If you study the best magazine ads from the 1980s, you'll get a free masterclass in marketing that actually works in 2022
Inspirational Ads from Apple, Nike, Coke and more:
Inspirational Ads from Apple, Nike, Coke and more:
Who:
Motorola
When:
1985
What I like about it:
Mic drop moment. The product speaks for itself
Motorola
When:
1985
What I like about it:
Mic drop moment. The product speaks for itself
Who:
Wall Street Journal
When:
1988
Why I like it:
Simplicity sells
Wall Street Journal
When:
1988
Why I like it:
Simplicity sells
Who:
Diet Coke
When:
1981
Why I like it:
Use a phrase that is popular and spin it to stand out
Diet Coke
When:
1981
Why I like it:
Use a phrase that is popular and spin it to stand out
Who:
Benson & Hedges Cigarettes
Note:
I don't condone smoking, but big tobacco knows how to make compelling ads
When:
1988
Why I like it:
Luxury + fun = good combo
Benson & Hedges Cigarettes
Note:
I don't condone smoking, but big tobacco knows how to make compelling ads
When:
1988
Why I like it:
Luxury + fun = good combo
Who:
GE
When:
1980s
Why I like it:
The feeling of escape is something we all want. Owning that feeling is huge
GE
When:
1980s
Why I like it:
The feeling of escape is something we all want. Owning that feeling is huge
Who:
Honda
When:
1985
Why I like it:
I don't know about you but when I look at this it oozes cool from all angles (NYC, bike, Lou Reed who sings for Velvet Underground)
Honda
When:
1985
Why I like it:
I don't know about you but when I look at this it oozes cool from all angles (NYC, bike, Lou Reed who sings for Velvet Underground)
Who:
French's
When:
1983
Why I like it:
Making people feel like if they aren't using French's, then it isn't a real hot dog is experience is the fastest way to become a category leader
French's
When:
1983
Why I like it:
Making people feel like if they aren't using French's, then it isn't a real hot dog is experience is the fastest way to become a category leader
Who:
Yamaha
When:
1980s
Why I like it:
Imagine flipping through a Reader's Digest in 1984. Most of the ads are car companies. At first glance, you think this is another car ad. But wait it isnt... that's the beauty here
Yamaha
When:
1980s
Why I like it:
Imagine flipping through a Reader's Digest in 1984. Most of the ads are car companies. At first glance, you think this is another car ad. But wait it isnt... that's the beauty here
Who:
Aramis Cologne
When:
1982
Why I like it:
A big underlying reason why someone wears cologne/perfume is to attract a partner. The subtle communication here is put on Aramis and it'll work for you
Aramis Cologne
When:
1982
Why I like it:
A big underlying reason why someone wears cologne/perfume is to attract a partner. The subtle communication here is put on Aramis and it'll work for you
Who:
Atari
When:
1980
Why I like it:
Powerful metaphors stick in our brains like glue
Atari
When:
1980
Why I like it:
Powerful metaphors stick in our brains like glue
Who:
JVC
When:
1986
Why I like it:
Not selling features, selling a concept people can understand (a miracle)
JVC
When:
1986
Why I like it:
Not selling features, selling a concept people can understand (a miracle)
Who:
AMEX
Year:
1985
Why I like it:
AMEX is about being in front of the line no matter how young or old you are
AMEX
Year:
1985
Why I like it:
AMEX is about being in front of the line no matter how young or old you are
Who:
Honda
When:
1985
Why I like it:
Ad all around no frills for a no frills product
Honda
When:
1985
Why I like it:
Ad all around no frills for a no frills product
Who:
Porsche
When:
1980s
Why I like it:
Pick an enemy (traffic) and stand against it
Porsche
When:
1980s
Why I like it:
Pick an enemy (traffic) and stand against it
Who:
Kool-Aid
When:
1984
Why I like it:
Sell fun. Design a world and try to immerse the reader in it
Kool-Aid
When:
1984
Why I like it:
Sell fun. Design a world and try to immerse the reader in it
TLDR;
If you're looking to have your brand stand out...
It might be tempting to study current TikTok/IG ads, but sometimes what's even more inspirational is going back to 1980s/1990s print ads and studying tried, tested and true
If you're looking to have your brand stand out...
It might be tempting to study current TikTok/IG ads, but sometimes what's even more inspirational is going back to 1980s/1990s print ads and studying tried, tested and true
This works for your DTC brand, your NFT project, your app or your creator content
Follow me @gregisenberg if you like this sorta stuff
The newsletter is where I write my long form, I don't write often but when I do you'll enjoy latecheckout.substack.com
The newsletter is where I write my long form, I don't write often but when I do you'll enjoy latecheckout.substack.com
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