It used to be that advertising was all about planning reach and frequency. To a certain extent it still is for paid efforts, but when you're trying to milk free platforms, like your own anchored content through blogs and enewsletters, as well as social media, earned media and embedded editorial, REACH is the name of the game. You CAN control frequency of your own platforms, but … [Read more...]
Marketing disruption: Hans Brinker Hotel claims “worst hotel” status
Disruption can be a powerful tool. The Hans Brinker Hotel in Amsterdam claims to be the worst hotel ever. In fact, an official line from one of their ads claims, "The Hans Brinker Hotel in Amsterdam. It doesn't get much worse." Without apology, they have made a successful business out of being awful. Click here for a first hand look at that housekeeping commercial. It will … [Read more...]
How #WestJetChristmas Miracle 2015 earns authenticity in the jaded airline space
Leading brands know who they are, and more importantly who they ARE NOT. They are conscious of what matches their style and resonates with their audience. They find authenticity in the space that they occupy. Westjet is one of those brands. Westjet has been doing the Christmas miracle since 2012, an annual feel good campaign of sorts, that spreads good cheer in their … [Read more...]
Christmas ads and the power of storytelling
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for sentimental. With only a slight guilty conscience I will readily confess to harboring my kid’s kindergarten works of art, old letters from friends, and photo albums filled with childhood memories in treasured locations throughout my house. I’ll also readily admit to being a sucker for history. I was that weird kid in high school who actually … [Read more...]
Branding with emotion and giving presence this holiday season
Two much-loved global brands (with Canadian roots), Westjet and Lululemon, take the spirit of the season awards this week for marketing initiatives that stand out in a month traditionally fueled with excess and consumption madness. Hot on the heels of Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Lululemon’s holiday campaign “Give presence,” as well as the third in a trilogy from … [Read more...]








