Comments on: Which Company Really Made Their Point With You?

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:32:21 +0000

Since everyone is commenting on the Wachovia ad, my 11 year old grandson has a new slogan for them. He had just seen one of their ads on TV and said to me, “They should say – We are Wachovia – We Watch Over You”.

By: krista joyce

krista joyce — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:31:36 +0000

I love the sensitive & empathetic messaging Hyundai is using and I think it takes guts to go out on that limb right know and it truly touches consumers where it counts these days. There is a difference between positive & negative messaging but touching a pain point in a way that shows your consumers you care is the smartest card to play in my opinion!

For the record – i like the citi card ad – but as a citi card holder i don’t trust them now. my one year fixed “situation” expired right in the middle of the ecominc plunge and they’re jerking me around with awful interest rate/options and there is nothing i can do about it (that i know of at least)…. ARG!!!

By: Bob Graham

Bob Graham — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:36:43 +0000

Kelly,

I saw that Hyundai ad and had the same reaction. Their tag line was “We’re all in this together.” which I thought was great. None of the examples provided by Merrill had any effect on me (am I too cynical?) but the Hyundai ad definitely resonated.

By: kelly mangum

kelly mangum — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:48:20 +0000

I saw an ad on TV recently for Hyundai – they are promising to take new cars back within one year of purchase if you “unexpectedly lose your income” – whoa. I was floored. I’ve never heard of a ‘return policy’ from a car company. They certainly made their point with that message. And look I am telling all of you!

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:21:05 +0000

I really like the Citi message as it makes you think they are looking towards the future. I believe this is a very powerful message at a time when most companies have been looking for the immediate reward and setting their sites on the future of their company, industry or customers.

By: Betsy

Betsy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:54:53 +0000

Paul has a valid point on the positive message perspective. The GM ad points out why they are in such trouble. You can’t scare people into buying your product when there are better viable alternatives. Wachovia does a nice job ghosting their past high customer service ratings and reminding their customers what makes WB special.

By: Paul Kirch

Paul Kirch — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:47:10 +0000

CITI and Wachovia both have positive messages. I really like the CITI approach. It’s focused on the future and what they provide without providing any criticism. It’s the type of approach we need right now, in my opinion. The GM ad, though valid, really sounds negative and is a turn off. And Charles Schwab really missed if you ask me. Positive messages will impact me much more than negative or critical.