Posted by Advertising has always been an essential part of human commerce, from the days of word-of-mouth marketing to the modern digital age. When we talk about OG ads, we are referring to the “original” or “old-school” advertising methods—those that were groundbreaking in their time and helped shape the foundation of the advertising industry as we know it today.
These ads, often from the 20th century, offer a glimpse into the creative ways brands reached consumers before the rise of the internet, social media, and digital technologies. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these OG ads so special and how they continue to influence the way we advertise today.
The Birth of Advertising: Print Media
The roots of advertising can be traced back to print media, which was the dominant form of advertising for much of the 20th century. The first newspaper ads appeared in the early 1700s, but it was in the 1900s that advertising truly began to take shape as an industry. One of the earliest examples of an OG ad is the Aunt Jemima pancake mix ad from 1893. Its successful marketing strategy helped solidify the importance of branding and recognition, making it a symbol of early consumer culture.
In the 1920s, print ads started to become more sophisticated, using striking visuals, persuasive language, and catchy slogans. Iconic ads like Coca-Cola’s holiday ads with Santa Claus became staples of American culture. The simple yet powerful message of these ads—”Coca-Cola is refreshing and part of the American tradition”—was one of the earliest examples of how advertising could be used to shape consumer behavior and societal norms.
The Rise of Radio and TV Commercials
The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of radio as a medium for advertising. Radio allowed brands to reach consumers in their homes with targeted audio messaging. OG ads in the radio era often used catchy jingles and storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with the audience. One of the most famous early radio ads was for Procter & Gamble’s “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” show, which blended entertainment and advertising, becoming a template for modern advertising in entertainment.
By the 1950s and 1960s, television became the dominant advertising platform. TV commercials revolutionized the way products were marketed to mass audiences. Iconic ads like the Volkswagen “Think Small” (1960) campaign, created by the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB), changed the way brands communicated their messages. Volkswagen used humor and simplicity, promoting the small size of their car as an advantage. The ad became a symbol of the countercultural movement of the 1960s, which preferred simplicity and authenticity over flashy luxury.
The Influence of Print and Broadcast on Today’s Ads
OG ads paved the way for the modern advertising landscape by introducing key principles that remain in use today. For example:
- Brand Identity – Many OG ads focused heavily on creating a recognizable brand identity. Think of the catchy jingles, logos, and memorable taglines that made products like Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, and Budweiser household names. Even in today’s digital world, brand identity remains at the heart of advertising.
- Emotional Connection – OG ads were great at forging an emotional connection between consumers and products. From using humor and nostalgia to tapping into shared cultural values, advertisers of the past knew the power of emotion in selling products. Today, digital ads continue to rely on these same principles, with emotional storytelling being a central tactic.
- Catchy Slogans and Jingles – Many early ads are remembered for their catchy jingles, like “I’m a Pepper” for Dr. Pepper or “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.” These jingles and taglines are still often used in modern advertising, proving that simplicity and repetition work when it comes to building brand recognition.
- Target Audience Focus – Advertisers in the old days were already honing in on specific demographics. For instance, TV ads often targeted specific times and shows based on the audience’s age and interests. Modern digital ads are far more advanced in terms of targeting, but the basic principle of reaching the right person at the right time remains unchanged.
The Legacy of OG Ads in Modern Advertising
Even though technology has drastically changed the way we advertise, the core principles established by OG ads continue to shape the strategies of today’s marketers. The nostalgic charm of vintage advertising is often used in modern campaigns to evoke emotion and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Nike frequently use throwback ads or reference their long-standing history in advertising to reinforce their brand identity.
In addition, the rise of social media platforms has brought back the power of creative and concise messaging—just like the OG ads of the past. Memes, viral videos, and Instagram stories can create instant and wide-reaching engagement, just as traditional ads did in their time.
Conclusion: OG Ads as the Foundation of Modern Marketing
OG ads were more than just a way to sell products—they were a reflection of society’s values, trends, and consumer behavior at the time. The creativity and techniques used in early advertisements set the stage for everything that followed, from radio jingles to television spots and, eventually, the digital ads we see today.
By studying and understanding OG ads, marketers can tap into the timeless principles of successful advertising while adapting them to the modern world. Whether through nostalgia, humor, or emotional connection, the power of an ad to influence consumer behavior remains as relevant as ever.
This detailed dive into OG ads covers the evolution of advertising and emphasizes the lasting impact that traditional advertising methods have on modern campaigns. Feel free to adapt it for your own blog post!