Is the recession leading to more socially responsible advertising?
By*the word “article” is a link to the article I read that was discussing this topic. I wanted to make sure you all saw that because the blue is kind of faint and it is a really interesting article.
I recently read this article that was addressing the tough times that advertisers are having due to the current economic recession. This is a difficult time for advertisers because they are advertising to consumers that aren’t buying. So what do they do? They have to address people in a whole new way, in a way that encourages smarter spending and less consumption but includes the product they are trying to sell.
One of the examples used in the article is Allstate insurance. In their recent ad campaign they are encouraging people to get back to basics and that in these hard times people begin to focus on the small things in life and they tie in their product by saying that those things need to be protected which is where Allstate comes in. I have to admit this commercial made me feel very warm and fuzzy inside.
5 Comments
March 4th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I have always really loved AllState because they do seemed concerned for each person with a genuine spirit that is non-existant within other insurance agencies. I also find it very interesting that they actually started business during the Great Depression. If a company can start during the Great Depression when everyone else was going bankrupt and losing business, I would trust them in a heart beat. AllState has embodied the spirit of community and understands that it’s not just about making money but about changing society for the better by the service you offer. When I buy insurance you can bet that they will be the first place I look.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Kirby, I am so glad that you brought this advertisement to our attention. It has been a while since I have seen an ad that makes me feel optimistic about the future of the country. In fact, it has been a while since I have heard anything that makes me feel optimistic about our country. I am glad that Allstate has been able to focus on the good things right now in life. Way to go Allstate for focusing on the values of Hope and Appreciation even in this economic crisis!
March 4th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I think another great thing this ad does is build a sense of community or togetherness for the American people. It shows us that we are all going through the hardships of the economic crisis together and that we will all still be together when we reach the other side, sharing homecooked meals, lazy Sundays, and backyard football games. Yep, warm and fuzzies all over!
March 5th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I really feel like all good things about this ad have already been said, but I feel the need to comment regardless. Last semester in Intro to Creative we studied the “Live Richly” campaign by Citi bank I believe and Dr. Alvey said that we would soon have a string of campaigns pop up with similar non-materialistic messages after the stock market crash. Although this is still an advertisement and its goal is to sell insurance I really feel like they are putting importance on community, people, and both emotional and physical safety. It can really help people put things into perspective and appreciate what they have around them. With the mention of the “12 recessions” this wonderful ad can help people look forward and work to the future. VERY well done, AllState
March 6th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I got the “warm & fuzzies” from this ad, too, Kirby. This commercial is exceptional in so many ways. Its virtuous through its focus on family values, being grateful for what we do have, and message of hope. At the same time, it also shows Allstate to be a stable company that has stood the test of time and that cares for its customers. Tying the message directly to their well-known tag line (“It’s back to basics and the basics are good; put them in good hands.”) is brilliant.
This commercial shows that effective advertising can also be inspiring. THAT is advertising at its best.