Yes I want a live monkey!

This old-school ad sells baby monkeys through mail order. Wild! But beyond the questionable ethics, it’s a masterclass in writing headlines that grab you by the eyeballs.

Marketing analysis

The headline “Have you always wanted a live monkey?” is irresistible. It instantly taps into curiosity and childhood fantasy. The rest of the ad stacks benefits, builds trust with a money-back guarantee, and gives a clear next step: mail in your order form.

Why it works

• Bold curiosity-based headline
• Emotional appeal (“almost human”)
• Benefit-driven bullets
• Clear guarantee removes risk
• Simple call to action

Examples

• Dollar Shave Club: “Our blades are f***ing great.”
• Poo-Pourri: Funny, curiosity-fueled ad builds instant attention.
• Casper: “Better sleep for every body” turns curiosity into comfort.
• Dr. Squatch: Humor + benefit-driven storytelling.