I'm sure there's an advertisement out there that no matter how hard you try, you cannot erase from your mind. If I were a bettin' man, it's more than one. Now ask yourself, why have you remembered it all of this time? What about it was particularly catchy or memorable? Did it have an impact on you that was difficult to shake? Whatever the reason, memorable ads are often the ones that stand out the most. They manage to create an impression that is hard to forget, and as a result, they tend to be more successful. They might be funny, shocking, or memorable for some other reason, but what makes them truly memorable is their ability to stand out from the pack. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with advertising, it's more important than ever to create an ad that will be remembered. In this article, we'll take a look at what makes an ad memorable and share some of the most memorable ads of all time to give you just the inspiration you need.
Why Do People Remember Ads?
People remember memorable ads. Advertisers use different techniques to make their ads memorable, such as using catchy jingles and slogans or using memorable visuals. Sometimes, an ad will be memorable simply because it is funny or outrageous. But what really determines if an ad is memorable is the human brain. Our brains are hardwired to remember things that are catchy, unusual, or stand out from the crowd. That's why advertisers spend so much time and money trying to make their ads memorable. If they can create a jingle that gets stuck in our heads or come up with a memorable visual, they know we're more likely to remember their product the next time we're in the store. This can lead to increased brand awareness and even increased sales. So, if you want your brand to be successful, it's important to create memorable ads that make an impact. Need help enhancing your ad campaign? At Wizard of Ads®, we specialize in creating memorable, effective ads that will help you stand out from the competition. Contact us today to learn more!
What Makes an Ad Memorable?
Many factors make an ad memorable, but here are the most important qualities to incorporate in creating the best advertisements that will effectively stand out from the competition.
Humorous
Humorous ads are memorable because they are simply funny. People remember them because they make them laugh, and that’s why humorous ads always make their mark. When you incorporate humor into your ad, you are telling your audience that you understand them and that you are not taking things too seriously. This sets the tone for a more lighthearted, relaxed relationship between your company and your potential customers. Humor is also memorable because it stands out from the rest of the advertising noise. Most ads are very serious and try to convince people to buy something. A funny ad is a refreshing change of pace, and it’s something that people are likely to remember.
Sticky Jingle/Slogan/Tagline
When your ad has a sticky jingle, slogan, or tagline, the higher the chances it will have with sticking with your audience. Jingles are memorable because they are short, have a memorable melody, and are easy to sing along to. A great slogan can sum up what your company is all about in a few words, while a memorable tagline usually captures the essence of the product or service you're advertising. Creating a jingle, slogan, or tagline for your ads can be difficult, but it's worth taking the time to do it right. Utilize keywords that are relevant to your product or service, and make sure they are memorable and easy to remember.
Celebrity Endorsement
Celebrity endorsements can help an ad stand out, and they can also make it more relatable. After all, if a celebrity uses a product, that must mean it's good, right? Having celebrities in your ad makes your product more aspirational. People want to be like celebrities, and so if they see a celebrity using your product, they'll be more likely to want to use it too. But beware — a celebrity endorsement can also backfire. If the celebrity isn't well-liked, or if their personal life is in disarray, that can reflect poorly on your product. Make sure you do your research before you commit to a celebrity endorsement!
Education-Driven
Some memorable ads tend to be those that are education-driven. In other words, they teach us something new or provide information that we can use in our lives. When people learn something new from an ad, it boosts their chances of remembering the ad because the human brain is wired to remember useful information. The trick is to offer something of value that we can take away and use. Whether it is a new perspective or just an entertaining way of conveying a message, education-driven ads can stand out from the rest. For this reason, many advertisers focus on creating ads that can teach people about a new product or service. By doing so, they not only help to educate consumers but also create a memorable advertising experience.
Unique
People naturally tend to remember things that they've never seen before. If you saw an elephant in your kitchen, you'll most likely never forget it. It's unique to your experience, which is why making your ad unique will make it ever the more memorable to your potential customers. Unique ads are powerful because they not only stand out from the rest of the competition but also create an emotional response. Whether it's awe, laughter, or simply intrigue, unique ads are those that can't be forgotten.
Examples of Memorable Ads
Now that we know what it takes to make an ad memorable, let’s go through some of the most popular advertisements that have been released to this day. Whether it's classic ads from old commercials to newer, more famous ads, we’ve got an assortment that will guarantee you an influx of inspiration.
Red Bull’s “Stratos” Jump (2012)
Red Bull’s “Stratos” Jump is certainly an ad that brings the wow factor. In October 2012, stuntman Felix Baumgartner completed a jump from the edge of space, breaking several records in the process. The jump was sponsored by Red Bull, and the resulting ad was watched by millions of people online. The jump was an incredible feat, so it’s no wonder that the ad has reached so much success. The ad has kept a home in many people's minds because the stunt was extreme and it was memorable for its death-defying nature.
Chrysler’s “Halftime In America” (2012)
Chrysler’s “Halftime In America” is another ad that is one to be remembered. The ad was aired during the Super Bowl and featured Clint Eastwood talking about how the country had faced tough times but had managed to come back stronger. The ad was very popular and was praised for its patriotic message. What makes it so memorable is for one, it featured legendary actor, Clint Eastwood, and secondly, it came at a time when the country was facing tough economic times. The ad was a feel-good moment for many viewers and served as a reminder that America is a resilient country.
Oreo's “Dunk In The Dark” (2013)
Oreo's "Dunk In The Dark" is a prime example of how you can create one of the best marketing campaigns when you take a situation and turn it into advertising gold. The ad was displayed when the 2013 SuperBowl experienced a black-out which delayed the game. The ad read, "You can still dunk in the dark." People remember this ad because it was clever, timely, and relevant to the situation. It also had a great Call-To-Action that urged viewers to go buy Oreos. This ad showed how Oreo was able to capitalize on the unexpected situation and turn it into a marketing success. Oreo has shown that they are not afraid to take risks and this memorable ad is a perfect example of their creativity.
Sony Bravia “Colour Like No Other”(2006)
There are a lot of memorable ads out there, but one that really stands out is Sony Bravia's "Colour Like No Other" ad from 2006. This good ad features a massive amount of colorful bouncy balls bouncing down a city street, and it's quite eye-catching. It's memorable because it's so different from the standard car or food ads that you see everywhere. Plus, the combination of the colorful bouncy balls and the pleasant, calming song provide positive stimulation that makes you feel good. This ad is a great example of how memorable ads don't necessarily have to be complicated or expensive to produce; sometimes, simplicity is key.
Sprite’s “Sun Fizz” Campaign (the 1990s)
Sprite’s Sun Fizz campaign is one of the best commercials in regard to its memorability. In the commercial, there's a mom in the kitchen about to serve up some Sun Fizz to her kids, and before she can, the Sun Fizz "mascot" pops on the screen and starts talking about the benefits of Sun Fizz. Suddenly, the family starts screaming and running out of the kitchen- terrified of the little sun-shaped mascot. The commercial is essentially a parody of the common advertising tactics and gimmicks that are used to sell products. By making fun of these tactics, Sprite can create an ad that stands out and is memorable for all the right reasons. It’s time to stop wasting your time and effort on lackluster ads that no one remembers. After reading this article, you now have the knowledge, resources, and tools you need to create legendary ads that will be remembered for a lifetime. But let’s keep it real, not everyone has the time to create memorable ads all by themselves. At Wizard of Ads®, we can help you create ads that are impossible to forget. Contact us today to learn more!