Heard a podcast host say 'brands need to stop making ads and start making culture'

It was on the 'Marketing Millennials' show last week. The host argued that ads trying to be cool online just look fake, while real cultural moments, like Liquid Death selling water, work better. But I know a lot of pros who say pure brand building is too slow and you need direct sales ads too. Which side do you think is right for most brands today?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry67718d ago

Ugh, this debate is so tired. Both sides are right, but they're talking about different parts of the same job. You absolutely need the direct stuff that sells now, but if you only do that, you'll run out of people to sell to. The trick is doing both without looking like you're trying too hard, which is where most brands fail.

angela68718d ago

You nailed the part about not trying too hard, which is why a content calendar with both types of posts is my go-to fix.

reese_nelson17d ago

Wait, did you say Liquid Death is selling water? I had to read that twice. They put water in a tallboy can and built a whole brand around heavy metal and skate culture. It's such a simple, weird idea that actually worked. That's the perfect example of making culture instead of just another ad telling you to drink more water.