1962 “Pet Monday” ad

Yep, they actually sold live monkeys through the mail in the 1960s. Wild. But what’s crazier is how perfectly this tiny ad nails the AIDA formula.

Marketing Analysis

The ad grabs attention with “LIVE MONKEY” and a photo that’s impossible to ignore. It builds interest with quirky details (“eats same food as you”), stokes desire by calling it a “darling pet,” and pushes for action with a clear price and mailing address. No fluff. No question what to do next.

Why It Works

• Starts with a shocking hook
• Clear painkiller: “adorable pet and companion”
• Tons of bonuses (FREE everything!)
• Deadline-style urgency (“Live delivery guaranteed”)
• One simple action: mail your money

Examples

• Dollar Shave Club used shock and humor to grab attention.
• Purple Mattress demoed weird gadgets to create desire.
• Oatly prints bold, curiosity-sparking headlines on packaging.
• Dr. Squatch Soaps inject personality + call to action in seconds.