Growth Lab’s Post

𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 ☃️ The US Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, and a new holiday season is upon us. If you’re in the US or Canada, you probably know one of the telltale signs that the Christmas season has begun. 🎄 It’s the airing of the Hershey Kisses ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ TV ad. 🔔 Created in 1989, the Hershey Company has been airing the :15 second ad – with only minor updates to make the animation more crisp - 𝐅𝐎𝐑 *𝟑𝟓* 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒❣️ We know from Behavioral Science that consistency and persistency of brand messaging creates well-worn pathways in people’s brains that can automatically and uniquely trigger a brand. And for those of you who have seen and heard the Hershey Kisses holiday ad, you only need to hear a few notes or see the image of the iconic Kisses bell choir on a white background, and your brain fills in the rest. 🧠 Not very many brands have the discipline and stewardship to stay consistent across years, let alone decades, but your business will likely be better off for it. Hershey Kisses are a staple of many Christmas stockings, cookies and treats. 😋 Brand builders often get tired of messaging long before our consumer’s/customer’s brains do. And in Hershey’s case, the ad has become an expected part of the TV airwaves each and every December. 📅 Consistency and Persistency wins the day! 🚀 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐝? #behavioralscience, #behaviouralscience, #besci, #behavioralfusion, #business, #advertising, #hershey

A grand theft can wait but Dunkin’ Donuts can’t. 1999, Dunkin’ Donuts dropped a bombshell of a commercial, titled “Chase”. What unfolds is nothing short of comedic gold: a wild pursuit between a supposed thief and a police cruiser, weaving through the roads in a chase sequence. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, bam! They screech to a halt outside a Dunkin’ Donuts joint. In a plot twist that would make Hollywood jealous, both the crook and the cop abandon their chase, dashing into the donut shop to take care of the only business more important than the constitution. The bagel cream cheese and coffee combo becomes the unexpected star of this high-speed showdown, leaving viewers in stitches and Dunkin’ Donuts firmly etched into their minds. But it’s not just about the laughs – Dunkin’ Donuts knows how to play the marketing game like a seasoned pro. Their strategy? Simple: make a splash, any which way they can. With cheeky sidesplitting antics, Dunkin Donuts is leaving a lasting impression. It’s no wonder they have got legions of fans hooked, reeling in everyone with their irresistible charm. Year: 1999 Brand: Dunkin Donuts #marketing #branding #advertising #storytelling

Discover how McDonald's leveraged nostalgia to reclaim its cool factor and captivate a new generation of customers. From iconic collaborations with streetwear brands to grown-up Happy Meals featuring collectible figurines, McDonald's has redefined its image in the eyes of consumers. Explore the journey of rediscovering the magic of "I'm loving it" and how McDonald's transformed nostalgia into a powerful marketing strategy. With limited-edition merchandise and pop-up shops evoking the urgency of shoe drops, McDonald's has become more than just a fast-food chain—it's a cultural phenomenon. Ready to dive into the world of McDonald's nostalgia? Click the link to learn more and reminisce about the golden arches. #McDonalds #NostalgiaMarketing #ImLovingIt #BrandTransformation #CulturalPhenomenon #MarketingStrategy

🎄If Kevin the Carrot swinging across your screen doesn’t get you feeling festive, maybe Dawn French dancing for Marks & Spencer will do the trick! Christmas ads have come a long way from the good old days when Woolworths was still around, dazzling us with product-packed montages and price tags galore. Now, it’s all about storytelling. Brands like John Lewis and Aldi focus on emotions, creating heartwarming mini-movies that stick with us long after the wrapping paper’s gone. 🌟Want to know how this shift is changing the game for marketers? Check out our latest blog for insights and festive inspiration by clicking on the link in the comments.  #ChristmasAds #Storytelling #ContentMarketingAgency #FestiveCampaigns

DID BRANDS AND MARKETERS LOSE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD BRAND SALIENCE AND CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT ON APRIL FOOLS' DAY? In 1996, on April Fools' Day, Taco Bell played this prank. They released a full-page ad in leading dailies claiming they had purchased the Liberty Bell, one of the historic and iconic treasures of the US, to reduce the Nation's Debt! Taco Bell also issued a press release that compared this purchase to corporations adopting highways. It also encouraged other companies to do their bit to reduce the country's debt! This ad created an enormous outpouring of response in America, raising concern and shock! People called Taco Bell headquarters, National Park Service, Philadelphia, to ask if the Liberty Bell had been sold! By Noon, Taco Bell issued another press release stating that it was a hoax and the "Best Joke of the Day," and they committed $50,000 to the upkeep of the Liberty Bell. Thought it was a brilliant way to reinforce Taco Bell's brand image and create authentic customer engagement within the community! Any brand campaigns that you came across on April Fools' Day that caught your attention and imagination? The real question is, are brands, CMOs, or companies willing to take a risk and play at the edge? Also, customers get actively involved and engage with brands only when they play at this edge rather than pure, boring marketing messages that keep saying buy me. Agree? #supercmopodcast #marketing, #brands #digital #digitalmarketing #campaigns #CMO #PR #integratedmarketing #ideas #brandengagement Storyboard18

The biggest brands in the world don't just sell a product—they sell an emotion. Take McDonald's, for example. They aren't just selling burgers and fries; they're selling happiness. From the golden arches to the iconic Happy Meals, everything about McDonald's is designed to evoke joy, nostalgia, and a sense of community. It's the feeling of a family outing, the excitement of a kid's birthday party, or the comfort of a familiar treat. This emotional connection is what sets the most successful brands apart. It's about creating experiences and memories that resonate deeply with people, making them loyal fans and repeat customers. #BrandEmotion #MarketingMagic #MadSocialAgency #McDonaldsHappiness #EmotionalBranding

Nostalgia is in the air 🍃 Recently, we’ve seen a number of big-name brands attempt to capture the magic of the past through nostalgia marketing. From McDonald's’s 50th birthday ad to the Cadbury UK’s 200-year anniversary campaign, there’s no shortage of examples to pull from. But what exactly is #nostalgiamarketing, and does it run any risks?  Flick through the slides below to for a preview, or take a look at the latest issue of #HowWeThink over @TrinityMcQueen to read my thoughts in full (link in comments) 👇

In 2002, Donald Trump starred in a McDonald’s ad. The goal? Associate fast food with luxury and success. The strategy? Trump’s business persona promoting the Big N’ Tasty burger as affordable quality. The result? A bold move to revitalize McDonald’s brand while competing in the premium burger segment. The lesson? Celebrity endorsements can boost visibility, credibility, and connect brands to broader audiences. Big ideas don’t just sell products—they reshape perceptions. #MarketingStrategy #CelebrityEndorsements #McDonaldsAd #BrandBuilding #InnovationInMarketing

Hello everyone, Lets talk about competition between top brands. What happens when two beverage giants, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, engage in a playful back-and-forth? You get a masterclass in creative rivalry. Pepsi's ad leans into the Halloween spirit with the message, "We wish you a scary Halloween!" by dressing as Coca-Cola, suggesting that being Coca-Cola is frightening. Coca-Cola's clever response, "Everybody wants to be a hero!" flips the narrative, showing Pepsi dressed as the iconic Coca-Cola superhero. This is a great example of how competition in advertising can be fun and creative, without losing focus on the brand's identity. There are many similar examples which I will share soon. #CreativeMarketing #BrandRivalry #Advertising #Halloween #Pepsi #CocaCola

It's that time of year 👀🎄 The Christmas ads have started, and we're loving it. We've got tear-jerkers, celeb faces, delicious food, and cute characters, what more could you want? But let's break our top 3 down and why they work so well: First up, John Lewis & Partners. This year’s ad captures the search for the perfect gift, positioning John Lewis as the go-to for all things Christmas. It’s nostalgic, relatable, and made even more powerful by “Sonnet” by The Verve, tapping into that 90s feel. And for the first time in 17 years, the Oxford Street store takes centre stage, reminding us of that festive in-store shopping experience. Next, Tesco has stepped up with a focus on family and food that makes you crave a taste of the season. With themes of togetherness and loss, this ad hits home emotionally. Plus, Tesco adds purpose by pledging 10p to Trussell and FareShare UK for every gingerbread product sold, bringing a meaningful angle. And finally, Sainsbury's brings the magic with the Big Friendly Giant. Stephen Fry’s familiar voice adds charm and the choice to feature a real Sainsbury’s employee in the role of Sophie keeps it down-to-earth. This classic, warm-hearted storytelling connects with viewers of all ages and makes us smile. As for what not to do, The Coca-Cola Company's ad has faced significant backlash this year, with many calling it “the worst Coke ad yet.” Viewers have criticised it for feeling overly AI-generated, lacking the warmth and authenticity we expect from such an iconic brand. Compared to the high-quality, emotionally resonant productions from John Lewis and Sainsbury’s, Coca-Cola’s effort feels like a misstep. This shows the importance of maintaining a human touch, especially in a season that’s all about connection and tradition. Which one was your favourite? #Christmas #Ad #TV #Festive