The Wright Brothers Bicycle Ad
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Before they built airplanes, the Wright Brothers sold bicycles. This old newspaper ad for their “Van Cleve” bike looks simple — a sketch, a brand name, a short tagline. Yet it helped fund one of history’s biggest innovations.
Marketing analysis
The ad’s magic is in its clarity. No fluff, no fancy graphics. It’s all trust and craftsmanship: “Hand-built by the Wright Brothers” instantly gives it credibility. The design shows movement, tying in perfectly with their bold claim — you’ll “get there first.”
Why it works
- Simple and direct copy that’s easy to understand
- Focuses on performance, not price
- Personal maker story builds trust
- Visual cue (bike in motion) reinforces the message
Examples
- Apple’s early “Think Different” ads: minimal words, maximum feeling
- Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” honesty play
- Dyson focusing on engineering over gimmicks
- Nike: always connects design with performance