I was filling up the old jallopy this morning and noticed for the first time (consciously) a sneaky little ambient marketing message on the petrol cap – ‘Ford recommends BP’ with the yellow and green BP logo next to it.
I kid myself that I’m immune to being advertised to. I’ve worked in the industry for 25 years and I know pretty much every trick in the book. But I have to admit, a smart idea makes me warm to a brand whether I like it or not. And ambient marketing has a knack of getting under our skin without us even realising we’ve been sold to.
I love these ambient ideas. The bendy lady on the straw promoting a yoga centre is so clever it’s painful (at least it would be for me with my dodgy back). The bench that tells people to be more careful with water is just beautiful. Instead of lecturing, it charms.
Sorry, got to go, think I can hear a tap dripping.