Marketing Campaign: Top 8 Most Inspirational Ads Ever

Was there ever a time when you watched a particular TV commercial or saw an ad in a billboard and you suddenly felt inspired? If yes, then probably that particular ad remained in your memories until now. Indeed, ads are powerful marketing tools that hold great power in raising brand awareness towards the public. Business, organizations and organizations have clearly discovered the power driven by successful ads and now they seek ways on how to use it effectively. Digital, mobile, print and social media are the mediums used in creating successful marketing campaigns that aim to draw more attention and gain more visibility towards the audience.

Biggest names in the industry use various values in their ads in order to convey the right message. One of the most effective ads that draw great attention from the public is the inspirational ones. Yes, that’s right. People always tend to relate to inspiring real-life stories which makes them feel that they can achieve their dreams or goals. It connects to people in the most emotional way possible. Inspirational ads teach real-life lessons in which most of us root for and allow people to be more confident and drive themselves forward. In connection to this, here are the top eight most inspirational ads ever (you may have already watched most of them).

As Gatorade turns 50, it released series of video commercials and one of the highlights of their campaigns is the “Be Like Mike”. Gatorade brought back the iconic commercial in the ‘90s and after 23 years, still people are still into it. A lot of people continue to confess that they all “still want to #BeLikeMike”. Who could blame them? Michael Jordan will always be the legendary air walker and no one could equal to that. This video is the fifth and final video which was released last April 1, 2015. After days of airing, it already gained 21.5 million views across all channels including social media sites. It only proves that years may pass, yet the iconic M.J. still inspires and touches the hearts of many – aspiring athletes or not.

No other love could equal to a mother’s love. In connection to this, Procter & Gamble released a video entitled “Best Job” to commemorate the 100-day countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games. In this video, you will see that the best job in the world is being a mother and it features how mothers do their best in order to raise their children as athletes. From being small until athletes’ achieve greatness, their mothers have always been there to guide them. It brought millions of viewers to tears and inspired a lot of people to thank the woman that brought them into existence and reciprocate their unconditional love with the same love they deserve.

If your dad works in space, communication is indeed a difficult thing to achieve. This was the story of a thirteen year old girl named Stephanie who sends a very special message to her dad in space. Her dad works on the International Space Station and with the help of nearly a dozen Genesis sedans she was able to send a heartwarming note that her father was able to view it right in space. Who would have thought that Delamar Dry Lake in Nevada (featureless desert) could be the perfect place for Stephanie’s message to be written? Well, there’s always a way, thanks to the crew and entire team of Hyundai. This activity is a Guinness World Record Holder by the way.

What is beautiful? In this generation, people have different perception and definition of what beauty is and Dove found a way to inspire women not to think little out of their selves. Amidst the ongoing debate about beauty, this brand encourages women to think beautiful and be confident. It is actually part of Dove’s “Campaign for Real Beauty” and it has even named by Ad Age as the best advertising campaign of the 21st century. Despite the backlash this campaign received, yet it was successful. It’s movement to improve self-esteem has made more women believed that they are beautiful no matter what people think they are. It really does make sense.

Apple has been a leader in innovation, that’s without doubt. Aside from that, this company also released an inspiring ad campaign in 1997 which has a slogan named “Think Different”. In 2011, after Steve Job’s death, this campaign went viral but it turns out that he himself didn’t like the video when he was still alive, pretty weird. This video featured famous people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Mahatma Gandhi – people who always believe that being or thinking different is an advantage. These individuals were known to stand by their beliefs, and it inspired millions of people around the globe that it’s good to think different.

Nike has been popular for its celebrity endorsers such as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Roger Federer. Aside from picking the best athletes among the bunch to push their brand, they also know how to put a great story into their campaigns. It was aired last 2012 during Olympic season. This one minute video featured “everyday athletes” from all over the world including South Africa, Jamaica, China, and many more. Among the ads in its campaign, “The Jogger” drew more attention from the public and received positive feedback. At the same time, the hashtag “#findgreatness” started conversations about how athletes everywhere find their own greatness. It inspired people of different sizes, shapes, age and gender that they can still be great despite no matter what and who they are.

Afar from giving world records to people and places all over the world, Guinness also proved that they can inspire people. They released a video for their “Made of More” campaign in 2013 which gained 14.5 million views. This campaign is heartwarming and it even brought people into tears after watching it. Why do you ask? At first, you’ll see a group of men playing basketball while riding a wheelchair. You’ll see them stumble, yet you can see how they’re enjoying the game. The ending had a twist which most people (including me) didn’t expect, all of them stood up except for one. It captured the true meaning of friendship despite physical disadvantages.

Do you believe that everything is possible? If no, then you should let Muhammad Ali answer your question – Impossible is nothing. Adidas’ slogan was thought to originate from Ali’s speech and he was also the first celebrity endorser of the said footwear brand. Adidas’ campaign was associated with Nike’s “Just Do It” but was soon clarified. On the other hand, this campaign was released in 2004 in preparation for the Beijing Olympics. It featured four different commercials which show the connection between high profile athletes and the crowds of their supporters. It inspired people to believe in their abilities and skills; to make the impossible possible as long as you trust yourself.

Ads are powerful marketing strategies which is why more are more businesses are taking advantage of it especially in this digital age. If you are one of the many who aspires to get your business or brand in the game, you have to use ads effectively. It’s one of the best ways to build brand awareness towards your target audience. Aside from that, the word speaks for itself: inspirational ads give people inspiration. Most of us always root for a story that tells more about how we are as a person; a story with a more emotional connection. It makes the brand more relatable and it will sound or look real without getting too much promotional. Sell the story and not the brand. Eventually, people will just realize why they need your product and you’ll be on your way to success.