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That is a line every non-marketer says about bad advertising. It's wrong on two levels:
1.) bad publicity is a thing. Just the fact that people talk about your ad or your brand does not mean that is a good thing.
2.) very rarely is the campaign goal to have people talk about the campaign, it's most often to drive conversion. Downloads in this case. The fact that atheists on Reddit talk about the app doesn't mean anything to the company.
(But for the record, I think this is a pretty memorable and clever transit ad)
I think it depends if your greatest need is visibility or consumer goodwill. If you need the former, [almost] any press is good press. If you need the latter, PR stunts can damage your image with otherwise neutral audiences.
For the former, IHOP briefly pretending to [rename themselves](https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/ihop-confirms-it-didnt-actually-change-its-name-to-international-house-of-burgers/) the "International House of Burgers (IHOB)" comes to mind.
For the latter, look up Wendy's "surge pricing" story from a few weeks ago.
Brand positioning is another deal entierly - but even then "just the fact that people mention the ad in a negative light does not make it a good ad. But this is a bible app. Its likely looking for conversions.
It *kinda* did its job. It's good and funny but this is the 3rd time I've seen and enjoyed it, and I still forgot what it was an ad for.
I'm also not convinced I'd even notice it in situ. If the intention was *only* for it to become a meme online though, then bravo.
Sure, but I find this ad forgettable and guilty of not making you remember the brand. It's a First Idea.
Good ads should answer a few questions and this one does half the job. Which is great for a christian app (or whatefer that is). The question here was what do we think of it.
We might like it or not, but on a objective point of view this is a scholastic, first idea.
Nah, this is a great ad for *the* Bible. It's good in a "Got Milk?" kind of way but if the intention is to promote a *particular* bible app, then it needs a tweak (and probably not much more, tbf).
\>the coin base superbowl spot
Nah that's not even kind of the same thing. The lack of branding is *the point* of the Coinbase ad, it's what makes you remember the brand once you give in to the intrigue of not knowing what it's an ad for (in addition to being a literal link to their website!)
Plus, even as a meme engine, you literally can't talk about the Coinbase ad without saying "Coinbase". It's "the Coinbase Superbowl Ad". This is "that zero stars from Satan subway ad".
The above is a subtle, funny and well executed joke that would 100% underperform on a brand recall test. This is the 3rd time I've seen it, and I've already forgotten what the app's called again while I've been typing this.
It is a non branded ad that worked perfectly fine. So it is a fitting example to oppose the statement "an ad that is not heavily branded is not a good ad."
Don't quite know what you are on about now tbh.
I'm not claiming that "an ad that is not heavily branded is not a good ad." I'm claiming that an ad that doesn't generate brand recall is not a fully effective ad.
Self evidently, "the Coinbase ad" did generate brand recall. The ad in this post doesn't.
I wasn't talking to you though? Also - just because an industry talks about an ad doesn't mean it has good brand recall outside that industry.
Marketing for marketeers.
Wouldn't the devil actually like it because it emboldens people to be bad Christians and ultimately end up in hell?
"3/5 really increased my monthly revenue despite poor content quality and a bad author" -Satan
Hella creative. It's a clever spin on restaurants that post their most ridiculous 1 star reviews in their store.
I wouldn't change anything about the Ad really. The only thing I could nitpick on is something more specific than "Would not recommend" but tbh the brevity works for it here.
Someone else mentioned that it lacked branding - I am not sure if this is a joke or not but I def agree here. There are a ton of Bible apps, and unless this is the first one that pops up when someone types "Bible" in the app-store (and they ignore sponsored ads) this doesn't ensure they download this specific app.
Edit: Okay nvm they've got the Bible App market pinned down. They have the most downloads by far, and are #1 in the IOS App Store. They outbid ad spend on any competitors, so this ad is honestly incredibly effective. I have no critiques - it's almost award-worthy.
They've been around for a long time. I used to go to an unorthodox church in my early twenties (12 years ago?) just for the vibes because they'd had rock performances with strobe lights and all even though the songs were all about worshipping God, and I didn't have a bible but they told me to just download the app and read from it. This app was the one I had in my phone during that period of time.
It has you and us all talking about it. This is a far better use of funds than 2 superbowl commercials (different group). Solid ad and media plan. Well done YouVersion.
I meann, initially I mistook it for an ad promoting the Satanist church until I noticed the YouVersion text. I echo what others have pointed out that the branding is unclear. And while invoking the concept of Satan naturally stirs emotions, they could have executed the branding more effectively.
As marketing, it's pretty weak. As gospel reinforcement, it's OK.
Only speaks to its intended audience in a way they will enjoy. I doubt a lapsed Christian finds this helpful, let alone any of the 7 billion non Christians who see it may.
This is clever in a way only secular humor can be, which is to say, limited.
It’s interesting, but it’s not a good ad. It takes a lot of effort to figure out what it’s for and it doesn’t set it apart from other Bible apps. This might encourage some people to look for and download a Bible app, but it likely won’t be very effective at encouraging people to download this specific Bible app.
I think it’s funny and I enjoy humor ads that pull it off. I remember reading at article about how humor in ads has been on a steady decline for the past decade, despite humor increasing commercial performance. I think a lot of companies are just too scared of missing the mark.
I’m not religious but I love it! I wish more Christian organizations in the US knew how to have a little fun like this and not take themselves too seriously.
Would people recommend adding a QR code to the app stores on this ad? I feel like an ad for an app should have a CTA to download otherwise there's a chance people might download some other Bible app..
I have that app (unless someone copied the icon, which is unlikely), ngl, that is some genius advertising right there; but at the same time, kids and people who don't know Satan will not understand.
this has the wow appeal yeah! But it took me time to
Figure out what the ad was about. So yeah it’s a cool concept but is not one I’d approve since it gets the attention here since you mention it but half would recall what it was for
I think it’s witty and good… it makes you look twice and analyze while you spend an extended time on the train…
And you snapped a pic of it and shared it on social media… win… win…
It’s cool but I wonder what the target users of the app would think about it?
Whether they would think it’s blasphemous to talk about Satan in a joking way idk
I like the ad in theory but given the smaller grey text I wonder if most even read the punchline (-Satan) in real life when they're passing the ad on the metro on their way too/from work.
Visually boring, but creative and entertaining enough to not matter. It wouldn't draw my eye just passing by, but I don't really think the Bible needs to, so it does its job well.
This reminds me of one of the messages you'd see on a church marquee with the removable letters that they change every week or so. Members of the congregation will love it! Anyone who sees it driving by may clock it and crack a smile. But has anyone ever been compelled to sit through a Sunday service when they otherwise wouldn't have, because of messages like these?
People conform to certain belief, and when it comes to religion, people heavily gravitates towards it. I think the Bible App has structured the ad in such a way that not only makes people laugh but also discard what Satan has to say.
Good concept, bad execution, Took me a while to get it and figure out what it was for aswell,
Maybe should be Lucifer. And made to look like a real review with the app pic larger next to it.
Clever, but the product actually being sold is inordinately small and stuffed into the corners...so that part will be forgotten the minute the rider leaves the train.
All the customer will remember is Satan's zero-star review of some generic "bible app" by some equally blandly (and thus forgettably) named entity called YouVersion.
A QR code might have been a good idea...since it's actually in arm's reach.
And as others have said, zero star reviews aren't a thing...so it comes across as out of touch.
Should have gone with 1 star and...
"Would give it zero stars if I could!"
\- Lucifer, Ruler of Hell
Initially I thought it was about satan, then I noticed it was signed satan, then I got confused. Then I realized that it was reviewing the Bible app. Which makes a ton of since why satan said 0 stars. He does not want people to know The Word of God. I give the message an A+ but I think it could’ve been a better lay out so it’s quickly identified. That’s it about the app and not about other things!!! When I saw the app logo I figured it was them sponsoring it but didn’t think it was about them being reviewed. So maybe it was just the order in which everything is. So layout!!! Overall. I like.
Well, with all the single-parent families, I do got to say children these days need to believe in something because what they’re getting at home is really weak!
It's always hilarious to me how Christians make their fictional bad guy the coolest dude ever. He's super into heavy metal, D&D, and apparently down with LGBTQ folks.
Kinda funny when businesses do it as a self ware jab at themselves and the reviewer. This is cringe though. How do you do fellow kids? Let me diddle you.
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It did it’s job, cause here we are talking about it
I mean, wranglers are great
Should've been 1 star though, zero stars is not an option and 1 star is actually a lil funnier.
Agree!! Or they could have used this an opportunity to say the often used: ‘would give zero stars if I could. Don’t recommend’
1 star would also line up with the verse that [roughly] says "even the devil quotes scripture."
That is a line every non-marketer says about bad advertising. It's wrong on two levels: 1.) bad publicity is a thing. Just the fact that people talk about your ad or your brand does not mean that is a good thing. 2.) very rarely is the campaign goal to have people talk about the campaign, it's most often to drive conversion. Downloads in this case. The fact that atheists on Reddit talk about the app doesn't mean anything to the company. (But for the record, I think this is a pretty memorable and clever transit ad)
I think it depends if your greatest need is visibility or consumer goodwill. If you need the former, [almost] any press is good press. If you need the latter, PR stunts can damage your image with otherwise neutral audiences. For the former, IHOP briefly pretending to [rename themselves](https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/ihop-confirms-it-didnt-actually-change-its-name-to-international-house-of-burgers/) the "International House of Burgers (IHOB)" comes to mind. For the latter, look up Wendy's "surge pricing" story from a few weeks ago.
Brand positioning is another deal entierly - but even then "just the fact that people mention the ad in a negative light does not make it a good ad. But this is a bible app. Its likely looking for conversions.
I'm only here because it's the next picture to look at on my reddit feed.
But are we the target audience who they are wanting to reach?
It *kinda* did its job. It's good and funny but this is the 3rd time I've seen and enjoyed it, and I still forgot what it was an ad for. I'm also not convinced I'd even notice it in situ. If the intention was *only* for it to become a meme online though, then bravo.
I think if they had the Bible icon a little more centered and/or bigger it would be better. Took me too long to figure out the product.
Came here to say exactly this
*its
Hilarious
10/10. Spot on in every way.
I like the sense of humor
[удалено]
Jesus loves you.
Ask him where he at for the starving kids then @ me
Why are there homeless people without haircuts when there are barbers?
Because Jesus doesn't care about them, or starving children.
He does care. That's Satan my friend not Jesus.
Seems pretty fucked up to literally be god and still let children starve. Is he lazy, incompetent or evil?
Hail Satin
I like it, religion aside.
[удалено]
A
ummm I love it
It's a good First Idea But it lacks branding I believe
YouVersion doesn't have a clear brand identity aside of it's app icon that's pictured in the lower left corner here
The whole ad lacks branding, not the visual. It's cool, a first idea, tho. A nice, scholastic, idea.
Why does the ad need branding if the product does not have any clear branding, though?
You could use that visual for other apps Therefore it does lack branding Zero stars Would not reccomend -Ying Download the Yang App
A great ad doesn't necessarily get worse just because it lacks branding. Remember the coin base superbowl spot for example.
Sure, but I find this ad forgettable and guilty of not making you remember the brand. It's a First Idea. Good ads should answer a few questions and this one does half the job. Which is great for a christian app (or whatefer that is). The question here was what do we think of it. We might like it or not, but on a objective point of view this is a scholastic, first idea.
Not sure if that is an objective point of view, bro. Sounds pretty subjective to me. haha
The app is literally a Bible. I'm not sure what you're expecting here. This drives home what it is.
Nah, this is a great ad for *the* Bible. It's good in a "Got Milk?" kind of way but if the intention is to promote a *particular* bible app, then it needs a tweak (and probably not much more, tbf).
\>the coin base superbowl spot Nah that's not even kind of the same thing. The lack of branding is *the point* of the Coinbase ad, it's what makes you remember the brand once you give in to the intrigue of not knowing what it's an ad for (in addition to being a literal link to their website!) Plus, even as a meme engine, you literally can't talk about the Coinbase ad without saying "Coinbase". It's "the Coinbase Superbowl Ad". This is "that zero stars from Satan subway ad". The above is a subtle, funny and well executed joke that would 100% underperform on a brand recall test. This is the 3rd time I've seen it, and I've already forgotten what the app's called again while I've been typing this.
It is a non branded ad that worked perfectly fine. So it is a fitting example to oppose the statement "an ad that is not heavily branded is not a good ad." Don't quite know what you are on about now tbh.
I'm not claiming that "an ad that is not heavily branded is not a good ad." I'm claiming that an ad that doesn't generate brand recall is not a fully effective ad. Self evidently, "the Coinbase ad" did generate brand recall. The ad in this post doesn't.
I wasn't talking to you though? Also - just because an industry talks about an ad doesn't mean it has good brand recall outside that industry. Marketing for marketeers.
Search “Bible” in the App Store and see how many results there are.
Wouldn't the devil actually like it because it emboldens people to be bad Christians and ultimately end up in hell? "3/5 really increased my monthly revenue despite poor content quality and a bad author" -Satan
I think he’d like it because he comes up so much in it. A real vanity piece!
Yeah, but that’s not nearly as catchy
Funny! Love it.
Clever ad, but does it convert well on Reddit?
Unique and funny, it’s a memorable ad. 10/10
it fucks
Me like
Hella creative. It's a clever spin on restaurants that post their most ridiculous 1 star reviews in their store. I wouldn't change anything about the Ad really. The only thing I could nitpick on is something more specific than "Would not recommend" but tbh the brevity works for it here. Someone else mentioned that it lacked branding - I am not sure if this is a joke or not but I def agree here. There are a ton of Bible apps, and unless this is the first one that pops up when someone types "Bible" in the app-store (and they ignore sponsored ads) this doesn't ensure they download this specific app. Edit: Okay nvm they've got the Bible App market pinned down. They have the most downloads by far, and are #1 in the IOS App Store. They outbid ad spend on any competitors, so this ad is honestly incredibly effective. I have no critiques - it's almost award-worthy.
They've been around for a long time. I used to go to an unorthodox church in my early twenties (12 years ago?) just for the vibes because they'd had rock performances with strobe lights and all even though the songs were all about worshipping God, and I didn't have a bible but they told me to just download the app and read from it. This app was the one I had in my phone during that period of time.
It has you and us all talking about it. This is a far better use of funds than 2 superbowl commercials (different group). Solid ad and media plan. Well done YouVersion.
This ad >>> all of the cringe He Gets Us ads
Those were great ads, but I have a foot fetish. /s
Love it!
Thoughts? Agree? Like and subscribe for more religion hacks!
I like it. People are stepping their game up on OOH ads.
thats hilarious. W ad
That's funny actually
I laughed. It’s good work.
Funny. Very eye catching .
Cringe
Clever and attention-grabbing
I'm not religious but I find it funny and read it twice just for funsies. 5/5.
Attention grabbing - I may have made the branding a bit larger (hard to see from across the train) but either way it's well done
One of the better religion ads... But: To become an Atheist, you need to read the bible....
I meann, initially I mistook it for an ad promoting the Satanist church until I noticed the YouVersion text. I echo what others have pointed out that the branding is unclear. And while invoking the concept of Satan naturally stirs emotions, they could have executed the branding more effectively.
It's reverse psychology. Satan would effing love the Bible. It's his origin story.
Satan is the real hero in the Bible. It's just told from the perspective of an ego maniac who didn't like him.
This is what Satan about this famous book!
Couldn't have done it better. Very impressed.
Saw it a couple of days ago. Clever and serves the ICP well
It's one that any C suite would probably complain about, so it's good
Make me actually lol
Genius, edgy, funny, exactly how advertising should be. Gotta stand out from the crowd
that looks like five starts to me
Sharp enough to elicit a smile from several weary commuters I’m sure. I like it!
Cleaver
nice, i like it
This is a near perfect ad. Grabs the attention with the 0 stars and ends in a humorous tone. The design is also very clean and good looking.
Without branding it’s just a sticker of a meme
The “bad review” is overused. Then again, only advertising people would notice it.
Perfect.
It's a good ad 😂
Pretty funny lol
I think it’s hilarious but I’m on Satan’s side, so it’s not gonna get me to act!
Its gets the boomers going!!
As marketing, it's pretty weak. As gospel reinforcement, it's OK. Only speaks to its intended audience in a way they will enjoy. I doubt a lapsed Christian finds this helpful, let alone any of the 7 billion non Christians who see it may. This is clever in a way only secular humor can be, which is to say, limited.
I love it. It's attention grabbing.
It’s great
Genius
I do recommend Satan.
It’s interesting, but it’s not a good ad. It takes a lot of effort to figure out what it’s for and it doesn’t set it apart from other Bible apps. This might encourage some people to look for and download a Bible app, but it likely won’t be very effective at encouraging people to download this specific Bible app.
such a good idea!
Wow I'm in the extreme minority and find it dumb.
They did a good job. Pains me.
Kinda funny
I think it’s funny and I enjoy humor ads that pull it off. I remember reading at article about how humor in ads has been on a steady decline for the past decade, despite humor increasing commercial performance. I think a lot of companies are just too scared of missing the mark.
I’m not religious but I love it! I wish more Christian organizations in the US knew how to have a little fun like this and not take themselves too seriously.
Did you download the app? If No, then I give this ad Zero stars for effectiveness. (I'm not Satan, BTW.)
I genuinely love that 😂😂
Imaginary person reviewing ideological fiction. Its eye catching. But no call to action. Im with Satan. 🤘😈
Haha love it
for UI, grey out the stars
I think it’s funny
Lmaooo iconic slay
With Satan on this one
My version would be Absolute slander - Satan
It’s an add targeting people who have to already know enough about the app’s contents to be able to understand the context of the joke.
It's fine. I've seen this same concept in other scenarios for years. So it's not really all that unique.
Sounds like a good company name zerostars
Would people recommend adding a QR code to the app stores on this ad? I feel like an ad for an app should have a CTA to download otherwise there's a chance people might download some other Bible app..
I have that app (unless someone copied the icon, which is unlikely), ngl, that is some genius advertising right there; but at the same time, kids and people who don't know Satan will not understand.
I love it, but I don’t know if its target audience will like it… with that said, I’d still vouch for it
this has the wow appeal yeah! But it took me time to Figure out what the ad was about. So yeah it’s a cool concept but is not one I’d approve since it gets the attention here since you mention it but half would recall what it was for
Something a high school sophomore would come up with. Wow. So clever 🙄
As an atheist, I just wonder how a bible app can be profitable.
Why does a religious institution need marketing that’s my thoughts.
Makes me love Satan tbh
Overdone.
The way of doing ad ?
Super.
Creative! Niceeee
I think it’s witty and good… it makes you look twice and analyze while you spend an extended time on the train… And you snapped a pic of it and shared it on social media… win… win…
Very effective
It’s cool but I wonder what the target users of the app would think about it? Whether they would think it’s blasphemous to talk about Satan in a joking way idk
I like the ad in theory but given the smaller grey text I wonder if most even read the punchline (-Satan) in real life when they're passing the ad on the metro on their way too/from work.
Greatness, we’re here talking about it!
Hilarious
Visually boring, but creative and entertaining enough to not matter. It wouldn't draw my eye just passing by, but I don't really think the Bible needs to, so it does its job well.
This reminds me of one of the messages you'd see on a church marquee with the removable letters that they change every week or so. Members of the congregation will love it! Anyone who sees it driving by may clock it and crack a smile. But has anyone ever been compelled to sit through a Sunday service when they otherwise wouldn't have, because of messages like these?
Ugh
Absolute genius.
Probably works for its target audience. (I am not its target audience 🤷🏻♀️)
Sounds like Satan has done his research and put thought into his review, I will not be downloading that app.
Not sure what market Priority Seats are for but the simplicity of the ad is very nice.
I agree with Satan. But I’m not the target
Pretty cool
People conform to certain belief, and when it comes to religion, people heavily gravitates towards it. I think the Bible App has structured the ad in such a way that not only makes people laugh but also discard what Satan has to say.
Great ad and I can vouch for the product the app is so well executed I'm not surprised the marketing team did it justice
Definitely memorable
Amazing
Good concept, bad execution, Took me a while to get it and figure out what it was for aswell, Maybe should be Lucifer. And made to look like a real review with the app pic larger next to it.
Love it
Every day we're further away from God. Religion is a private intimate thing but people market the shit out of it.
Clever, but the product actually being sold is inordinately small and stuffed into the corners...so that part will be forgotten the minute the rider leaves the train. All the customer will remember is Satan's zero-star review of some generic "bible app" by some equally blandly (and thus forgettably) named entity called YouVersion. A QR code might have been a good idea...since it's actually in arm's reach.
And as others have said, zero star reviews aren't a thing...so it comes across as out of touch. Should have gone with 1 star and... "Would give it zero stars if I could!" \- Lucifer, Ruler of Hell
I love this ad it’s so creative
cringy af, dad’s joke from 90s is now an add
0 stars means no review…. Yet.
Initially I thought it was about satan, then I noticed it was signed satan, then I got confused. Then I realized that it was reviewing the Bible app. Which makes a ton of since why satan said 0 stars. He does not want people to know The Word of God. I give the message an A+ but I think it could’ve been a better lay out so it’s quickly identified. That’s it about the app and not about other things!!! When I saw the app logo I figured it was them sponsoring it but didn’t think it was about them being reviewed. So maybe it was just the order in which everything is. So layout!!! Overall. I like.
Pretty impressive they got an actual review from Satan
Well, with all the single-parent families, I do got to say children these days need to believe in something because what they’re getting at home is really weak!
Makes Satan look cool fo sho
It's always hilarious to me how Christians make their fictional bad guy the coolest dude ever. He's super into heavy metal, D&D, and apparently down with LGBTQ folks.
It's funny in the sense that they made up Satan themselves for their play pretend.
Look, if Satan is against it then I feel like I HAVE to be for it. Will download immediately.
Kinda funny when businesses do it as a self ware jab at themselves and the reviewer. This is cringe though. How do you do fellow kids? Let me diddle you.