The golden age of advertising was a time when ad campaigns were considered an art form. Marketers developed clever slogans and used catchy jingles to sell their products. The ads of that era are still remembered today for their creativity and innovation. What can we learn from the golden age of advertising? This blog post will explore that question and provide some insights into what made those ad campaigns so successful.
Table of Contents
1. Creativity
The importance of creativity: The ads from the golden age of advertising were often very creative and innovative. They stand out in our memory because they were different from anything else we had seen before. If you want your ad campaigns to be successful, you need to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas that will capture people’s attention.
A famous example of a creative ad from the golden age of advertising is the “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” commercial from 1971, which featured a group of young people from different cultures singing together. This ad was unique and memorable, and it helped to make Coca-Cola one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
2. Emotion
The power of emotion: Many of the ads from the golden age of advertising were designed to evoke an emotional response. They tugged at our heartstrings or made us laugh out loud. By tapping into our emotions, these ads were able to create a connection with us that is hard to forget. When you are planning your ad campaigns, think about how you can make people feel and what emotions you want to evoke.
One famous example of an emotionally charged ad is from 1963, when Volkswagen ran a print ad with the headline “Lemon.” The ad featured a photo of a Volkswagen Beetle that had been damaged in an accident. The headline was intended to make people laugh, but it also showed that even a “lemons” can be repaired and made into something special.
3. Simplicity
The importance of simplicity: The best ads from the golden age of advertising were often very straightforward and to the point. They delivered their message in a clear and concise way that was easy for people to understand. In today’s cluttered and chaotic world, it is more important than ever to keep your ads simple and focused on one key idea.
A great example of a simple and effective ad from the golden age of advertising is the “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz” jingle for Alka-Seltzer. This short and catchy jingle helped to make Alka-Seltzer one of the most popular antacids in the world. Songs and jingles are a great way to make your ads more memorable and to get your message across in a simple way.
4. Catchy Jingles
The power of a catchy jingle: Many of the ads from the golden age of advertising featured catchy jingles that people couldn’t get out of their head. These jingles were often very effective at selling products and making them more recognizable to consumers. If you want your ad campaigns to be successful, consider using music or sound effects to make them more memorable.
A great example of a catchy jingle is the “I’m a Pepper” jingle for Dr. Pepper. This short and sweet jingle helped to make Dr. Pepper one of the most popular sodas in the world. It also inspired a generation of musicians, including The Rolling Stones, who recorded their own version of the jingle called “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.”
5. Repetition
The importance of repetition: Many of the ads from the golden age of advertising were repeated over and over again on television, radio, and in print. This repetition helped to ensure that people would remember the product and the message. When you are planning your ad campaigns, especially when advertising on the radio, make sure to include a strategy for repetition so that people will see or hear your ads multiple times.
A great example of an effective repetition campaign is the “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should” jingle for Winston cigarettes. This jingle was repeated so often that it became one of the most memorable slogans in advertising history. It also helped to make Winston one of the most popular cigarette brands in the world.
6. Instant Gratification
The golden age of advertising was a time when people were looking for instant gratification. This was the era of “I want it now” and “I want what I want when I want it.” Ads from this period often promised immediate results, and they often delivered on those promises. If you want your ad campaigns to be successful, consider offering people something that they can get right away.
A great example of an instant gratification ad is the “You can have it all” campaign for General Motors. This campaign promised people that they could have the car of their dreams right away, and it delivered on that promise by offering financing options that made it easy for people to buy cars.
7. Family Values
The golden age of advertising was also a time when family values were important. Ads from this period often featured families in happy situations, and they emphasized the importance of spending time together. If you want your ad campaigns to be successful, consider using images and messages that appeal to family values.
A great example of an ad that appeals to family values is the “Come home to Mayberry” campaign for the town of Mayberry. This campaign featured images of families spending time together in the idyllic town of Mayberry. It also emphasized the importance of community and small-town values.
By studying the ads from the golden age of advertising, we can learn a lot about what it takes to create successful campaigns. By being creative, evoking emotion, and keeping things simple, we can learn how to capture people’s attention and get them to remember our products and brands.
