Time has recently released its top ten everything lists. The list that captured my attention was the one on TV Ads. This list reminds social-media-obsessed marketers how TV is still an important advertising channel in today’s world.
Whether the ads were silly or witted, they all spell creativity.
Below are 10 ads that might give you some inspiration for your 2010 campaigns.
10. General Motors Re:invent
This blatantly honest ad was aired after GM declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This ad not only admitted what caused GM’s downfall but also explained its changes – all within a minute. It did restore hope somehow. What do you think?
9. Shelter.org.uk
The ‘House of Cards’, created by Leo Burnett aimed to raise awareness for the millions that have lost their homes due to rising housing costs.
8. Budweiser Bud Light
This is another way to squeeze the most out of the celebrity that you paid for. Stunningly silly, but I guess it worked for a low-involvement product like beer.
7. Travelers Insurance
The mutt’s prized possession is its bone. What’s yours? Whatever it is, get it insured. The usual insurance story line, but written in a creative manner.
6. American Express
“Using images of everyday objects with happy or sad faces, the commercial serves to illustrate how the Charge Card can help customers protect themselves and their purchases.”
#5. Prius
Harmony between man, nature and machine. I like the idea but the ad wasn’t all that impressive.
#4. Careerbuilder.com
This ad made an unbelievable number of repetitions to get its message across. Thankfully, it had a tint of humor to make them easier to bear. I am sure the message would still be in your mind the very next day you get up for work.
#3. Coca-Cola
Every drop of cola is precious. That’s the one message Coca-Cola is trying to bring across with its recent ads. As part of its ‘Open Happiness’ campaign, bloggers were also sent to different parts of the world to observe what makes people happy.
#2 Hulu
There was zero explanation on what Hulu is all about. Nonetheless, with Alec Baldwin spearheading the ad, it probably got people curious. The Hollywood association, Alec Baldwin and a little mystery were what made the ad great. It must have cost Hulu a bomb though.
#1 Evian Roller Babies
Babies doing the impossible. We know it was heavily edited but the ad still managed to capture our attention. No need to go on about the minerals and vitamins bottled in Evian. Its tagline “live young” said it all. This ad enhanced the associations linked to Evian. But on the flip side, the ad could be creepy to some as well.
