What can a cartoon character smoking a cigarette teach us about brand strategy?
More than you'd think.
Take The Flintstones, for example. When the show first aired in 1960, it targeted adults, airing during prime time when kids were already in bed. That’s why Fred, Wilma, and Barney would light up to promote Winston cigarettes (which is a little jarring to our 21st-century eyes).
But then the audience changed. More and more kids started tuning in. Suddenly, the show had a new primary audience, and with that shift came a necessary change in strategy. The cigarette ads vanished, replaced by more kid-appropriate sponsors like Welch’s grape juice.
This shift didn’t stop with sponsorships. It paved the way for iconic products like Flintstones chewable vitamins and Fruity Pebbles cereal—items still popular with kids today. As the Flintstones adapted, they created lasting connections with a new generation.
So, what’s the takeaway? Your audience is rarely static. They evolve, and so should your brand strategy. Recognize the shifts, adapt accordingly, and you might just create something timeless.
#BrandStrategy #AudienceEngagement #BrandEvolution #MarketingStrategy
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