How To NOT Write Copy: 8 Bad Copywriting Examples & Marketing Fails

Copywriting Fails: 8 Cringeworthy Examples

In this video, the speaker shares eight examples of copywriting fails that will make you think twice before publishing your content. The video emphasizes the importance of proofreading and reviewing work before hitting publish.

Typos and Grammar Mistakes

• As a copywriter, it's common to make typos, grammar mistakes, or misplaced punctuation when working under pressure.

• Today, anyone can publish anything with just one click. Therefore, it's essential to review and proofread your work before publishing.

• Reviewing and proofreading are crucial because once you hit publish, your content is out there forever.

Tone-deaf Ads

• AirBnb's ad was tone-deaf as it trivialized a serious struggle in misdirected rage.

• The ad referenced something obscure that most people wouldn't understand. It also threw shade at San Francisco's public library system.

• The ad neglected the fact that San Francisco’s public libraries were already struggling to pay their staff and get financial support.

• After a heated backlash and a public apology, even AirBnb CEO Brian Chesky himself admitted that “it made us look like jerks.”

Alienating Your Audience

• Blue Cross Blue Shield completely forgot about the people who rely on elevators to get around when they encouraged people to take the stairs instead of using elevators.

• Always know who you’re talking to so you don’t alienate any part of your audience!

Trying Too Hard To Be Clever

• Copy needs to be simple to be effective, no matter your niche.

• In a painful attempt to sound clever, the pop-up call-to-action on an online publication's website created nothing but confusion.

Conclusion

• As copywriters and marketers, we need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves.

• Always proofread and review your work before publishing it.

Bloomingdale's Christmas Catalogue Ad

This section discusses a controversial advertisement by Bloomingdale's that was featured in their Christmas catalogue.

Spike Your Best Friend's Eggnog

• The ad features a man looking intently at an oblivious woman, who apparently is his best friend, with the caption "Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking."

• The ad was criticized for being insensitive and trivializing sexual assault.

• The lack of diversity on the ad team was questioned as it was suggested that if there were women on the team, the ad would have never been approved.

Bergemann Sohn Funeral Home Advertisement

This section discusses an advertisement by Bergemann Sohn Funeral Home that received mixed reactions.

Come A Little Closer

• The advertisement features the words "Come A Little Closer" placed on a large ad on the wall of an underground station.

• While some found it humorous, others felt that it trivialized death and belittled suicide.

• The appropriateness of using humor in advertising for funeral homes was also questioned.

Pop Culture References in Advertising

This section discusses how pop culture references can be used effectively in advertising.

Pronouncing "GIF"

• Mashable used a pop-up call-to-action to promote their newsletter with a reference to pronouncing "GIF".

• However, without context, this reference may confuse readers and detract from the message being conveyed.

Focusing on Customer Benefits in Sales Copy

This section emphasizes the importance of focusing on customer benefits rather than self-promotion in sales copy.

Rareloop's Homepage Copy

• Rareloop's homepage copy focuses on their expertise and passion rather than the benefits they can provide to customers.

• This approach is ineffective as it fails to answer the question "What's in it for me?" that prospects are likely asking.

The Risks of Using Puns in Advertising

This section discusses the risks of using puns in advertising.

McDonald's, RayBans, and Sheets Energy Strips

• McDonald's implied that their backdoor was open for business at 6am, while RayBans reminded customers where to wear their sunglasses.

• While these ads may be humorous, they risk detracting from the brand identity or message being conveyed.