I Don’t Like Logo Shirts, But I Want a StrawberryFrog One
I don’t like wearing brand names on my clothing. This is not to say I don’t enjoy wearing well-constructed clothing made by a brand-name company, but if the article of clothing I’m considering for purchase has a large logo or brand name on it for the world to see, I won’t buy it or wear it.
As I say to my son, who rolls his eyes at me, “I’m not a billboard.”
However, after seeing StrawberryFrog’s ad in Fortune magazine, I’ll happily wear one of their branded T-shirts.
For those of you asking, “Who or what is a StrawberryFrog?” — StrawberryFrog is an independent agency that deals in “borderless ideas that work across the Internet and around the world,” according to a USA Today article. Clients include Old Navy, Pfizer, and Heineken.
I noticed the StrawberryFrog ad due to its headline: Could Your Brand Pass The Tee Shirt Test? (Plus, being a fan of Tom Collins, Direct magazine’s “Makeover Maven,” I now read ads with lots of copy).
The copy then goes on to talk about branding and advertising and how no one is listening anymore.
But what I really like is the ad’s footer. Where most ads place unreadable mouse-y type for an offer or Website URL, StrawberryFrog has 8 pt. type in black (!) that reads,
To find out more about us, email our founder and CEO, Scott Goodson at scott@strawberryfrog.com. He never goes anywhere without his Blackberry.
Scott — you are very cool. I’m impressed with your story, your sense of humor, and the fact that your agency is obsessed with results.
8/7/07 update: StrawberryFrog’s ad has garnered some real discussion in the blogosphere. See CEO Scott Goodson’s blog for the reasons why the agency is running a full page ad in Fortune and other business magazines.
(I’m rather late to the party because I’m behind in my reading — I didn’t see the ad until the other day, but it looks like it’s been running since June.)
You can also read commentary about it here and here. And Adweek also has some good content about the ad.
What do you think? Does the ad work or not? Should an agency promote itself?
About the author: Dianna Huff
A B2B web marketing expert, Dianna helps B2B companies grow through SEO, marketing writing, and social media. A frequent speaker, Dianna has been quoted in numerous blogs, books, and articles; her client list includes large and small B2B companies across the U.S. Follow her on Twitter @diannahuff. To receive her e-course on creating great B2B marketing content, subscribe to her e-newsletter, The MarCom Strategist.
August 7th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
What a cool name – Strawberry Frog. The other week I read about a tshirt company named Johnny Cupcakes. They have stores that look like bakeries with tshirts displayed in glass cases.
I love cool companies!
August 7th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Nathania — Ditto. I’m reading a great book, “Beyond Buzz” and the author, Lois Kelly, talks at length about companies who talk about what they’re passionate about vs. their products. That is why I like the StrawberryFrog story.
June 11th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
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