8 Simple Ads That Made Millions (and how you can use the same strategies)

1. Marmite’s “Love It or Hate It”

Marmite, the British spread made from yeast extract, is notorious for its “acquired taste.” Instead of ignoring the polarizing opinions, they leaned in with the slogan, “Love It or Hate It.” This honest, no-nonsense approach was memorable, relatable, and totally unexpected.

• ‍Why It Worked: Marmite didn’t try to please everyone—instead, they embraced the controversy. By making the divide their slogan, they turned personal taste into a fun debate. Lesson learned? Don’t be afraid to own your brand’s quirks; it might just win people over.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Embrace the mixed emotions of buying or selling a home with a tagline like, “Love It or Hate It, We’ll Make It Easy.”
  • Execution: Use social media posts showing common struggles, like moving stress or tough negotiations, paired with captions like, “Not always fun, but always worth it.” This showcases your understanding of the challenges while highlighting your role in making the process smoother.

2. Avis’ “We Try Harder”

Avis took a huge risk when it publicly admitted, “We’re No. 2 in car rentals. But we try harder.” This brutally honest approach was unheard of at the time. Instead of selling their services, Avis sold the idea that they would bend over backward to make you happy. The line became iconic, making customers root for the underdog and ultimately positioning Avis as a car rental company with heart.

• ‍Why It Worked: Honesty can be disarming. Avis’s ad didn’t make grand claims; it simply acknowledged that being second-best has its advantages. By letting customers in on their struggle, they made people want to choose them. If you’ve got a disadvantage, don’t hide it—own it with confidence.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Position yourself as the agent who goes the extra mile with a tagline like, “We Work Harder to Close the Deal.”
  • Execution: Add this tagline to your website and marketing materials. Share testimonials or stories of how you helped clients overcome tough situations, like securing their dream home in a competitive market, to demonstrate your dedication.

3. The Economist’s “I Never Read The Economist”

A massive billboard reads, “I never read The Economist. (Management trainee, age 42).” It’s funny, a little snarky, and it hits you right where it hurts. Who wants to be that guy, left behind while everyone else is in the know? This ad turned non-readers’ FOMO into motivation, and people who’d never picked up an Economist suddenly felt they needed to start.

• ‍Why It Worked: This ad brilliantly tapped into people’s fear of missing out without saying, “You’re missing out.” It made them realize it on their own. By painting a picture of what happens if you’re not informed, it turned a sophisticated magazine into a must-read for anyone who didn’t want to be “that guy.”‍
• How a Real Estate Agent can use this idea:‍
  • ‍Idea: Create a tongue-in-cheek campaign targeting people who think they don’t need an agent, like, “I Don’t Need a Realtor. (Said No Happy Homebuyer Ever).”‍
  • Execution: Use this as a playful line on social media, direct mail, or in digital ads. This approach gets potential clients to reconsider going solo, by humorously highlighting the benefits of having a professional on their side. Throw in some funny anecdotes about the complexities of buying a house to make it even more relatable.

4. Lush’s “Naked” Packaging-Free Campaign

Lush didn’t just remove packaging—they turned the absence of packaging into an entire campaign. By selling “naked” bars of soap, they showed customers that they were serious about sustainability, standing out in an industry known for excess packaging. They made minimalism look like a rebellious, eco-friendly statement.

• ‍Why It Worked: Lush turned going “naked” into a bold, feel-good choice. The simplicity of the campaign actually made it feel more radical, and customers who cared about the environment felt even prouder to support it. Turns out, sometimes taking something away can give your brand a bigger voice.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Highlight your eco-friendly approach with a campaign like, “Homes Without the Waste: Sustainable Living Starts Here.”
  • Execution: Promote energy-efficient homes or sustainable living tips on social media. Host events that showcase green features in properties, and share videos or images with eco-focused messaging to attract environmentally conscious buyers.

5. Stella Artois’ “Reassuringly Expensive”

Stella Artois flipped the script by advertising its high price. Most companies try to downplay cost, but Stella leaned into it with “Reassuringly Expensive,” suggesting that the high price was proof of its quality. Suddenly, a beer that cost a bit more became the drink of choice for those who wanted to feel fancy (but without breaking the bank).

• ‍Why It Worked: By boldly highlighting its price, Stella tapped into the luxury mindset without changing a thing about the product. People love exclusivity, and this ad made you feel like a discerning connoisseur for paying a little extra. Sometimes, saying “we’re expensive” makes people believe it’s worth it.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Emphasize your premium service with a tagline like, “We’re Not the Cheapest, Just the Best at What We Do.”
  • Execution: Add this to your marketing materials and showcase success stories of how your expertise led to top-dollar sales. Highlight how your tailored services provide unmatched value for clients who demand the best.

6. Cadbury’s Drumming Gorilla

No words, no explanation—just a gorilla drumming along to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” for 90 seconds. It made absolutely no sense… and yet, it was impossible to ignore. People loved the ad’s randomness, and it became an internet sensation. It barely mentioned chocolate, but suddenly, Cadbury was the brand with the drumming gorilla that everyone couldn’t stop talking about.

• ‍Why It Worked: This ad proved that sometimes, just being memorable is enough. People don’t always remember product details, but they remember how an ad made them feel—and this one made them laugh. The best ads don’t have to make sense as long as they make an impact.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Create a quirky campaign like, “Where’s the Open House?” with fun, engaging videos of a mascot exploring listings or neighborhoods.
  • Execution: Dress someone in a memorable costume and film them at various properties or local landmarks. Post the videos with clues about upcoming open houses to engage your audience and inject personality into your brand.

7. Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry”

Snickers made waves with the tagline, “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry,” showing people turning into exaggerated, cranky versions of themselves until they ate a Snickers and returned to normal. It was funny, instantly relatable, and appealed to anyone who’s ever felt “hangry.”

• ‍Why It Worked: This ad campaign took an everyday experience—feeling cranky or “off” due to hunger—and offered a simple solution that wasn’t just a product but a way to “get back to yourself.” By tapping into a universal feeling and wrapping it with humor and relatability, Snickers turned an ordinary candy bar into a solution for a common problem, making it memorable and effective.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Highlight the stress of buying or selling a home with a campaign like, “You’re Not You Until You Find the Perfect Home.”
  • Execution: Use images or videos showing the frustration of house hunting, followed by messaging like, “We’ll help you find the home that feels just right.” Post these on social media or use them in digital ads to show you understand and can solve your clients’ pain points.

8. WWF’s “Give a Hand to Wildlife”

WWF’s ad featured a hand painted to look like an endangered animal, symbolizing that humans could lend a “hand” to protect wildlife. With no words needed, the image spoke volumes. It was simple yet powerful, and it instantly made people feel connected to the cause.

• ‍Why It Worked: WWF’s ad used an arresting visual to inspire action without even needing a tagline. It was a subtle reminder that anyone could make a difference, and it resonated because of its simplicity and beauty. Sometimes, a powerful image is worth a thousand words.
• How Real Estate Agents Can Use This Idea:
  • Idea: Focus on community and giving back with a tagline like, “Give a Key to New Beginnings.”
  • Execution: Partner with local charities or organizations to support housing for those in need. Share images or videos of you and your clients donating time or resources to community initiatives, emphasizing your role in creating positive change.

Simple, Effective Ads for Realtors

As these legendary campaigns show, sometimes the most memorable ads are the simplest ones. By focusing on what makes your service unique, connecting with people on a personal level, or even adding a touch of humor, realtors  can create ads that resonate deeply with their customers.

With Roya, creating impactful, tailored ads doesn’t require a big budget or an agency. Whether you’re looking to drive engagement with a clever campaign or just reach more local customers effectively, Roya’s tools are designed to make ad creation easy, strategic, and affordable. So why not take inspiration from these iconic campaigns, give your business its own memorable twist, and watch your brand connect with your community like never before?

Ready to create your own unforgettable campaign? Book a demo and bring your unique message to life!