March Monthly Marketing Round-Up

Is it us or has it been a quiet spring, marketing-wise? Are people and brands more risk averse because the world is … well? Are they playing it safe due to rising costs and shrinking budgets? Is it the AI of it all? Are people just tired and struggling to be their best creative selves?

We’re just not seeing any really cool campaigns locally, nationally, or even internationally with the big brands. Advertising and marketing feels very safe at the moment. Ryan Reynolds is hawking maple donuts at Tim Hortons, life insurance and pharmaceutical ads have taken over network TV, and the only product advancements we’re seeing are in anti-ageing products. 

Even the targeted ads we’re seeing in the digital space seem off. Huggies is spending an absolute fortune trying to sell me diapers I have never, and will never need!

Truly, the best marketing we see happening out there isn’t marketing at all. It’s the white lady’s love for Mini Eggs. On Instagram, they’re absolutely FERAL for them! When this happens, why would Cadbury even bother to spend this year!?

No Such Thing as Bad Publicity? 

And as chronically online girlies, we couldn’t get away from Timothee Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera not being enduring art forms. It went mainstream at The Oscars, so you’ve heard about it too. And while the backlash was hilarious it did result in some fantastic reactive marketing by theaters across America. 

Take a Bite 

Also in not-directly-marketing (but everything is marketing) news, the McDonald’s CEO set off a chain reaction when a video of him taking a bite out of one of the company’s burgers went viral and The Internet demonstrated that it’s had enough of CEOs. Other burger chains hopped on the bandwagon, but the real winners were the meme-ers, which is happening more and more. 

Is This The Future?

Finally, rounding out our wrap up is a really big spend, with a big idea, but which kind of falls flat. Netflix has been using digital and static billboards in major cities to hype up its existing IP in the form of tarot cards. The concept is about predicting your future … streaming choices?

I mean, “What’s Next?” is a powerful sentiment and while the art is cool, and the Tudum Website gives a reasonable call to action and connection between Netflix and the campaign, it's not really compelling is it? Getting your horoscope (and watch recommendations) from Netflix? Meh.

NEXT!

We’re ready to see brands go big or go home, so will you take us up on the challenge? Want to create something surprising and thrilling? We’re the agency for you! Get in touch and let’s go!