ii. wannabe, KFC
A note on KFC's attempt to look cool and edgy and choosing the wrong medium of communication.
by aditya@tandemgo
by aditya@tandemgo
KFC, recently put a hoarding beside their store in Mumbai announcing the launch of their new product, ‘Biryani Bucket’ that read, "Biryani Loverz Ab Wait Hai Overz," which translates to "Biryani Lovers, Now wait is over" in English. The use of the letter 'z' instead of 's' in words like 'loverz' and 'overz' made the copy sound cringey and forced. The language used in the copy failed to provide an opportunity for KFC to inform and persuade people to try their new bucket. Instead, it sounded like an attempt to be cool and edgy, which did not resonate with the audience. When launching a new product, the focus should be on making it sound as attractive as possible to the potential customers. An effective marketing strategy requires understanding the target audience and their preferences to deliver a message that resonates with them
The second ad was a billboard that read, "Jab Appraisal Rent Jitna Ho, Treat Toh Banta Hai," which translates to "It calls for a treat when appraisal is as much as the rent." The copy then followed with "Let's KFC." While the copy may have resonated with millennials and Gen Z, it failed to connect with a broader audience. The ad seemed ‘oddly specific’ to be placed on a billboard, which is supposed to be eye-catching and easily digestible by the masses. While this type of ad might work well in targeted email or SMS marketing campaigns, where the brand has control over who receives the message, but on a public billboard, it might not appeal to everyone.
In today's world, marketing campaigns that resonate with the target audience are critical for brand success. Gen Z is an essential generation to consider when selling products or services as they are a dominant consumer group with unique characteristics and preferences. Gen Z is tech-savvy, socially conscious, and seeks authenticity in brand messaging. Brands should avoid trying to be "cool" or "hip" by using trendy language or references that might come off as cringey and inauthentic. Instead, the focus should be on highlighting the actual product being promoted and its unique selling points.
In conclusion, KFC's recent print ads failed to get noticed. Brands must understand their target audience's preferences, values, and interests to create impactful marketing campaigns. To reach Gen Z effectively, brands must involve someone from that generation in their marketing team to ensure the messaging aligns with their preferences. Brands must strive to create authentic and relatable campaigns that reflect their brand values while resonating with the target audience.