As you know I am an Apple enthusiast and more importantly I love innovative marketing, advertising ideas. Volkswagen Vento’s talking paper was one such but AXA Insurance of France has gone one step ahead. AXA group launched an iPhone Application through which you can track your insurance products. To launch this innovative product, they did an innovative ad too
Initially, they published an ad in magazines with a white space and some instructions – “Asking the readers to keep their iPhone on the blank space” ( Most probably with a open AXA app i believe). When the readers keep it, the iPhone automatically runs the ad and ending with the demo of the app. If you think it can’t be true, watch the video.

This happened for real and one hell of a marketing idea. It may have reached only a few peopl who had iPhones but this is one awesome campaign. Ok if that’s what iAds can do, it will redefine the advertising industry.

Atttribution: I read this from 9to5mac.com and here is the original article

Do you know how to market your products to Indian Politicians and Bureaucrats? Ah there is one simple way – Money but how do you attract them to even look at your product? How will you do your advertisements?

A few ideas

1. Showing bribe offers in the advertisement – 30% commission on the purchase of the product.

2. Showing some plush properties as a gift.

3. “Sting Operation Free” assurance.

I dunno whether you will see these kind of adverts but one intelligent Israeli company (that’s a universal truth. I haven’t seen a dumb Jew) has come up with a sexy ad for wooing the Indian bureaucrats and politicians. Rafael (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) has made a bollywoodish advertisement. They have some dancers dressed in India lehengas with all missiles all around as props. The most important part is the song – “Dinga Dinga Dee” and the way it has been written. It speaks about security, protection and being together ;)…

Have a look at it …

Freakonomics reported that they eventually sold some missiles to Indian Government after the ad and Times of India is angry about it. If you have a Google search for it, most of them feel it atrocious. But as a marketer, i thought it was intelligent, cheeky and extremely innovative. Your take…?

P.S: I think the music is a copy of an hindi song, I am unable to identify it. Give it a try.

It was boring Monday morning for me. I was taking my break fast (bread toasts) and watching tv. I always loved to watch advertisements and comment on it. Another advantage is that it helps me in business quizzing.

I saw this ad on tv.

I think everyone will love Axe ads. If not love it, it would have made you curious. I love the innovative ads they make. The famous train ad to the controversial chocolate man ad all their ads are intriguing. I was thinking about this latest ad while coming in bus ( I am typing this post with my iPhone). I was curious about the number in the ad and called up the number.

It answered Hi I am Tanya, would you take me for a ride in your bike? Press 1 if yes and press 0 if No

I was startled and sweetly surprised at the way these guys working out a marketing idea. I pressed 1. Then she said you can win prizes if you really have an axe effect and I will call you up daily for 5 days at the specified time. I created the alarm for 7.30 daily.

I got a message after the call explaining the contest and if I want to opt out. I left it as such to see how it works.

Sometimes I admire the way some marketing guys work out an idea. This one is extremely innovative, well executed and absolutely viral. And the wonderful part is it fits with the brand identity to the T. I have seen a lot of promotions which doesnt gel with the brand image and failing miserably. Only a handful stand out in the crowd like the Axe Effect.

P.S: 1.Before ending the call Tanya asked me whether I want to talk to her friend Natasha and the call went on…

2.The number is STD number and all are recorded voices. So have balance in the phone and some patience.

Company: Hindustan Unilever
Agency: Lowe Lintas