Animals have long been featured in advertising and marketing campaigns to evoke emotion, capture attention, and communicate messages effectively.
From household pets to exotic wildlife, animals have a unique ability to resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Here’s 15 reasons why animals are frequently used in advertising and the impact they have on consumer behavior and brand perception:
1. Emotional Connection: Animals have a universal appeal that transcends language and cultural barriers. Their presence in advertising campaigns can evoke a wide range of emotions, including joy, nostalgia, empathy, and love, establishing a deep connection with consumers. Brands align themselves with animals to trigger those emotions.
2. Attention-Grabbing: Images and videos of animals are inherently eye-catching and stand out in a sea of other advertisements. An animal’s charisma and charm instantly draws viewers in and compels them to pay attention to the message being conveyed. We all trust animals, after all.
3. Memorable: Advertising featuring animals is often more memorable than ads with human actors or inanimate objects. Consumers are more likely to recall and share advertisements that feature animals due to their unique and unforgettable nature.
4. Positive Associations: Animals are frequently associated with positive attributes such as loyalty, playfulness, and innocence. By featuring animals in advertising, brands can leverage these positive associations to enhance their image and create a favorable impression among consumers.
5. Relatability: Many consumers can relate to the experiences and emotions depicted by animals in advertising. Whether showcasing a pet’s loyalty or a parent’s protective instincts, animal-centric ads resonate with audiences on a personal level. Us humans love to see anthropomorphise animals and we therefore see them as better versions of ourselves. We relate to animals in the most positive way.
6. Universal Appeal: Animals appeal to a wide demographic range, from children to adults, making them a versatile and inclusive choice for advertising campaigns. Regardless of age, gender, or background, most people find animals endearing and engaging. Animals can even transcend culture and religion; wherever you’re from in the world, animals have a positive image.
7. Storytelling: Animal images are powerful symbols that can help tell a brand’s story or convey its values effectively. By incorporating animals into marketing efforts, companies can create narratives that are compelling, impactful, and memorable.
8. Uniqueness: In a competitive advertising landscape, featuring animals can help a brand differentiate itself and stand out from the crowd. Animals bring a unique element to advertisements that can set them apart and make them more appealing.
9. Humour: Animals often bring an element of comedy and lightheartedness to advertising campaigns. Whether through funny antics or quirky personalities, animals have the ability to make audiences laugh and create an enjoyable viewing experience.
10. Trust: Animals are often perceived as innocent and trustworthy; qualities that can positively impact consumer perceptions of a brand. By associating themselves with animals, brands can convey a sense of honesty and reliability to their audience. Animals don’t lie and they don’t tell tales; that is something humans respect.
11. Symbolism: Animals hold symbolic significance in various cultures and contexts, representing traits such as strength, freedom, wisdom, or agility. By leveraging these symbolic meanings, brands can convey powerful messages and create deeper connections with consumers. This sort of messaging is almost subliminal; we don’t often realise the message is being conveyed, yet we all know inherently that the lion means strength, for example.
12. Environmental Awareness: Animals make us want to be better people. If your brand’s message is about conservation efforts and environment issues, animals remind us about the power of nature and the Earth. Images (collected ethically) of endangered or threatened species highlight the plight for better conservation. Brands can promote their commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, helping to educate audiences.
13. Cute Factor: Let’s face it – animals are undeniably cute and adorable. Capitalising on the “cute factor” of animals in advertising can evoke feelings of warmth and affection in viewers, fostering a positive association with the brand.
14. Versatility: Animals come in a wide variety of species, breeds, colours, sizes and characteristics, offering endless possibilities for creative storytelling. Whether featuring domestic pets, exotic wildlife, farm animals or creepy crawlies, animal imagery can be tailored to suit any brand or message.
15. Audience Engagement: Animals generate high levels of audience engagement and interaction on social media platforms. Posts or ads featuring animals often receive more likes, shares, and comments, amplifying the reach and impact of the advertising campaign.
Animals play a significant role in advertising and marketing strategies, bringing a host of benefits to brands seeking to connect with consumers on a deeper level.
From emotional connections and memorability to relatability and symbolism, animals offer a versatile and effective tool for conveying messages, driving engagement, and fostering positive brand perceptions.
By harnessing the power of animals in advertising campaigns, brands can create compelling and impactful content that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re considering hiring an animal for your upcoming advert or brand campaign, contact us to discuss ideas and possibilities.
