WHAT CAN DIGITAL ADVERTISING LEARN FROM JOHNNY CASH'S COVER OF 'HURT'? I was listening to Johnny Cash today. It struck me that alongside being an absolute banger, his cover of “Hurt” isn’t just a song—it’s a lesson in how to connect on a fundamental and deeply personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, and it resonates in a way few covers do. The digital advertising industry, which often finds itself caught in a loop of neophilia and data obsession, can learn a lot from how Cash approached this track. This is a man who had lived through addiction, loss, and redemption, and when he sang the words “I hurt myself today"... it just hits differently. The track is a masterpiece in brutal authenticity. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a reflection of his life. It was raw and real. People can tell when something feels real versus when it’s just lip service. In a digital world full of polished lives, shiny veneers and influencers, a brand’s genuine voice cuts through the noise, just like Cash’s cover did. Reality. It’s often way more powerful - and certainly more relatable - than the most perfectly curated campaign. Cash also shows the raw power of emotional storytelling. The video for “Hurt” is haunting—shots of his life, his old footage, intertwined with moments of vulnerability. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t overproduced, and it didn’t need to be. It was about evoking emotion. We often get too caught up in analytics and ROI, sometimes forgetting that, at the end of the day, it’s about making people feel something. Marketing that tell a compelling, emotional story sticks with people long after they’ve seen it. Cash, at this stage of his career, was well into his later years but that didn’t stop him from taking on a contemporary song and making it his own. It’s a story of reinvention. In media, many often get stuck in old habits—the same old plan, year after year. But there’s real power in changing things up. Cash didn’t shy away from taking a classic by Nine Inch Nails, a band with a different vibe from his own, and turned it into something that felt deeply personal and timeless. It’s a perfect metaphor for how brands can embrace change, experiment with newer trends or voices, and make them work for their own story. Collabs, anyone? Reinvention isn’t about abandoning what made you great in the first place—it’s about evolving while staying true to your core values. Cash took a song that seemed like an odd fit on the surface and infused it with his life’s emotion, making it resonate with an entirely different audience. Finding a way to take new ideas, adapt them in ways that still align with your DNA, and deliver something that feels both fresh and authentic - that's where the opportunity is. Advertising, especially in digital, could benefit from a bit of Johnny Cash—more authenticity, more emotional depth, and more willingness to take risks and reinvent. Will it happen? It might Hurt a bit, but's it's gonna have to. https://lnkd.in/ezm9SPQS
Bicycle | Certified B Corp™️’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
CEO, Movement Strategy - A Social-Powered Marketing Agency | Shorty Awards Agency of the Year | I talk about social-centric marketing from my perspective of building a social agency before social media marketing was cool
In the early days of advertising, brands faced a daunting challenge: how to reach the masses without breaking the bank. With TV, print, and outdoor being the only options, and prohibitively expensive ones at that, many startups had to choice but to get creative. To do that, they had to rely on the cheapest yet biggest medium available: WORD OF MOUTH. Take Apple in the 70s. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak didn’t have a big ad budget. They relied on word of mouth and grassroots marketing. The first Apple computer was introduced at the Homebrew Computer Club, a small group of enthusiasts. This creativity and community focus got them noticed. Nike started with just $1,200 in the 60s. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman sold shoes out of a car trunk at track meets. Their innovative product and grassroots approach built a loyal following. Ben & Jerry’s opened their first ice cream shop in a renovated gas station. They hosted free movie nights and community events to draw in crowds. They didn't buy TV spots; they built a local buzz. Fast forward to today, and while the landscape has changed dramatically, two things remain true. CREATIVITY WINS Word of mouth is still the cheapest and most powerful medium in a marketer's arsenal. And not only has organic social media made it easier than ever before to accomplish both. It has also fundamentally shifted the way people consume content. And this shift puts the cards very much in smaller brands' favor. Gone are the days when the only way to connect with millions was to bombard them with endless product messages via paid media. Today, to stand out and capture attention, brands need to be entertaining, engaging, and authentically connected to their audience. This shift has opened up a world of opportunity for brands that understand the power of organic social media. Take Little Moons Mochi, for example. This UK-based dessert brand exploded onto the scene thanks largely to TikTok, where its satisfying, visually appealing content struck a chord with millions. Or look at Pura Vida Bracelets, which’ve built a thriving community around its colorful, cause-driven jewelry, primarily through organic Instagram content. Then there's Spikeball Inc., the outdoor game company that's become a cultural phenomenon, fueled by user-generated content and grass-roots social buzz. These brands, and countless others like them, are proof that in the age of social media, you don't need a massive marketing budget to make a massive impact. To compete in today's landscape, you need to think less like an advertiser and more like an entertainer. It's less like a megaphone and more like a friend.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Engage Audiences Effectively with Rickshaw Front Screen Advertising Rickshaw front screen advertising offers a compelling and innovative way to capture attention and promote your brand in Lahore's bustling streets. This form of advertising utilizes the front screen of rickshaws as a prominent space for displaying dynamic and eye-catching advertisements, ensuring your message reaches a wide audience throughout the city. What is Rickshaw Front Screen Advertising? Rickshaw front screen advertising involves placing advertisements on the front screen of rickshaws, strategically positioned to maximize visibility to pedestrians, motorists, and passengers. This prime location allows for creative designs and impactful messages that captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression. Benefits of Rickshaw Front Screen Advertising: High Visibility: The front screen of rickshaws is highly visible to pedestrians and motorists alike, ensuring that your advertisement receives maximum exposure during both day and night. Impactful Design: Capture attention with bold graphics, vibrant colors, and compelling messages that resonate with viewers as they navigate Lahore's vibrant streets. Targeted Reach: Reach specific neighborhoods and demographics by choosing rickshaws that traverse your desired routes, allowing for localized and effective marketing campaigns. Why Choose Rickshaw Front Screen Advertising? Rickshaw front screen advertising offers businesses a unique opportunity to enhance brand visibility, promote products or services, and engage with local communities in a direct and memorable way. It provides a versatile platform to deliver your message where traditional media may not reach effectively. Getting Started If you're ready to elevate your brand presence with rickshaw front screen advertising in Lahore or any other city in Pakistan, contact us today. Our team specializes in creating impactful campaigns that resonate with your target audience and drive results. Conclusion Rickshaw front screen advertising is an effective strategy to make your brand stand out in Lahore's competitive market. Whether you're launching a new product, promoting an event, or increasing brand awareness, this form of advertising can help you achieve your marketing goals with maximum impact. Reach out to us today to explore how rickshaw front screen advertising can elevate your brand visibility and drive success in Lahore and beyond.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
WARNING: Not knowing how these 3 successful advertising campaigns shaped the world last year, could cost you your entire marketing plan in 2024! In 2023, I dedicated the year to a meticulous study of diverse ad campaigns across industries, and I’m eager to share my insights. My journey into the intricate world of advertising unveiled three exceptional standouts, each making a profound impact on the industry's landscape. 1️⃣ Barbie Movie: Turning the World Pink! Picture a movie where the color pink takes center stage, creating unparalleled hype. The Barbie movie achieved just that by orchestrating a marketing symphony that left everyone tickled pink. The campaign's strength lay in its reliance on distinctive brand assets, with one poster featuring only Barbie's specific pink hue and release date – a masterstroke of simplicity. Ingenious tie-ups with brands like Crocs and Airbnb turned the world pink, making waves on social media. By leveraging emotions and tapping into the nostalgia associated with Barbie, the campaign forged a strong emotional connection with the audience. The result? A record-breaking opening weekend, making it the highest-grossing movie of the year, and a significant impact on cinema advertising. 2️⃣ McDonald's Grimace Birthday: Nostalgia Takes the Spotlight! The Grimace Birthday campaign transported us back to childhood memories. The multichannel nostalgia extravaganza, featuring a limited-edition purple shake, became a TikTok sensation with over 3 billion views. McDonald's successfully intertwined nostalgia and culture, letting fans shape the celebration in unexpected ways. Grimace's Birthday wasn't just a campaign; it was a social engagement phenomenon, proving the brand's authentic connection with its audience. The addictiveness of the campaign stemmed from its ability to invite fans to participate and make the brand their own, showcasing the power of user-generated content in driving engagement. 3️⃣ Ben Affleck and Dunkin' Donuts: A Perfect Blend! Dunkin' Donuts struck marketing gold by teaming up with the ever-caffeinated Ben Affleck. The campaign brilliantly played on Affleck's love for the brand, creating relatable, authentic, and humorous ads. The Super Bowl commercial marked the beginning of a series, highlighting the power of aligning a brand with a celebrity who genuinely resonates. The media psychology at play here was authenticity and relatability, connecting with the audience on a personal level. The Super Bowl commercial and subsequent ads capitalized on Affleck's existing relationship with Dunkin’. This campaign showcased the magic that happens when authenticity meets star power. In a world of ever-evolving advertising strategies, these campaigns stand out as shining examples of creativity, authenticity, and the ability to capture the hearts and minds of consumers in the digital era. Now, I'm curious! What marketing campaign has inspired you recently? 🚀
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Why Innovation in Advertising Matters: A Look at Game-Changing Campaigns In today's world, capturing consumer attention requires more than just a catchy slogan. Brands that push creative boundaries stand out, connect emotionally, and create lasting impressions. Let’s explore some of the most iconic advertising campaigns that redefined their industries through innovation. 1. De Beers: "A Diamond is Forever" In the early 1900s, De Beers needed to boost diamond sales. Their campaign didn’t just promote diamonds—it sold the idea that diamonds symbolize eternal love. The slogan “A Diamond is Forever” linked diamonds with commitment, transforming cultural norms and making diamond rings a staple of engagement. Innovation: De Beers transformed a product into a symbol, creating a narrative that still defines the industry today. 2. Red Bull: The Stratos Jump Red Bull’s Stratos Jump in 2012 wasn’t just an ad—it was an event. Felix Baumgartner’s freefall from the edge of space, sponsored by Red Bull, captivated millions. The daring stunt embodied Red Bull’s ethos of extreme adventure and energy, becoming one of the most-watched live events in history. Innovation: Red Bull created a spectacle that aligned perfectly with its brand, making the brand synonymous with pushing limits. 3. Old Spice: "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" Old Spice reinvented its image with humor in the “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign. Instead of a traditional approach, the ad targeted women, while also appealing to men, making it a viral sensation. Social media engagement further propelled the campaign, with personalized video responses that turned the brand into a conversation starter. Innovation: Old Spice used humor and social media to reach a new audience and turn a dated brand into a viral hit. 4. Volkswagen: "Think Small" Volkswagen’s “Think Small” campaign in the 1960s turned the Beetle’s small size into its selling point, contrasting with the trend of large American cars. The minimalist, witty ads emphasized the car’s practicality, appealing to consumers looking for something different. Innovation: VW embraced its uniqueness and turned a perceived weakness into a strength, redefining how cars were marketed. The Bottom Line: Creativity Drives Success These campaigns prove that innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the difference between being heard and being remembered. By taking risks and pushing boundaries, these brands didn’t just sell products; they created movements. What bold step will your brand take? #Innovation #Marketing #CreativeCampaigns #DigitalMarketing #Advertising #Branding #RedBull #OldSpice #Volkswagen #DeBeers #MarketingStrategy
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Advertising with Neutron Media in Times Square, New York City, offers unparalleled benefits for businesses seeking maximum exposure and impact. Here are some key advantages: Global Visibility: Times Square attracts millions of tourists and visitors annually, making it one of the most heavily trafficked locations in the world. Advertising here guarantees exposure to a diverse and international audience, providing brands with a platform to reach customers from all corners of the globe. Iconic Landmark Status: As one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, Times Square holds significant cultural and historical value. Associating your brand with this renowned location instantly boosts its prestige and credibility, enhancing brand recognition and fostering consumer trust. 24/7 Exposure: Times Square never sleeps, and neither do its advertisements. With vibrant billboards and digital displays illuminating the streets day and night, businesses benefit from continuous exposure to a captive audience, ensuring maximum visibility and impact at all hours. Targeted Audience Engagement: Despite its vast reach, Times Square also offers opportunities for targeted audience engagement. With its diverse mix of tourists, locals, and commuters, businesses can tailor their messaging to specific demographics, ensuring relevance and resonance with their target market. Social Media Amplification: Advertising in Times Square provides a unique opportunity for social media amplification. Visitors often share photos and videos of themselves in front of iconic billboards, creating user-generated content that extends the reach of advertising campaigns across various social media platforms. Dynamic Advertising Formats: From towering LED screens to interactive displays, Times Square offers a variety of advertising formats that allow brands to capture attention and engage with audiences in innovative ways. The dynamic nature of these displays enables real-time updates and customization, ensuring that advertising campaigns remain fresh and engaging. Boost in Foot Traffic: Businesses located in Times Square often experience a significant boost in foot traffic and customer visits as a result of their advertising presence. The high visibility and constant flow of visitors to the area increase brand awareness and drive potential customers to storefronts and establishments. In summary, advertising in Times Square provides businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their brand on a global stage, leveraging the location's iconic status, continuous exposure, and diverse audience to maximize visibility, engagement, and growth.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
𝐋𝐏 32 | 𝐈𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐥𝐝? Advertising, as we know it, is starting to feel a bit... tired. The same old jingles, familiar taglines, and predictable strategies—it's like we’re living in a world where everything is just one more repackaging of something we've seen before. Now, don’t get me wrong. Advertising has had an incredible run. It’s shaped industries, created iconic brands, and in many ways, become part of our culture. But the world is changing fast. The audience today isn’t the audience of yesterday. We're talking about people who can skip ads, block pop-ups, and scroll past your hard work in seconds. So, is advertising getting old? It feels like it's struggling to keep up with the pace of change. Traditional ads worked in a time when brands had the control. But now, it’s not about shouting the loudest; it’s about connecting on a deeper level. People want more than flashy slogans—they want authenticity. They’re asking, “What does this brand stand for?” or “How does this product improve my life in a meaningful way?” And if we, as advertisers, don’t adapt to that shift, we’re going to be left behind. At Motley, we see this firsthand. Clients are no longer asking for the typical TV spots or glossy magazine spreads—they’re looking for ways to genuinely engage with their audience. They want creativity that goes beyond the surface, that tells a story, that sparks conversation. This shift is exciting because it forces us to think differently. It’s no longer just about crafting the perfect 30-second ad. Now it’s about how we can leverage social platforms, influencers, and even user-generated content to create something that feels real, relatable, and personal. So no, advertising isn’t dead. But it is evolving, and fast. And if we don’t embrace that evolution—by focusing on what truly resonates with today’s audience—we risk becoming a relic of the past. The future of advertising isn’t about pushing a product; it’s about building relationships. It’s about making people feel something genuine, something memorable. And that’s where the magic happens. The question isn’t if advertising is getting old. The question is whether we’re ready to grow with it. What are your thoughts on this? #Advertising #FutureOfAdvertising #MeJasonMenezes
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Topic 36 (of 50) from The Smart Advertising Book, out now: lnkd.in/eCMQAesc. If you are luckily enough for your brand to be featured in user-generated content that captures the public’s imagination (i.e. becomes a meme), be ready to amplify its coverage. A film showing the explosive results of mixing Mentos mints with Diet Coke was uploaded in 2005. Entertainment company Eepybird.com filmed their own version of the experiment, and their video triggered thousands of people to film and share the results of similar experiments. The Mentos marketing team acted quickly to keep it going. They provided Eepybird with free Mentos and cash to fund further experiments and produce more films. The confectionery manufacturer claimed that the free publicity generated by these videos was worth in the region of $10m, roughly half of what the brand would normally spend on advertising in the US each year. Ocean Spray pulled off a similar trick in 2020. A factory worker from Idaho named Nathan Apodaca, skateboarded to work when his truck wouldn’t start. On the way, he filmed himself swigging from a bottle of Ocean Spray while miming along to ‘Dream’ by Fleetwood Mac. He later posted the film on TikTok. The video has received tens of million views and inspired hundreds of copies. Ocean Spray amplified the brand benefit by generating additional publicity e.g., by giving Nathan a new truck full of cranberry juice cartons. It’s hard to engineer this kind of publicity, but if it happens spontaneously, your Marketing and PR teams need to respond quickly and boldly to make the most of the opportunity. Beyond viral advertising, many brands use their websites and social media accounts to encourage consumers to create and share content. Sports camera maker GoPro picks up on posts containing #GoPro that show off the kinds of amazing sporting feats their cameras can capture. Airbnb has a dedicated Instagram account (@airbnbexperiences) for its customers to share moments from their unique travel experiences. These kinds of activity can help your brand attract an army of fans. The number of fans may be trivial compared to the brand’s entire target audience, but their combined network can be significant. As a brand owner, it’s virtually impossible to create content that will go viral…. But if your brand happens to be part of something that does go viral – make the most of it! If you found this post useful, please repost it. If you like my approach to illustrating useful concepts, check out my previous best-selling books: · The Smart Branding Book: lnkd.in/erMAGNVX · The Smart Marketing Book: lnkd.in/dhvxP_j or visit my website www.smartmarketing.me. @Tom Elmer, MKTPROF #advertising #marketing #contentmarketing #socialmediamarketing
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Banksy's Impact on Modern Advertising: A Blend of Subversion, Surprise, and Societal Reflection Banksy, the mysterious street artist, has revolutionized the intersection of art and marketing, turning urban spaces into canvases for thought-provoking socio-political commentary. His unique approach challenges traditional norms, creating a brand that thrives on intrigue. By employing surprise and controversy, Banksy's subversive marketing captivates audiences and generates widespread media attention. The Essence of Banksy's Art in Marketing Redefining Public Spaces: Banksy transforms ordinary billboards into conversation starters, placing his artwork on public surfaces like buildings and bridges. This unconventional approach establishes a compelling form of advertising, directly engaging with societal norms. Controversy as a Marketing Tool: Leveraging controversy effectively, Banksy ensures that his art sparks public debate and media coverage. Each polarizing piece amplifies its reach, pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising and creating lasting impressions. Mechanics of Subversive Marketing Psychological Impact of Surprise: Banksy's use of surprise disrupts ordinary, captivating audiences and creates memorable experiences associated with the brand or message. The sudden appearance of his art generates immediate public intrigue and discussion. Leveraging Media Attention: Media attention becomes a powerful amplifier in subversive marketing. Banksy secures headlines by executing stunts or revealing artworks that challenge social norms, turning newsworthiness into free advertising and expanding the initial message's reach. Case Studies of Banksy's Impact Dismaland (2015): A dark parody of a theme park critiquing consumerism and corporate branding, Dismaland attracted global attention, profoundly impacting society through satirical entertainment. "Love is in the Bin" (2018): Banksy's famous painting "Girl With Balloon" self-destructed at a Sotheby's auction, challenging ideas about the value and permanence of art and turning the shredded piece into a new iconic work. Public and Brand Reactions: Banksy's work elicits strong reactions, from admiration for its clever intertwining of art with activism to critique by those who consider it vandalistic. Brands near Banksy murals often see increased foot traffic and social media buzz, leveraging their proximity for edgy, provocative marketing. Future of Artistic Advertising Innovations in OOH Marketing: Digital billboards and interactive installations, influenced by artists like Banksy, offer dynamic canvases for engaging audiences in real-time. Augmented reality (AR) introduces immersive experiences, transforming locations into interactive advertising spaces without physical alterations. By subscribing to our blog, follow us for more on what we're up to and what interests us. Have questions about OOH Advertising? Ask Krystalee (Garito) Crevier for more info.
To view or add a comment, sign in
4,575 followers
Agency and Client Partner at LiveScore
1moGreat post, great song 👏🏻