Brand Names Foundation "Competition" Ad

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Mar 11, 2022
readers-digest-ad-hot-dog-competition
This was an ad ran in Reader's Digest in 1966 asking readers to "write in for a free booklet." "Writing in for a free booklet" was the "email signup" of the day before the internet. You would write a physical letter ➡ Send it via Post Office ➡ They would send you the material and collect your name/address to put on their marketing list. There was so much more work involved in creating a "customer list" back in the day!

Image Description

The image is a vintage ad featuring two men wearing sandwich boards. One board advertises "Joe's Hot Dogs," while the other advertises "Max's Foot Long Hot Dogs." The text above them reads, "Ever notice how when products compete with each other, they get better."

Positive Aspects

The ad cleverly illustrates the concept of competition driving quality improvements. The playful comparison between regular and foot-long hot dogs visually emphasizes the message. It's an engaging way to capture attention and communicate the benefits of competition.

Key Takeaways

  • Historical Marketing Tactics: Before digital marketing, companies used mail-in offers to build customer lists.
  • Competition Drives Quality: The ad highlights how competition can lead to better products for consumers.
  • Engagement Through Simplicity: Simple visuals and clear messaging make the ad effective and memorable.

Additional Insights

Back in the day, getting on a marketing list involved real effort—writing a letter and waiting for a response. Imagine the excitement of receiving that booklet in the mail! It’s a reminder of how far consumer engagement has come, yet the core principle—compelling offers—remains unchanged.

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