Sixties Spots, Sugar Frosted Flakes and Social Networking

Have you ever watched Madmen?  It's a show about advertisersing during a time when Frosted Flakes were called Sugar Frosted Flakes, the Frito Bandito was stealing to sell, and Noxema Shaving Cream was 'Taking it off...taking it ALL off'.  Those were the glory days when brands had little competition, advertising only took on a few forms of media, and it was a time when hubbies were lucky enough to have housewives.

With fewer brands on the market, advertisers in the 1960s didn't have the overwhelming challenge of saturated markets like they do today.  Ads from 50 years ago simply told consumers what to buy and why they should buy it.  They were mildly entertaining and had a memorable slogan, jingle or personality.

Here's a Sugar Frosted Flakes TV Commercial from the 1960s just to give you an example.

In this day and age, ads have to captivate, engage and entertain the audience.  Brands have to be different, be special, fulfill a fundamental need, help social causes, and make consumers feel good about purchasing.

Now check out this Kellog's Frosted Flakes Commercial from 2009.

See the difference?  Not to mention the colour and production quality enhancements that came with advancements in technology.

50 years ago, advertising only came in the form of print, radio or TV.  Now, in the information age, digital platforms such as the internet and mobile devices have reshaped advertising into rapid global communications.  Anyone can find information about anything, anywhere, with the touch of a button.

Now, consumers can be directed to the the Frosted Flakes Website to check out the latest campaigns and promotions.  The website informs consumers that Frosted Flakes gives you the energy to start any day, provides alternate uses for the product, and encourages kids to 'step it up' with an active lifestyle.  It even includes videos to add visual appeal and spark interest.


This Frosted Flakes TV commercial from 2010 relays the same brand message.

Social Networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, have provided another avenue for brands to connect directly with consumers and vice versa.  Gone are the days where word-of-mouth is the only form of free advertising.


Here, one blogger sells Frosted Flakes t-shirts.  Frosted Flakes are mentioned frequently on Twitter.  There's a Frosted Flakes Facebook Page.  There's even commercials on YouTube, some which have aired on TV, and others made by consumers themselves.


Here is a Frosted Flakes rap I found rather entertaining and persuasive.

As you can see, the possibilities of advertising have become endless in the digital era.  But it's not just technological advancements that has reshaped advertising, changes in society has also played its part.

Ethics and independence are on the rise, women are working, and beliefs, fashion and lifestyles have all evolved.  Purchasing habits are different, so modern ads have to appeal to people in a modern way.


Out with the old

In with the new

Notice all the added benefits?  Sorry Tony, you don't seem to cut it anymore.

So there you have it.  A simple look at advertising 50 years ago versus the

not-so-simple advertising we have now.  It has developed over the years into what we see today, and will continue to evolve...well...until a Madman (or Madwoman) goes back to the moon and figures out how to telepathically send advertising messages.

Thank you for watching and I hope you found this blog post to be G-R-R-REAT!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT  -  2010 Kellog's