"We Try Harder" by Avis

"We Try Harder" by Avis

Introduced in 1962, this campaign positioned Avis as a customer-focused brand. It emphasized the company’s dedication to service and positioned it as a strong competitor in the car rental market.

Certainly! Here is a comprehensive article about the "We Try Harder" advertising campaign by Avis:


"We Try Harder" by Avis: A Paradigm of Advertising Excellence

Creativity:
Launched in 1962, the "We Try Harder" campaign by Avis is a testament to creative advertising. The slogan ingeniously turned a potential weakness—being the second-largest car rental company—into a strength by emphasizing customer service dedication. This creativity in branding captured the audience's imagination and established a strong emotional connection.

Popularity:
The "We Try Harder" campaign quickly gained immense popularity. Its straightforward, honest, and humble approach resonated with customers, leading to widespread recognition. The slogan itself became iconic, often referenced in both popular culture and marketing textbooks as a brilliant example of effective advertising.

Affect:
The campaign had a significant emotional appeal, fostering a sense of trust and reliability among consumers. It suggested that Avis, being the underdog, would put in extra effort to ensure customer satisfaction. This affective approach helped build strong customer loyalty and improved brand perception, making customers believe in the company's commitment to exceptional service.

Uniqueness:
What set "We Try Harder" apart was its unique positioning strategy. Instead of shying away from its status as the second-largest car rental company, Avis embraced it. This bold and unusual move made the campaign stand out in a crowded market where most companies typically aimed to assert their superiority.

Origins:
The creative genius behind "We Try Harder" was the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB). Bill Bernbach, one of the founders of DDB and a legendary figure in advertising, played a pivotal role in developing this groundbreaking campaign. His vision and innovative thinking have left a lasting impact on the world of advertising.

Significance:
"We Try Harder" marked a turning point for Avis, helping it compete more effectively against its larger rival, Hertz. The campaign demonstrated the power of strategic positioning and authentic messaging. It allowed Avis to carve out a niche in the market by appealing directly to consumers’ emotional and rational needs.

Impact on the Car Rental Market:
The success of "We Try Harder" propelled Avis into a more competitive position within the car rental industry. The campaign contributed significantly to increasing Avis's market share and customer base, highlighting the efficacy of well-crafted advertising.

Legacy and Influence:
The impact of "We Try Harder" extended beyond Avis, influencing the broader field of advertising and marketing. It is often studied in marketing courses as a model of effective brand communication and strategy. The principles of honesty, clear positioning, and customer-centric messaging embodied in this campaign continue to inspire marketers today.

Conclusion

The "We Try Harder" campaign by Avis remains an exemplary case of advertising brilliance. Its creative approach, emotional resonance, unique positioning, and the visionary work of Doyle Dane Bernbach collectively generated a lasting legacy. This campaign not only elevated Avis as a formidable player in the car rental market but also left an indelible mark on the history of advertising.

Through the lens of an American talents project, "We Try Harder" exemplifies how innovative thinking and emotional intelligence can create powerful, enduring connections between brands and consumers.