BP's digital brand voice

Is BP's digital brand voice at risk from a Twitter imposter that has amassed a following twice that of the petroleum supplier/Gulf Coast destroyer's own official feed? Apparently not because the other day BP told AdAge that they might not take it down. They said "People are frustrated at what's happening, as are we, and that's just their way of expressing it." If you take a look at @bpglobalpr you'll see the imposter tweets are quite humerous with gems like

"Catastrophe is a strong word, let's all agree to call it a whoopsie daisy."

"Proud to announce that BP will be sponsoring the New Orleans Blues Festival this summer w/ special tribute to Muddy Waters."

"Jelly beans, roller coasters, pizza and trampolines. Without oil, none of these would exist. Just something to think about."

However, according to Twitter the name @bpglobalpr isn't legal if it's not an official BP tweeter, they need to say explicitly that it's fake - which they don't. BP condoning this feed will certainly not help them improve their currently terrible reputation, in fact it only perseverates their image as an uncaring, money-hungry, environmentally unfriendly oil company. Why don't they start a retailiation tweet about their clean up efforts? Keep the public informed and try to reposition themselves in the mind of the American public.

Will be watching to see how long @bpglobalpr lasts...

Clever TFL adverts

These TFL adverts have been on the tube for months and I've finally gotten around to uploading my iPhone pictures onto the computer. I love the way they've used the iconic multi-colored lines to represent everyday activities that can require the use of the London Underground. I think these ads are both simple and clever and easily get the message across. Realy like them, especially the shopping/bar code one.

Nike, write the future

This is a fantastic ad and the perfect way to kick off my series on World Cup advertising. With appearances by Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Ronaldinho, Kobe Bryant, and even Homer Simpson, Nike proves they've got a huge budget - and know how to use it.

Their call to action pushes viewers to NikeFootball.com where you will hopefully spend some cash on Nike products or enter in their 'The Chance' competition, hosted on Facebook.

Even if you're not a football fan, there's no way you can't get even mildly excited about the impending 2010 World Cup after seeing this ad - the passion, the determination, the excitement, the celebration, it's all there. Can't wait.

Smirnoff - It's quitessentially English cool

This ad by Smirnoff is almost too cool for school. Oh hey, let's all go out into the forest with chandeliers, antique chairs and totally eccentric 'nymph-like' costumes and have a fabulously cool party. We're soo quirky and arty and creative! As an American I can tell you that this ad would certainly not resonate with the 18-30 year old crowd its positioned at if it was shown in the states... it's way too eccentric. However, I bet their English counterparts think it's just 'brilliant'! But this is why I love this ad. I like the fact that I can recognize why it's quintessentially Enlish by nature and how it would resonate with the middle class English youth it's targeted at. I have to say as well, after living here for over 18 months now, it's starting to resonate with me too, despite my hard-bent American ways. So while this commercial is a bit silly and a bit OTT, I think it does a great job at positioning itself to a very influential audience. It's ads like these that help me to better understand the culture I live in.

It's Chrome Fast.

If I had to design a marketing plan for Chrome it seems most logical to post it on YouTube and make use of the viral power of the internet to which Google is so intrisically linked - which is what they've done.  Plus, who doesn't like to pass on a good video? Here Google uses traditionally 'fast' objects to benchmark the speed of Chrome. Plus by using science experiments they've incorporated that element of 'authority' to prove the browser's speed and have also further reinforced their nerdy/fun/quirky corporate image. And damn, Chrome definitely seems fast.

Another great campaign, courtesy of Google.

Because everyone wants to be a celebrity...

This was the thought behind this wildly successful viral video from DRAFTFCB Stockholm. In fact, they claim this has been the most successful global viral interactive film ever with 14 million unique visits within 8 weeks. I did this for my boyfriend... you'll see what I mean. I dare you to not pass it along to a friend... especially one who loves the limelight.

http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1272017736297RA40

Heineken. made to entertain.

Tell a football fan that they have to miss a big match (like AC Milan v Real Madrid in the Champions League) and you're in danger of some serious backlash. Well that's exactly what Heineken did... but then they redeemed themselves in the most spectacular of manners. This is an awesome piece of marketing, not just in the concept but in the organization and execution.

Is William Hill Anti-Glazer?

With everything surrounding the Anti-Glazer controversy at Manchester United, you would think that William Hill would've been more careful with their recent advertisement which seems to support this campaign with the line 'I will show my true colors' with a shot of a green and yellow scarf. However, I suppose since this is quite controversial they're getting viewers to discuss, which is really what they're trying to achieve. Furthermore, they're free of any blame since Norwich City is in fact, yellow and green. What a move...



Background: For those of your who don't follow English football, the Glazer family - who are American - hold controlling stakes in Manchester United, the most winning club in Premier League history. Recently, Man U fans have started to wear yellow and green scarves (in stark opposition to the club's traditional red and white colors) in support of an 'Anti-Glazer' campaign. This move stems from fans angry about the fact that the money in which Malcom Glazer used to originally buy his controlling stake was in fact acquired through bank loans against the club's assets putting the club in massive debt. The Anti Glazer campaign has gotten a lot of press as more and more fans purchase the unofficial merchandise and the stands are now filled with a sea of green and yellow. Additionally, a group of City bankers who call themselves the Red Knights are supposedly attempting to amass enough funding to buy out the Glazers. The story is ongoing. Read more

Have an awesome day!

I love to exercise and get outside which might be why this K-Swiss commercial speaks to me so much. However, they've also got a great song: a rocked-up version of 'California Sun' originally by the Rivieras but this time sung by a chorus of children which just adds a great element of fun and energy. It targets both men and women, doing serious but mostly not-so-serious sports and generally having a great time doing them in the California sunshine. The age group is both old and young and no one takes themselves too seriously. This is a good ol' brand awareness piece for K-Swiss which I consider an often-forgotten sport brand. They've definitely displayed their Californian American hertiage perfectly to this English audience. Let's see what else they've got...

I spy a Ford KA

Here's a way to get the audience to pay attention to your ad: put an 'I spy' in it! My third post in my great car commercial series, Wunderman agency has shot this with hidden Ford KA shapes in the objects and images... can you find 80 Ford KAs? I have to admit that I've paused this commercial and looked for them. I've only found about 60...

Great song too...