Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Advertising Can't Save You From Poor Branding

Have you ever seen an ad on television that you were sure was the beginning of a Saturday Night Live skit? (Warning: link NSFW). Then you realize it is actually an advertisement, and you are left sort of dumbfounded. This situation struck me recently when I saw the following advertisement


These are delicious.
I cannot think of a cookie with a less appetizing name than "Praeventia". Cookies are suppose to have yummy names, like Chips Ahoy and Dad's . Why they chose to name it after the Greek goddess of contraception is beyond me. What I do know is that the name does not awake my appetite.

The ad itself though is fine. In fact, if they never mentioned the brand name, it would be a very good ad. I'm made aware its a family-oriented cookie bar, which is healthier than most cookies. The "poor mommy" part is a bit corny, but overall a well-done ad.

The point here then is that advertising is not enough on its own. This is especially the case since traditional advertisements' effectiveness diminish each year. The best advertising in the world is not going to make someone want to eat a Praeventia cookie. 


The best advertisements are those which work off of a brand's image, which includes its name. They are a combination of marketing research, brand trustworthiness and creative advertising.

So let me throw it to the readers: does anybody want to eat a Praeventia cookie? Does the name not matter at all? Is the decent advertisement and product enough?

10 comments:

  1. I completely agree Greg, the name doesn't make these cookies sound appetizing at all. When they were testing this brand of cookie, they should have spent a bit more time on the name, what does Praeventia mean, and what does it have to do with a delicious cookie? The name isn't going to entice me to go out and buy these cookies.

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  2. Personally, I don't think the name matters. If it tastes good I will eat it. I think the name might attract people who are trying to eat healthy. "Praeventia" sounds healthy, it makes you think you are preventing something (like disease) by eating the cookies.

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  3. It's funny, my dad always bought Dad's, but I don't remember the last time I saw an advertisement for them - yet I would still buy them because they remind me of when I was little. This commercial seems to be trying to do the same thing. "Praeventia" is trying to link family with their product. Problem is, they're no "Dad's" and I doubt they will ever come close.

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  4. The name for this cookie does sound a little odd, but I agree with Kim. It does make you think like you are preventing something if you eat the cookie. The commercial is trying to emphasize the fact that it is something to have in the household and the whole family will love. Although the name and commercial kind of sucks, I would still try this cookie out.

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  5. Praeventia? awful name, I agree greg. After watching this Ad I didn't say "mmm I want a Preventia cookie." I think the name of a product is very important in the early stages of brand awareness, it is important to have a memorable name or slogan so that consumers remember it next time they go to the grocery store. I didn't like the packaging much either. However, if I had seen this advertisement, then saw the product at the grocery store I would likely put it in the buggy thinking I am making a healthy snack choice.

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  6. It is a horrible name and a tacky commercial, but you're right: I'm not going to forget a brand like that. Some of my favourite ads are from Ikea and Subaru. They're clever, funny, and use an unorthodox way of branding their products. Ikea focuses on organization, expecially in this ad (my FAVOURITE but bad quality: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus2j-oT2D0&feature=related). Suabaru wants to give off the image that their cars are sexy and I just love this commercial for its humour and music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vasc8ghyu1g&playnext=1&list=PL7EED453463DA6D4F)and I never forget the brand of car.

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  7. It definitely sounds like a cookie that if were a real person, would wear surgical stockings and like to pinch your cheeks when you come over to visit. And don't you think they over did it with the boxes on the shelves? It's just as well her family likes them cause she doesn't seem to have much choice.

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  8. I eat something because i like it not because of the name. Praeventia, does not sound very yummy to but if it tastes good i will probably forget about the name.

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  9. My mother actually buys these cookies. They are healthy and a great alternative. They taste great and satisfy my craving for chocolate and cookies. However, i agree the advertisement resembles a SNL skit and the name doesn't seem to be a great selling point. Greg you have a great style of writing and I enjoy reading your blog.

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  10. I love cookies, but I'm not sure I would want to want to try a "Praeventia" cookie. The name is horrible, and even though the commercial was pretty good, it didn't make the cookies look very tasty. They seem like they're made for people who want a healthier snack option. I'd much rather have a Chips Ahoy or Dad's cookie simply based on the name.

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