Six infamous marketing blunders, their impacts and crucial lessons to enhance your brand strategy
I spoke with Michelle Hawley, Editorial Director for CMS Wire for this story:
“6 Worst Marketing Campaigns of All Time”
Below is a brief extract from the article. Please visit CMS Wire to read the full story here.
“Dove has had numerous ads over the years that cannot be mistaken for anything other than racist,” said Mara Einstein, professor at Queens College, City University of New York.
“Similar to the ad where the Black woman turns white, there was a print ad that suggested that being Black was the ‘before’ and being white was the ‘after.’ Hard to interpret that any other way.”
To avoid making racist, misogynistic or simply juvenile advertising mistakes, explained Einstein, marketers have to take the time to vet their content. “This doesn’t have to be overly expensive or time consuming and it will save them from agita in the long run.”
As for demonstrating values, she added, it’s time for companies to stop with purpose and deal with impact. “If what you are doing isn’t helping the planet or your people — employees, customers, community — then take a seat.”