Stumbles and missteps can slow down even the best of brands, but what can their difficulties teach the rest of us? Quite a bit, actually! Learning from the costly mistakes of others can be invaluable, helping us to navigate the digital marketing world with more caution and insight.
Blue Orchid Marketing wants you to sidestep issues like the ones below, so come along with us as we delve into some of the most infamous digital marketing blunders ever, complete with a few “lessons learned” to soften the cringe.
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Pepsi’s Tone-Deaf Kendall Jenner Protest Ad
The misstep: In 2017, Pepsi released an ad featuring Kendall Jenner calming a police protest with a can of Pepsi. The backlash was swift and fierce, criticized for trivializing real-world social justice movements and appropriating cultural symbols.
The lesson: Stay informed about cultural sensitivities; they matter to your online reputation! Try to avoid campaigns that could be perceived as insensitive or opportunistic, and do your research if you plan to involve diverse voices in the creative process.
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McDonald’s Twitter Marketing Fail
The misstep: In 2013, McDonald’s launched an “AskMcDs” Twitter campaign, expecting a surge in user engagement. However, the internet had other plans, bombarding the brand with questions about questionable food practices and animal welfare.
The lesson: Don’t anticipate results with rose-colored glasses. Instead, be prepared for negative feedback and have a crisis communication plan in place. Monitor social media actively and respond promptly and transparently to concerns.
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Netflix’s Qwikster Branding Blunder
The misstep: It might seem comedically ill-advised in retrospect, but in 2011, Netflix attempted to split its DVD and streaming services under separate brands: Netflix for streaming and Qwikster for DVDs. The unpopular move resulted in mass customer cancellations and a PR nightmare.
The lesson: Hubris kills, no matter how strong your brand might be, so understand your audience and respect their preferences. Major changes require careful communication ahead of time and consideration of any potential backlash.
Are you wondering how you can stay ahead of the curve without getting too far ahead of yourself and stumbling into one of the errors above? Contact us! You can give us a call today at 203-746-5901 or send us an email at sales@BlueOrchidMarketing.com to learn more about our digital marketing services. We look forward to hearing from you.