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Whether it’s the Coco Cola red truck or the Kevin the carrot, we all have our favorite Christmas ads that make us feel festive. But, what makes a truly great Christmas ad for brands? In our blog, John Horgan explores two very different approaches to Christmas advertising from John Lewis and Paddy Power highlighting the importance of leveraging distinctive brand cues to cut through the seasonal noise. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/epfqzRYG #ChristmasAds #BrandAssets #MarketingStrategy

Less of a new DAWN ☀️ , but maybe a fading sunset 🌥️ for Marks and Spencer's #Christmas campaigns with Dawn French. Lo and behold we’ve reached the sixth day of #12AdsOfXmas (sorry for my absence, they’ll be coming daily now! 😬) for #AdsAlexAppreciates. Positives: - Continuation of previous years brand platform / campaign, always a good thing to build on equity! - Lots of good fun and jokey lines (they did make me laugh!) and put food right at the heart. - Keeps you engaged, wanting to see more of the advert - It’s clear what it’s promoting, although it felt like M&S clothes and food rather than just the latter. Might as well kill two birds with one stone I guess! Negatives: - Personally preferred the Dawn French fairy adverts of previous years - Can’t remember “real” Dawn actually making an appearance vs just as the fairy in previous years - was a bit weird seeing real Dawn talk to fairy Dawn, almost like they had run out of ideas.  - Didn’t feel this year stood out, or focused on the quality of M&S food or any specific product (except the Pork Pie - but that seemed more a joke, than how good they are). Scores: - Stand out: 2 - True to brand / proposition: 3 - Emotional: 1 - Total score: 6 Summary: It does the job, but feels like they’ve lost the magic with Dawn French as the lead. I can’t see how though as there must be plenty of play left in it. She’s an inspired choice for a brand ambassador, really captures their market and has a great sense of humour and play. Pull your stockings 🧦 up M&S - do better! Maybe you thought it was the beginning of a new dawn for M&S though, let me know your thoughts below! All views are my own. #Brand #Marketing #Advertising #Advert #Christmas

The Hidden Truth Behind Santa’s Red Suit: A Branding Lesson Did you know that Santa Claus wasn’t always dressed in red? It’s a fascinating story! The iconic red suit we associate with Christmas was popularized by Coca-Cola in the 1930s, as part of a strategic marketing move. What started as a branding tactic became the global image of Santa we know today. This Christmas, it got me thinking: What can we learn from this? Just like Coca-Cola transformed Santa into a global icon, branding and strategy play crucial roles in any successful venture, whether in business, investments, or personal growth. In both marketing and the stock market, it's not just about following the crowd. It’s about standing out, making smart choices, and sticking to your strategy. So, as we celebrate this festive season, let's remember the power of thoughtful strategy, whether it's in business or in life. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a strategically successful year ahead! #Branding #Marketing #Strategy #Investments #PersonalDevelopment

🥤Lidl is turning up the heat in the Christmas ad competition this year, especially with Coke with their own version of a red truck which will begin its journey across the UK on November 14th. Lidl will be using their truck to hand out presents, festive food and presents.🎁 🎄It's fair to say brands like Lidl imitate each others adverts to emulate that success and to stay relevant and benefit their marketing efforts. Copycatting is also done out of fear to stay up to date with current trends and maybe a bit of fear to get as much information as they can to stay in competition with their rivals. Furthermore, maybe it's just me but Christmas gets forced down our throats every year, with Christmas products being on the shelves from summer to February which sucks if like me last year you go hunting for nice home decor bits and all the shops are trying to sell off their Christmas products overspill. But after researching the ins and outs of marketing I understand it a bit more.🧑🎄 🌟What are your thoughts on brands competitiveness and what you think we can expect in the next few weeks from other brands?☃️ #advertising #marketing #creativeeffectiveness #christmasad #merrychristmas #happychristmas #christmasdeals #christmasgift

✨ Behind the Glitter: The Financial Story of Christmas Advertising 🎄💰 The festive season isn’t just about twinkling lights and catchy jingles – it’s also a high-stakes financial game! In our latest blog, we explore the strategies behind iconic Christmas campaigns from retail giants like John Lewis and Tesco. Discover how these brands balance creativity with costs to boost sales, build loyalty, and achieve a sparkling return on investment. 🌟 A world where holiday magic meets money management! 💡🎥 👉 https://lnkd.in/evy9u5Sm #ChristmasAdvertising #FestiveMarketing #JohnLewis #Tesco #FinanceMeetsCreativity #AccountancyInsights

Did you know Santa Claus didn’t always wear red? 🎅 In the 1930s, Coca-Cola transformed a once-elf-like Santa into the cheerful, red-suited icon we know today—all thanks to a genius marketing campaign. Their goal? Boost winter sales by associating Coke with holiday cheer. This is a prime example of how bold branding can reshape culture itself. It’s proof that consumer habits aren’t fixed, and with the right creative spark, you can rewrite the story. What other brands do you think have created cultural shifts? Let’s discuss below! 👇 #MarketingHistory #Branding #HolidayMarketing #CocaCola #SantaClaus

It's truly commendable when an international brand grasps such a vital message—one that we ought to instill in our children: "It's okay not to feel happy all the time." The incessant pressure to portray an image of flawless happiness to the world is immense. It's crucial to acknowledge that it's perfectly normal to experience moments of sadness and difficulty. Let tears flow when you're not okay. Speak up when you need to say "No." Embrace the entirety of your emotional spectrum, encompassing both the highs and the lows. I've often observed Indian parents brushing aside their children's negative emotions. Instead, I urge parents to listen attentively and reassure them with a comforting "It's okay." The more we normalize these conversations, the better equipped our children will be to navigate life's challenges while maintaining their well-being. Remember, just as there can be no sunshine without rain, happiness is often accompanied by moments of sorrow and melancholy. It's all part of life's beautiful tapestry.

Who remembers the Travis Scott Meal at McDonald’s? 🍔🔥 When fast food met pop culture, it sparked a phenomenon! Did you get to try it, or do you think it was just hype? Let us know below! #travisscott #mcdonaldshistory #mcdonalds #mcdonald #fastfood #marketing #advertising #shorts #shortsviral #shortsyoutube

Introducing Gelston's Irish Whiskey Premixes: Crafted for Your Enjoyment We’re excited to share our latest project with Gelston's Irish Whiskey Premixes – a fresh, vibrant brand that’s all about bringing the perfect Whiskey experience to a new audience. From crafting the video to writing the copy for the campaign, we’ve worked hard to showcase the fun, refreshing, and bold personality of Gelston’s. Gelston's isn’t just a Whiskey Spritz – it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re kicking back with friends or enjoying a weekend adventure, this is the drink that matches your energy. With its smooth flavour and modern vibe, Gelston’s is set to become the go-to premix drink for those who want something that’s as dynamic as they are. Check out the campaign and see how we’ve captured the spirit of Gelston’s in every sip. #Gelstons #CraftedForYou #Whiskey #BrandStory #CreativeCampaign #YouthfulEnergy #VideoProduction #Advertising #AOGroup #MarketingExcellence 

Guess what's hatching in the world of advertising? It's the Egg-cellent campaign from Tim Hortons, featuring Cadbury Mini Egg treats that are cracking us up with joy! 🥚 What's so egg-citing about this campaign? Let me tell you: 🌟 The tagline "Crack into Happiness with Cadbury Mini Eggs" is exactly what we need to brighten up our day and indulge in some festive fun. 🌟 This campaign brilliantly blends Easter vibes with delicious treats, showcasing the creativity and innovation in the marketing strategy. So, when are you hopping over to experience this egg-straordinary campaign? Let's egg-splore together and celebrate the joy of Easter!