Do Freaky Ads Work?

753 days ago by Willis Wee, in Uncategorized

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A freaky ad can very well make us lose our appetite. Being vivid and memorable, it can also be the topic of many casual conversations. But when it comes to actual actions from its audience, like making a purchase, its effectiveness is still highly questionable.

I have re-watched the top freaky ads and have reached a conclusion that they do work in some cases, especially when fear is induced to educate the audience about a certain issue. But not when you are getting people to buy something totally not driven by how freaky the video is.

Catch this freaky ad by White Castle below. It shows a dancing pig drenched in BBQ sauce. No doubt, it is freaky, funny and very gross. Would I purchase a burger there? No.

This ad is so much better. It brings the message right across.

Your opinion might differ from mine. Feel free to voice it out

Tags: Ads, Freaky, Marketing

About Willis Wee

Founder of Penn Olson who is also an entrepreneur since 2005. He has had experience in crafting social media strategies for organizations such as Marriott Vacation Club, James Cook University, Reach Singapore and Unilever. Contact him at willis[at]penn-olson[dot]com

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http://www.wefunction.com/ Liam

I think normally these kind of ads are used to prove a point. In the case of the rat poison video above for example – It's just a quick way of getting the message across very clearly, almost like shock tactics.

But the burger video (any many others like it) have a real focus on making people want to talk about the advert: “Did you see the saucy pig ad last night?” for example. It gives people a talking point, something they might actually share with friends. And I wouldn't let it put me off buying a burger, that actually looks quite nice.

I think these kind of ads do work. Certainly more interesting than most adverts.
http://twitter.com/williswee Willis Wee

hey Liam. thanks for the comment. I wouldn't be surprise if someone else likes the pig ad and your points are certainly valid Just wondering what sort of conversation would the pig ad spark.

But i would still think that freaky ad still stand the best chance if it were to send a message across in a shocking manner. Wonder what
http://www.wefunction.com/ Liam

I think the pig ad wouldn't really spark any meaningful debate. Just a bit of fun and a giggle.

It's not overly funny in this case but there are a lot more funny freaky ads that are probably a better example of this point, I can think of “Gorilla Drummer” and the “Eyebrows” by Cadbury to be two that a lot of people were talking about and sharing.

I think adding a “freaky or strange” element to an ad is just and attempt to give people a talking point, or reason to share. And it does tend to work, when it's done well.