I was on a Vimeo kick lately, and stumbled across Jeff Simpson's Elite spot he produced, here: http://www.vimeo.com/4975353 Now, I'm not an Elite fanboy (I've never even shot their bows), but if I saw that commercial on TV (not sure if it ever aired or not since I don't get the Sportsman's channel), I would be MORE inclined to at least go check the bows out (if we're assuming all internet research isn't considered). I found this approach to advertising (the inclusion of family, the 30 seconds that shows more than just the hunt, and of course the great cinematography) seems much less "in your face" than a bunch of sponsored "pros" telling me how they depend on "X product" to put big bucks down. So, internet research and forums aside, do any particular companies or their advertising methods really "catch your eye?"
Advertising works! Period! If you have the money it will pay dividends. I think Mathews is the Prime Example of that. I have a friend and I swear he would buy or use anything that one of the pros (unnamed) uses. It makes me No difference really who uses the products that are best for me. But I am not immune if something is put in front of you often enough many times it will get you to try it. I just had to have a taste of them Natural Cut fries with Sea Salt. They were Ok but not earth shattering Dan
Advertising works. It even makes people think that they have the best bow and that if the company ever had a lemon or a design flaw,they come unglued to read such a post.I bought a bow from the "Huge Advertising Campaign" a couple of years ago, I no longer have it because there was a design flaw and I had a lemon. Even though I was covered under warranty, this company left me twisting in the wind. I did not choose them this time. The best advise is to do what I did, go shoot as many models and brand names as you can and decide from there. Go in with a clear,objective mind. Don't let the advertising campaign let you think you are not shooting a better bow.
Advertising doesn't do much to sway me. I rely on word of mouth with people I trust....and frankly, I don't really spend any money on hunting products anymore.
I don't buy into the hype of advertising from a stand point it making me run out and buy something. I look at it as a way to hear about something new. Most hunting shows these days are nothing more than 1/2 hour long infomercials pushing brands a-z. It's pretty bad when you see a Matthews sticker on the side of a treestand a guy is standing on and the camera making it a point to pan to it ever now and then. Who the heck puts stickers on their treestands?!!
I'd have to agree. From a design & marketing stand point, they do a fantastic job start to finish. Cinematography, editing, music, their website... all top notch!
I understand that it works, but I suppose what I was getting at was what works for YOU? I thought Jeff's Elite spot was intriguing, high quality, and less "in your face" than many advertisements. It won't make me buy an Elite bow, but it certainly has my attention more than "I'm so and so, and I trust all of my hunts to brand X."
No doubt it works, not only with hunting industry but any industry. But....it doesnt work for me. A fancy ad does nothing to sway my decision in what I buy. What does is doing my own research and "hands on research" to determine what I want. Some what off topic... but i do take offensive to some so called experts making the hunting community in general feel that if you dont shoot this product you are a lesser hunter/archer/ fisherman etc... Use what you want from your own research not anyone else's.
Oh it most certainly works, even on those that think it has zero effect on them. But it only works on those spending money or watching the advertisements, I rarely do either anymore...I suck at being a hunter as far as the industry is concerned.
I don't know of any that catch my eye, but I will say that this has been Elite's week point in the past. They have had excellent products but the advertising of them has been lame. I hope this is a sign of better things to come for and from them.
Advertising with big names, catchy phrases and pretty pictures doesn't sell me anything. I know how much I can spend and go from there. I research everything in that price range... asked questions... read testimonials to try to get the best quality, durable and functioning item/items for my needs. I am not loyal to any brand although I will lean to certain brands if they have been good to me in the past. With that said... advertising does sell. I see that on the forums and with a lot of the locals here. The greatest and latest. If I could afford it... no doubt... I would be running with that crowd . :p :D Tim
I'm not sure why our industry needs to be the industry that has to be so damned cheesy in the approach of advertising sometimes. That's my biggest pet peeve. Well, that and "celebrities" who have a new bow sponsor every year.
I like ads that show how or why the product works. I could care less what pro hunter uses it. Nothing wrong with creativity and a nicely laid out add as well. Those certainly help in the remembering department.
Thank you! While I was only insinuating this, it was part of the reason I posted in the first place, and also the reason I like non-traditional productions like HB, WKP, and even BH.com's Bowhunt or Die. Watching most hunting shows and commercials, it's almost unbearable at times to see how "cheesy" these productions can be. In fact, I would go as far as to say the advertisements themselves are enough for me to NOT consider a product. Take Hank Parker and Jimmy Houston. Their personalities (or at least the one's portrayed on their shows and in commercials) is enough to make you feel embarrassed for the industry at times. At least print advertisements can be a little less obnoxious, but I've still seen plenty that are laughable (i.e. "it's like throwing an axe through an animal").
If they have any kind of a decent show, they all end up shooting the same brand of bow anyhow right?:D
