You're always skipping ads on YouTube, and your friends constantly complain about the ones they see on social media. But there's one night when everyone actually wants to watch ads:
The Super Bowl.
People enjoy watching and talking about these commercials so much that they have become a key part of the Super Bowl experience.
While it's tough (and expensive) to get approved for a Super Bowl commercial, there's a lot you can learn from those who do get approved that you can use for your own advertising strategies.
If you want to create your Super Bowl-worthy ad that people will remember, here's what it takes.
Top 3 Ad Tips
Superbowl ads have become a cultural phenomenon and a staple part of the Superbowl tradition.
The competition is fierce when it comes to getting selected for these coveted time slots (and for good reason). With less than 50 ad spaces available, advertisers need to put a lot of effort into creating memorable and attention-grabbing ads.
As you can imagine, there's also a certain creative expectation regarding these commercials. These ads are known for their creativity and entertainment value. So, you have to bring your advertising A-game— not only to get selected— but to make them enjoyable (and memorable) for years to come.
Here are 3 ad techniques you can learn from the best Super Bowl commercials.
Tip #1: Tell a Story
Budweiser TV Spot 2017
Many of the most successful Super Bowl commercials use storytelling to engage viewers and convey a message.
By telling a compelling story, advertisers can create an emotional connection with their audience and make their brand more memorable.
One example of a Super Bowl commercial that tells a story is Budweiser's "Born the Hard Way" commercial from 2017.
The commercial tells the story of Adolphus Busch, one of the co-founders of Budweiser, and his journey from Germany to America in the 1850s.
The ad centers around an emotional story of a young Busch and how he faced discrimination and harsh living conditions and never gave up on achieving his dream of brewing a high-quality beer.
This commercial successfully created an emotional connection with viewers and drew attention to the brand's heritage. It also conveyed the message of perseverance, hard work, and the American dream while also making it a memorable ad.
Tip #2: Humor Is Rememberable
Doritos Blaze vs. Mountain Dew Ice TV spot 2018
Some of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials have used humor to significant effect, whether through clever wordplay, slapstick comedy, or a clever twist on a familiar situation.
Take, for example, the "Doritos Blaze vs. Mountain Dew Ice" commercial from 2018.
The ad features a rap battle between Peter Dinklage and Morgan Freeman, where they represent their respective brands in a humorous and exaggerated way.
Dinklage raps in the style of Missy Elliot, while Freeman does a re-enactment of a scene from Shawshank Redemption, both using clever puns and wordplays about the snack and the drink.
The ad is funny and creative, it uses the celebrity status of both actors to engage the audience, and it uses humor to make the ad memorable and stand out.
Tip #3: Nostalgia is Necessary
Jeep TV spot 2019
Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool.
Jeep's "Groundhog Day" commercial from 2019 is one to study. The ad features actor Bill Murray reprising his role from the classic 1993 film "Groundhog Day," where he's stuck reliving the same day over and over again.
In this commercial, he is living the same day, but this time around, he's in a Jeep and enjoying it more, exploring different places and having new experiences.
The ad creates a sense of nostalgia by bringing back the iconic character of Bill Murray and referencing the beloved classic film. The ad also connects that sense of nostalgia with the feeling of breaking free and enjoying new experiences, something people can relate to.
Overall, the best Super Bowl commercials are those that tell a story, use humor, and create a sense of nostalgia while effectively communicating the brand's message.
Looking for experts to craft your Super Bowl-Level commercial?Take your small business to the next level with High Tide Creative Services!
About High Tide Creative
High Tide Creative is an award-winning agency that provides a full range of digital marketing and advertising solutions that include strategic planning, creative services, brand and logo development, media planning and placement, social media marketing, digital advertising, website development, search engine optimization, video production, public relations and more. Our client list has included: UNC Health Lenoir, Hutchens Law Firm, Equifax, Georgia Pacific, Citi Group, Weyerhaeuser, The Atlanta Hawks, Randstad Staffing, Craven County Tourism, America Knits, Guardian Repellent, and The Shizzle Jerk Marinade.