I came across this section of aerosol deodorants in this bizarre general store. The names are hilarious: Jink Removing, Love Spray, Stop Evil.
And my favorite: Steady Work.
However, before laughing too hard, could it be that we simply aren't the target market? Do you find the marketing for another type of air freshener to be as ridiculous?
Well, we should. It's selling the same empty promises. Instead of getting rid of a curse, or guaranteeing that you won't lose your job, you're getting a "breath of fresh air" by spraying a chemical deodorant around your house. And not just "fresh air", this scent in a can, will also give you "inspiration" and a whole new "way of life". Wow.
Even more amazing is that this type of messaging works. Our rational mind know that it is silly, unbelievable marketing nonsense, but subconsciously, we start to associate the imagery (flowers, blue sky, fresh breeze, clean living) with the product. The only way to fight these connections, is to consciously evaluate marketing messages, to see how companies try to trick us into making these positive associations with their product.
Luckily in this case, common sense trumps marketing.
Want fresh air? Open a window. Grow some plants. Go for a walk.
I'll be exploring more of these types of marketing manipulations in the future. Follow me on twitter if you want to know when a new post goes live.
