The Power of Humor in Advertising: How to Be Funny and Memorable
Why Use Humor in Advertising?
Using humor in advertising can have a range of benefits. First and foremost, humor can grab the attention of consumers. In a world where we’re bombarded with ads on a daily basis, a funny ad can make a brand stand out from the crowd. A memorable, funny ad can also lead to increased brand awareness, as consumers are more likely to remember an ad and share it with others.
Humor can also help build a positive brand image. A funny ad can create a positive association with a brand, making it seem more approachable, relatable, and trustworthy. This positive association can lead to increased brand loyalty and customer retention.
Of course, using humor in advertising does have its risks. Humor can be subjective, and what one person finds funny, another may not. A poorly executed or offensive attempt at humor can backfire and harm a brand’s reputation. It’s important to walk a fine line between being funny and being inappropriate.
Tips for Being Funny and Memorable
So how can you make sure your ad is funny and memorable? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Know your audience.
Before incorporating humor into your advertising, it’s important to understand your target audience. What kind of humor do they find funny? What will resonate with them? For example, a Gen Z audience may have a different sense of humor than a Baby Boomer audience.
2. Keep it relevant.
Humor needs to be relevant to the product or service being advertised. A funny ad that doesn’t make sense in the context of the brand can be confusing and off-putting.
3. Take risks.
Being too safe with humor can come across as bland and forgettable. Taking risks with humor can lead to memorable, attention-grabbing ads. Of course, it’s important to balance risk-taking with being tasteful and appropriate.
4. Surprise the audience.
A funny ad that’s unexpected can be even more effective. Consider using shock value or surprise to make an ad stand out from the crowd.
5. Use storytelling.
Using humor to tell a story can make an ad more engaging and memorable. A funny ad that tells a story can be more effective than one that simply tells viewers about a product or service.
Examples of Funny Ads
Let’s take a look at some examples of successful funny ads:
1. Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
This iconic Old Spice ad features a handsome man delivering his lines in a humorous, over-the-top way. The ad’s unconventional humor helped it go viral and become one of the most memorable ads in recent years.
2. Dollar Shave Club “Our Blades Are F***ing Great”
This Dollar Shave Club ad is unapologetically irreverent, using explicit language and a deadpan delivery to create a humorous ad that resonated with its target audience.
3. Geico “Hump Day”
Geico’s “Hump Day” ad features a talking camel wandering around an office, asking people what day it is with a goofy grin. The ad’s playful humor made it memorable and shareable.
In Conclusion
Humor can be a powerful tool in advertising, helping brands stand out from the crowd, increase brand awareness, and build a positive brand image. However, incorporating humor into advertising is not without its risks. It’s important to understand your audience, keep humor relevant to the brand, and balance risk-taking with being tasteful and appropriate. With these tips in mind, brands can create funny, memorable ads that stick with consumers long after they’ve seen them.