Monday, September 9, 2013

False Advertising

The reputation of the advertising industry is such that most people expect a certain amount of exageration and stretching of the truth in commercial messages designed to sell you a product or a service.

It has become somewhat anticipated that the hamburger won't be as big or juicy as it is in the photo, the shampoo won't make your hair as shiny and manageable as it shows in the video, or the service provider won't be as cheerful and knowledgeable as they claim in the webinar.  Many people expect that the three out of four doctors who recommended the toothpaste/pain killer/weight loss treatment are getting paid or are relatives of the CEO.

This cynicism is exponentially more true for those born since 1980.

Think about the shock a company would create if they avoided hyperbole and puffery and simply shared the facts and told the truth.  Anticipate what the reaction would be if they said, "You need a car for transportation and our car will get you there safely and at a reasonable price."  Imagine the ripple effects it would cause if consumers responded to a straightforward recitation of product features and how those features might help address some of your needs.

Some would probably be looking for the catch.
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