It was for Diet Coke. Did it increase Diet Coke sales? No. But it did get everyone talking about the "Diet Coke Guy." For a short period of time, Lucky Vanous was almost as popular as the soft drink giant itself.
These days, the same idea applies. Spokespeople becoming more popular than the product they're pitching.
Nobody can confirm her identity, and there are a lot of people on the internet searching. A few names have popped up here and there, but nothing on imdb or any other major sites. If you search for people searching for her, she has quite a fanbase.
Probably more than the website she represents, which have been getting some not-so-fantastic reviews. Oh well...
Another good example is Flo from Progressive auto insurance. Not many people have Progressive, or want to switch thanks to Flo, but a lot of people know who she is. If you go so sites like 4chan or Reddit, she's quickly gaining enough popularity to maybe one day be a full-fledged internet meme. Is she on the same level as the Bronies? Maybe not, but some day...
Next up is the Hyundai girl...
Jessica Frech wasn't burning up the charts as a regular musician, so she pursued another avenue: Selling Cars. The commercial is catchy (I guess) and she's gaining popularity from it, but I still don't want to buy a Hyundai.
Still... I'd buy her a drink...
What other memorable spokespeople can you think of, that were selling a "meh" product? Please feel free to participate by commenting below, or simply let me know what you think of these selections. Thanks!
I don't think he ever appeared on screen, but the first words that popped into my head upon reading the title of this post was "Bob Loves Doritos".
ReplyDeleteI also have an undying love for Tom Cavanagh in his pre-Ed days schilling for Blue Light.
"I'm standing here on Georgian Bay and I'm reminded of .. Light Beer."
Yeah, I've really let myself go since those Diet Coke commercials.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Flo.....this weekend, I saw a Progressive commercial on TV (now did I REALLY need to say 'on TV'?). I mentioned to my sister-in-law that Flo looked a 100 frikkin' years old. She replied, "Well, that's just how she looks on an HD set."
Ewwwwwwwwwww..........
If Flo looks that bad, I can't imagine how bad I'D look.
Better go buy a case of Diet Coke, stat.
Great post Brandon! I thought about commercials I remember seeing as a kid and now and I don't think I ever bought any of the products either unless it was food.
ReplyDeleteEven though the person becomes more popular than the product, you do still remember the product being pitched. I think some advertisers want you to remember the product more because you might be more inclined to "talk" about the commercial and how funny it was. The more memorable, the more the product stays in your mind whether you buy it or not.
Almost like "jingles" that we still can spot the moment we hear them. It's marketing at it's best. And I agree, I still would never buy a Hyundai.
I agree and disagree. This is effective marketing, but I'd prefer an "adorable" or "cool" commercial over a cheesy one like this Hyundai ad.
ReplyDeleteFor example, the VW commercial with the Darth Vader kid. Memorable, cool, and effective. A little cheesy, but no jingle and no over the top shenanigans.
They're both effective in different ways, but I know enough about marketing to roll my eyes at a commercial like this.
I immediately thought of the Old Spice guy. Those commercials are great, he even convinced me to try using Old Spice aftershave. It still smells like Grandpa's taint, but those commercials are great.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the fascination with the Progressive lady, she invokes a visceral annoyance from the bowels of my annoyance gland.
I would honestly marry Flo in real life.
ReplyDeleteThat girl is gorgeous and sweet.
Billy. Mays. The end.
ReplyDeleteMy father HATES Flo with a passion. It's so bizarre, but whenever I happen to be in the same room with him and a Progressive commercial comes on the tv, he gets so upset that he has to walk out of the room. I guess that's where I got my crazy gene from.
ReplyDeleteDon't know the gazelle girl, but I have seen the Hyundai commercials...Jessica is definitely a cutie.
ReplyDeleteHere's a few more to consider:
http://crimesoftheinsomniac.blogspot.com/2011/11/random-hot-chicks-in-commercials-part-3.html
Let me know what you think, I actually 'know' two of them :D
very true
ReplyDeleteThe Mac guy vs. the Windows Dude.
ReplyDelete"Where's the beef?" Oh, sorry. The Gazelle lady looks like a former boss of mine, except my boss didn't talk out of the side of her mouth.
ReplyDeleteHaha, that's funny. I remember that Diet Coke commercial. I like that you point out the Hyundi girl. I guess they're kinda catchy but I'm not a big fan of the little song.
ReplyDelete~Dale
www.savvyspice.net
Get connected, for free (FREE!) at education connection....that chick
ReplyDelete