After a long hiatus, the Emmy winning Mad Men drama  is finally returning.  Don Draper wouldn’t advertise in a boring, forgettable way; so why should you?  Here are a few quick tips to make your advertising unforgettable; alcohol and cigarettes (fun fact: The former Lucky Strike plant is minutes from us in downtown Durham) not necessary.

Image Copyright of AMC

Be Bold

Blending in with everyone else makes your company mediocre.  Advertising and marketing is about making people pay attention and take action.  Joan Harris is an office manager throughout the Mad Men series, but her bold attitude makes others act.  Bold advertising may often offend some of your client base, but remember that slightly offending customers is better than being completely ignored.  In fact, the customers that are the most offended may be the one’s that are extremely profitable.  I would be willing to bet money that people offended by Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh are some of their biggest listeners.

100% Authentic Tervis Tumblers

Advertise Authentically

One of the reasons Mad Men is so popular is because of its historical authenticity.  Even though I was not even alive at the time, the show makes it easy for me to imagine what it was like to be there.  Instead of filling your mailers with buzz words and business jargon, try using a bit of personality.  Companies today must be wary of social media and how quickly consumers will call you out for wearing a false face.  Try using name brand promotional products (such as Tervis Tumblers) instead of cheap knock offs to impress customers.  Perceived authenticity and value can give customers a favorable impression of your company.

Guardian Promotional Tablet Sleeves

Evolve

Throughout the Mad Men series you get a true sense that time is passing.  The characters capitalize on social changes by altering the way they advertise.  10 years ago advertising on tablet sleeves would be unheard of.  Now, it is a great way to get in front of tech conscious customers.  Think about how your current clients have changed and adapt your advertising to suit them.  At MarkaBull we do our best to keep up with promotional product trends.  If you cannot think of any fresh ideas, try contacting us for the new ideas.

Image copyright of AMC

Be Strategic

DO NOT DUMP MONEY INTO PROMOTIONS WITHOUT A PLAN!  I hate to shout in all caps, but spending money on advertising without a plan is foolish.  Set goals and figure out how to best reach those goals.  For example,  if your goal is to attract more visitors to your website, make sure that your URL (or a QR code) is located on the marketing piece.  After the promotion is given out make sure to check how your traffic changes in response to the promotion.  Analytical tools such as Google Analytics and KISSmetrics will give you the information that you need.  The Sterling Cooper team always have a plan when launching a campaign and so should you.