Stop propping up brand purpose with contrived data and hypocrisy
Channel 4’s research claiming consumers want purpose-driven ads is the latest flimsy attempt to bolster a morally bankrupt concept that simply covers over corporate indiscretions.
Channel 4’s research claiming consumers want purpose-driven ads is the latest flimsy attempt to bolster a morally bankrupt concept that simply covers over corporate indiscretions.
The FMCG giant’s Q2 results are down year on year but Polman says innovation, investing in premium business and direct to consumer are all factors in why the company is “on track”.
If this year’s Cannes Lions festival is anything to go by then brand purpose is still high on the agenda. Marketers, however, would be better off focusing on something less utopian – differentiation.
Lush has only alienated consumers with its poorly judged #Spycops campaign, which has nothing to do with the brand as well as being of no benefit to society.
Inclusive marketing drives meaningfulness and differentiation for Lego, says brand boss Carolina Teixeira, measures closely linked to price elasticity.
Marketing boss Richard Warren claims boards see advertising as a running cost, meaning marketers shouldn’t “cloak” campaigns in the word “investment”.
Overall digital advertising spend grew 11% in 2023 to £29.6bn, according to data from IAB and PwC.
Chief brand officer Ije Nkoworie, who takes over as CEO next year, says marketing can get distracted by trends and risk preventing customers discovering product.