Ad Watch – Red Rooster Group

NONPROFIT ADVERTISING: Taxi Ads

In our media-saturated world, nonprofits are stepping up their advertising to remain competitive.

Have you noticed the increase in nonprofit advertising in New York City recently? It seems that everywhere you look – on bus shelters, in the subways, in magazines – you see ads promoting various causes. The latest – ads in cabs.

One organization, NY Cares, known for advertising its winter coat drive in the subways, takes advantage of a captive audience with their spot on a taxi cab network promoting volunteerism. Not only does it get their message out, but it builds their brand by increasing their visibility. This helps them reach more people, enhances their reputation, and shows donors that they mean business. Despite how you feel about advertising, it’s one more way for nonprofits to build their brand.

WAKE UP CALL: How serious is your nonprofit about building its brand, and what steps are you taking to build it?

Citizens Respond to Advertising

These is nothing healthier for a democracy than transparent communication and a two-way dialogue. Unfortunately, mass advertising does not allow a means of exchange, at least not formally. But that hasn’t stopped New Yorkers from responding. In this feature, we showcase some witty, wry or poignant retorts to insipid advertising slogans.

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advertising backlash Culture Jamming mta subway ads pelham 123 protest speaking out

AD WATCH: Misguided Ad Fails to Motivate

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Does this ad endear you to union DC37 and make you want to act on their behalf? The ad is a lost opportunity to build support for the union. Instead it isolates the public and is not likely to generate the intended result. Here’s why and what they could have done instead:Continue reading

advertising DC37 Nonprofit Nonprofit ad public support union

AD WATCH: Wooden Subway Surprise

I did a double-take when I got on the shuttle at Times Square – it appeared that the entire subway car was made from wood. I was elated until I discovered that the plastic-wrapped seats and walls were an advertisement for Swiffer reading: “So fresh. So clean. You’ll want your floors all around you.” The only problem was, the actual subway floor was the only surface that wasn’t covered. And it wasn’t fresh or clean, and no one would want that all around them.

WAKE UP CALL: Don’t let your out-of box thinking cannibalize your message. Make sure your main proposition comes through clearly.

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