1-2-3: The Pratfall Effect, Gary Vee and Sharpie

1 framework, 2 lessons and 3 ads

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Now onto, today’s edition…

  • The Pratfall Effect

  • The best marketing strategy is 'Care' by Gary Vee

  • It all started with a Sharpie

🧠 1 Marketing Framework:

The Pratfall Effect

The Pratfall Effect is a psychological phenomenon where making a small mistake can increase a person's or brand's likability, as it makes them appear more human and relatable.

This counterintuitive effect suggests that perfection is sometimes less appealing than being flawed.

In 2018, when KFC ran out of chicken in the UK, they responded with an ad rearranging its letters to "FCK" in an empty chicken bucket.

This humorous and humble response to a logistical failure helped reduce customer irritation and get positive press.

By admitting the mistake, KFC maintained its brand’s credibility and trust.

🧑‍🏫2 Lessons From The Best Marketers:

Lesson #1: The best marketing strategy is 'Care' by Gary Vee

In 2001, when Gary was running Wine Library, his family's wine business, he drove over 2 hours to deliver a case of wine worth only $45 to a woman during a heavy snowstorm.

This act of dedication showed his deep commitment to customer satisfaction.

The lesson is that treating your customers well and exceeding their expectations is the greatest marketing strategy ever.

This not only satisfies your customers and makes them happy, but it also builds a long-term relationship of trust and loyalty with them.

Listen to the full story here.

Lesson #2: Category First, Brand Second by Al Ries

While doing my research for marketing lessons, I stumbled upon a video by Al Ries where he talks about categories and brands.

Honestly, this video blew away my mind as it was so clear and valuable.

Here’s the full video:

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📱3 Ads That Will Blow Your Mind:

Ad #1: It all started with a Sharpie

This ad creatively showcases the iconic Sharpie marker by using the tagline “It all started with a Sharpie” which points out this product's longevity and historical importance.

The crumpled paper background with handwritten notes like "Highlight the lips" and "Mick's gonna love this!!!" gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

This cleverly positions Sharpie as an essential tool for artistic and iconic creations.

Ad #2: Feeding your cat’s instincts by Whiskas

This Whiskas ad shows a domestic cat imagining chasing an antelope, underscoring the idea that even house cats have wild instincts.

The tagline "Feeding your cat's instincts" suggests that Whiskas cat food nourishes these inherent traits, providing a diet that aligns with their natural predatory essence.

This visual metaphor communicates that Whiskas’ products enhance a cat's fundamental nature through nutrition.

Ad #3: It’s the Hat by Hut Weber

This ad by Hut Weber effectively uses minimalistic art to make a powerful statement about the impact of a hat.

The image contrasts two silhouettes: one with just hair and one with a hat.

The hat transforms the ordinary silhouette into one that resembles Adolf Hitler, highlighted by the tagline "It's the hat."

This demonstrates how a Hut Weber hat can dramatically alter one’s appearance.

  1. Steve Jobs storytelling framework (Read Here)

  2. Apple’s new iPad Pro ad met with a wave of backlash (Read Here)

  3. David Ogilvy's pitch to Xeros (2 Mins Video)

  4. How to never run out of content ideas (Podcast)

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- Armaan