Water Heater Print Ad (1965)

An old-school ad showing kids playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” right next to a water heater is genius — and a little gutsy. It screams: “Our product is so safe, you can let your kids play games around it.” That’s confidence on display.

Why It Works

• It dramatizes the benefit instead of just saying it.
• Turns a dull product (a water heater!) into a fun visual story.
• Builds trust by implying safety without shouting it.
• Makes the claim memorable through surprise and humor.

Modern Spins

• Tesla: “So quiet, you’ll check if it’s on.”
• Dyson: “So powerful, it sucks up your regrets.”
• Ring doorbell: “So smart, it catches your Amazon driver making TikToks.”
• Roomba: “So efficient, the dog’s jealous.”
• Yeti cooler: “So cold, your beer files a complaint.”