There are so many opportunities during our day-to-day lives that leave us open to receiving commercial messages and advertisements from companies. You may only think you’re exposed to advertisements during the television commercial breaks – but you’d be so wrong. These clever companies have latched onto the brilliant idea of targeting people whilst their sat at the bus stop. And we’re not talking boring adverts or dull posters ads – these all have something a little bit different and a little bit special.
Coca Cola
When promoting their new easy-to-grip bottle, Coca Cola installed several ads in busstops that were made of Velcro. Meaning that whenever people came into contact with it they were (quite literally) gripped.
Discovery Communications
By harnessing the social side of advertising, Discovery communications tapped into something great. By created the old-fashion “poke your head in here” photo opportunity, they basically guaranteed themselves social shares across the internet instantly. What better way of making sure the entire world see’s you bus ad? Afterall, not everyone is going to walk past it, because not everyone lives in Washington!
Google Maps / Streetview
Google like to keep things simple but affective – and this campaign certainly did just that. They literally turned the back wall of the bus stop into it’s very own Google Maps browsing page – it does actually look pretty identical to the webpage if you streetview that exact area. Very smart. We love.
Quicksilver
Saatchi and Saatchi created this brilliant twist on the average bus poster. Tapping into what must be their main demographic they created an interactive version of the bus stop – encouraging people to use the busstop instead of just stand under it.
Nickel Prickly Heat Powder
For those that live abroad - waiting at the bus stop can be sticky hot and humid (rather than windy and blustering – like in the UK). This company gave some relief to the hot sticky bus passengers by providing them with a giant air conditioner at the bus stop to keep them cool. Genius!
Sunsmart Cancer Council
Ever left the home on a sunny day without suncream? Well this ad company took advantage of the hot summer by placing free “suncream stops” around the city.
PlayStation 2
If there is one thing bored people can’t resist… it’s bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is like a magnetic force to bored commuters and it would certainly grab your attention to see a bunch of people dressed for work huddled around a bus stop popping bubbles… right? This must have been PlayStation thoughts – as this campaign was a huge success. Of course – all the bubbles had the signature XO on them too!
SpecSavers
Always on the ball – SpecSavers took their tagline “Should’ve gone to” to a whole new levels with this ad. Brilliantly relevant and hugely clever – this ad ties in with all their print, online and TV campaigning too.
Pedigree
Did you ever start walking your dog and realise you’d forgetten the poop bags? Pedigree made sure that dog walkers had no excuses – but providing a free dispenser in one of their bus stop ads. Smart and helpful.
Disney Pixar
There is nothing quite like bringing a film to live right before someone eyes – and this bus stop poster did just that. By extending the adverts out of the actual designated space they’re imploring the child inside everyone to snip those balloons off and see for themselves if they’ll really fly away. This is fun and we love it!
3M
How much would you risk for a decent ad campaign? How about $3 MIllion?? 3M security glass put their money where their mouth was with this incredibly smary and savvy ad campaign – claiming that if anyone could break into the box (through their glass) they could happily walk away with the money inside.
Live Green
To save money for themselves (and also save the planet a little bit) the eco friendly company Live Green installed a light switch in their bus stop ads. The bus stops are pretty incredible – combining the core brand elements with a smart interactive aspect to draw people in.
Solo
This “walkie talkie” bus-stop ad let people communicate with random strangers across the city with their built in walkie talkie systems. The walkie talkies were each connected to another so that if you wanted to – you could spend your bus journey chatting with someone.
