sensitivity).
It would have been so easy to fall into the trap of explaining how Ugly Stiks are made, their proprietary processes and the like. I can also imagine some very trite and obvious creative executions playing on the “strong yet sensitive” positioning line. And Ugly Stiks do have some distinct product advantages (trust me…I research fishing poles). But this spot is a great example of understanding the customer in more than just demographic terms. This spot demonstrates an understanding of how the typical, recreational fisherman feels and how fishing fits into their life.
It doesn’t matter if you like to fish. And it doesn’t matter if you’re selling consumer products or industrial goods and services in the business-to-business world. No matter what, the principle of understanding your target audience as human beings first is the foundation of creating effective communications in any medium. I commend the good folks who have made the Ugly Stik brand such a strong one. Enjoy the 30-second clip.
Showing posts with label business-to-business advertising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business-to-business advertising. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Making a List
by Steve Badertscher
Are you in the habit of making a list? I have recently started to do this since the advent of creating our agency blog. Actually I make several every day, which I guess technically qualifies as lists, plural. I’ve found my lists are always a good starting point for inspiration when sitting down with pen in hand to write my blog (I know it’s more efficient to sit at the keyboard and type away, but we all have our vices).
Having said that, there are also lists that you make, not by what you physically write on paper, but by the virtue of who you are and what you do.
For example, in the “who you are” category, there are the “A” lists for extravagant celebrity parties (or at least so I’ve been told as I’ve personally never actually been on one of those lists). There are also traditional Christmas card lists, both business and personal, and who doesn’t feel good to be included on those lists of the people you like and admire (oh, and family too). And of course there is the proverbial “excrement” list, which we all try to avoid by trying not to offend people.
Now in the “what you do” category, there is the business listing list, categorized alphabetically under your industry heading in the local chamber of commerce directory. And there is the short list, which in the case of seeking new business, you hope your unique skills and qualifications land your company name among the final few.
Finally, there is a particular list that we were especially happy to have been included on this week. It's kind of a "who you are" and "what you do" combo list. It is BtoB magazine’s Top Agencies List. It’s an honor the magazine bestows upon the “best of the best” in business-to-business advertising. We feel fortunate to have once again been named one of the top agencies in America. Although we’re one of the smallest, we’re listed right there amongst all the big boys in our industry. It is the sixth time we’ve been able to celebrate this honor in recent years, and we never tire of being included. In fact, it’s one of our favorite lists to make.
Are you in the habit of making a list? I have recently started to do this since the advent of creating our agency blog. Actually I make several every day, which I guess technically qualifies as lists, plural. I’ve found my lists are always a good starting point for inspiration when sitting down with pen in hand to write my blog (I know it’s more efficient to sit at the keyboard and type away, but we all have our vices).
Having said that, there are also lists that you make, not by what you physically write on paper, but by the virtue of who you are and what you do.
For example, in the “who you are” category, there are the “A” lists for extravagant celebrity parties (or at least so I’ve been told as I’ve personally never actually been on one of those lists). There are also traditional Christmas card lists, both business and personal, and who doesn’t feel good to be included on those lists of the people you like and admire (oh, and family too). And of course there is the proverbial “excrement” list, which we all try to avoid by trying not to offend people.
Now in the “what you do” category, there is the business listing list, categorized alphabetically under your industry heading in the local chamber of commerce directory. And there is the short list, which in the case of seeking new business, you hope your unique skills and qualifications land your company name among the final few.
Finally, there is a particular list that we were especially happy to have been included on this week. It's kind of a "who you are" and "what you do" combo list. It is BtoB magazine’s Top Agencies List. It’s an honor the magazine bestows upon the “best of the best” in business-to-business advertising. We feel fortunate to have once again been named one of the top agencies in America. Although we’re one of the smallest, we’re listed right there amongst all the big boys in our industry. It is the sixth time we’ve been able to celebrate this honor in recent years, and we never tire of being included. In fact, it’s one of our favorite lists to make.
Flickr Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spcummings/
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