So after watching an art director ( who i should say is on a diet since Christmas) eating a chow mein pot noodle for his lunch, I started wondering about Pot Noodles latest ad campaign, and that i wasn't aware there was one - in fact I couldn't remember how long ago it was since their last campaign.
I don't often think about pot noodle - not unless I've drank too much the night before and am in desperate need for that one artificial tasting, convenience food, that i can only just about manage to boil a kettle to make. But with the last run of TV adverts and print media campaign. I was surprised that the last time i ate a pot noodle ( student days) was possibly the last time i was aware of their advertising efforts.
The last campaign split opinion, and was controversial, quite rightly ( due to the use of somewhat racy language, that was more appropriate in Shameless than on billboards and prime time TV ad slots) It ran for some time until it had to be toned down for public consumption. But as I recall was praised by many in the industry - any publicity is good publicity after all!
But my question is, that is a controversial ad campaign as a strategy ever a long term plan? Pot Noodle recognized their brand positioning at the very least and by understanding how customers interact with the brand and consume the product, they were able to talk to them in a way that they could identify with. Pot noodle - that dirty little secret, its ok to admit you use every now and then. The execution of the campaign was done in an easily identifiable way and fit with the brand perfectly - but as far as the controversial statements are concerned, they may have gone to far too quickly and burned out. The campaign didn't last for an extended period and in my opinion the campaign fizzled out with nowhere to go and little opportunity to follow up. Whilst thinking about Pot noodle now for WAY too long, I wont be buying one for my tea, but i will however be keeping my eyes open for any signs of a new campaign strategy.
