Another year of highly anticipated Super Bowl ads have come and gone and as ROI obsessed marketers, we often find ourselves critiquing Every. Single. One. This year there are a few amazing spots that really stood out and several that have us still scratching our heads and asking, “Why would they do that?”
Why it works: First and foremost, the ad was authentic! It tells the story of a real man (a Google employee’s father) and how he is using technology to help remember the little things about his wife that made him happy. The ad also works to show viewers an innovative way to use Google and the services it provides - in a way that we may have not considered. Its simplicity helped the brand cut through the slew of celebrity-laden spots and get people to stop and pay attention, which equals Advertising Gold, in our book.
Why it works: Three words - funny celebrities and originality. The ad features (Chris Evans and John Krasinski, comedian Rachel Dratch and former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz) springing into a accented conversation over whether Krasinski will be able to “pahk” his Hyundai Sonata in a tight spot — rattling off landmarks like the Boston “hahbah” and the Boston “gahden.” It’s funny, very original and makes you want to say “Smaht Pahk” repeatedly. Funny repetition often equals brand awareness for years to come, which is the ultimate goal of any company spending money on Super Bowl ads.
Why it works: The anticipation that fans and Brady-haters all seem to have about his next steps were palpable. Would he retire? Would be come back? The ad starts with Brady saying, “They say all good things must come to an end, that the best just know when to walk away,” OMG! He’s retiring… Say it isn’t so! But then he chimes in… “So to my teammates, my family and most of all, my fans, you deserve to hear this from me. Hulu doesn’t just have live sports. “It’s time to say goodbye to TV as you know it. But me? I’m not going anywhere.” Football crisis averted! The amazing good looks of the G.O.A.T, combined with suspense and innovative creative made everyone stop, turn up the volume and listen. What more could you ask for when you’re spending $5.2 million on a:30 TV spot?
Why it was a fail: 13.2 million pounds of avocados are consumed by Americans on Super Bowl Sunday! If driving sales and brand awareness is the aim of an ad campaign, the Avocado Commission was far too late to the party on this one. We’re also at loss on the overall creative concept - Molly Ringwald as a pitchwoman for the fictional “Avocado’s from Mexico” Shopping Network. If you’re going to be spending that much money on advertising, get to the consumer BEFORE they buy your product, not immediately after.
Why it was a fail: Not sure where to start on this one. Jonathan Van Ness as the spokesperson, the creative, the super cheesy premise and corny writing, have us convinced this ad was a giant waste of ad dollars.
Why it was a fail: Nothing says “BUZZKILL” like negative political ads. Keep it quiet until we get closer to voting time.
Why it works: Because the PR machine was already a buzz due to the death of Mr. Peanut, the brand was still very top-of-mind with consumers. The “Baby Peanut” ad started off with other brand mascots at the funeral of Mr. Peanut and then… baby peanut arrives! Now there is a very cute NEW mascot that consumers want to know more about. So much so that 8k people are currently watching the live twitter stream of baby peanut sleeping in his nursery.
WOW! PR + great ads + a solid social media strategy = more ROI than you know what to do with.