When “Editorial” and “Advertising” Don’t Talk

Rod Schwartz’ RodSpots Blog has a lovely example of what happens when “news” covers a story about the dangers of alcohol, and the sales department closes a deal with a bar. ___________________________________________________________________________ Email Phil Bernstein here. Like what you’re reading? Sign up for Phil Bernstein’s free advertising and marketing e-newsletter here. Become a Facebook Fan […]

A Budding New Advertising Category

This isn’t a new product, but it’s a new advertising category for most of us: The category is medical marijuana. For most of our lives, it’s been against the law everywhere in the country. But in the past few years, a steadily increasing number of communities have decriminalized the possession and use of the drug […]

You Know Your Ad Campaign Has Entered Popular Culture…

…when Sesame Street does a parody, and never mentions the product — because they don’t need to. Congratulations to Wieden + Kennedy and Old Spice. ___________________________________________________________________________ Email Phil Bernstein here. Like what you’re reading? Sign up for Phil Bernstein’s free advertising and marketing e-newsletter here. Become a Phil Bernstein Portland’s Advertising Expert Facebook Fan here.

Safeway Print Ad Fail

Today’s lesson: make sure the folks in Marketing and Operations are talking to each other. This ad was on the front page of today’s Sunday Oregonian: As an ad professional, they had me at “$15 off plus free delivery”. A nice, simple offer. Strong call to action, with a reward for taking it. Although the […]