Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

I know, I know. I sound like your ancient first grade teacher when I say that. But it’s true.

First we had Network Solutions jacking up domain prices ($35.00!) and claiming it was for the customers’ benefit. Read More: Bruce Fryer, When In Doubt, Ask.

Now, we’ve got Microsoft helping us at the supermarket. The corporate bla-blah speak justifying streaming video ads to shopping carts is classic: “This is not all necessarily about bombarding consumers, about targeting advertising,” said Scott Ferris, general manager of Microsoft’s Advertiser and Publisher Solutions group. “It’s about also making the shopping experience better for the consumer.”

*Sigh* First the gas pumps started talking to me. Now this. I think I’ll move to that nice cave in the Sandias…

Of course, this “for customer benefit” spin and in-your-face advertising push isn’t new. But, it’s getting very, very old for all of us - including your customers.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. If you do:
A. Will anybody notice?
B. Will they care?
C. Will you actually drive them away with your aggression?

Wonder how Mr. Ferris would like it if his socks told him he needed a shower with some name brand soap? Hmmm…

Tags: marketing, marketing troubleshooting, advertisng, Network Solutions, Microsoft