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Branding Moment: Taboo Marketing!

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Napa Consultants DRE00893924

We noticed this point of sale display while shopping at the Santa Barbara Nordstrom's recently.  We watched shoppers go by, look, shake their heads and move on.  Others laughed at the double meaning, and moved on. 

 

Taboo marketing can definitely bring a brand into focus by those they are hoping to attract.  It creates an instant effect!  It will no doubt attract some to buy! 

 

We have seen taboo styled real estate videos and other ads.  The only message it may send to the sellers of these properties is that their agents will go to any length to bring attention to their listings...

 

What is your take on this?

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Comments (21)

Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

The marketing team for that mascara must have had a lot of fun coming up with marketing strategy. 

If the marketing gets more people to purchase the product, they've done well. If they actually like the product and buy more, even better.

Unlike incorrectly using "taboo" marketing with photos of nearly naked people on the inside stairwell of a home (as posted here recently). That didn't have a double meaning; the meaning was clear - a desperate attempt to get people to notice a house for sale. From what I understand, that didn't work.

 

 

Dec 11, 2018 03:26 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I am not likely to be drawn to a product with thiss kind of marketing.  I may laugh but it doesn't draw me in.

Dec 11, 2018 03:52 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Alexandra, 

Like you I observe all marketing. It helps make me sharper and let's me in on trends.  I have seen a lot of marketing that is geared to the millennial. This is definitely one of those marketing campaigns and product names.

Dec 11, 2018 04:04 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I have not been a fan of being clever in marketing, especially if it obscures the message or the product. It seems your observations show that people paid attention but walked on by.

Dec 11, 2018 04:16 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Good morning, Alexandra and Ron - this example of taboo marketing is strictly taboo for me. No sale.

Dec 11, 2018 04:50 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Ron and Alexandra. As for me, I agree with Michael Jacobs! Enjoy your day! 

Dec 11, 2018 04:59 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I think it is sad that we live in a day and age that taboo has become more acceptable.

Dec 11, 2018 05:04 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Of course, NARS is the brand that has a blush called "orgasm." So this is nothing new for them. I've worn that blush for years...it's the best. Just based on that I'd probably try the masacara. I might not have noticed it as taboo marketing if you hadn't pointed it out, Alexandra. Now... off to the mall as soon as it's open! 

Dec 11, 2018 05:23 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

It is attention-getting for certain. It wouldn't make me buy it though.  And Nina Hollander 's comment is a good one.  NARS is well-known for the Orgasm blush and they have a lipstick called The Mutliple ( orgasm). If I used NARS products, I'd likely try the mascara...

Dec 11, 2018 05:50 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD had o idea about that lipstick, Debb. Now I need to go check it out when I check out the mascara!

Dec 11, 2018 06:40 AM
Debb Janes

Now you're making me want to try the blush, lipstick and mascara. Hahaha. Alexandra should get a commission. Nina Hollander - I know you have excellent taste, so it must be good makeup. D 

Dec 11, 2018 07:24 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Interesting. This marketing does get you attention but I would not risk it in real estate.

Dec 11, 2018 08:11 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning again Alexandra. I like the example showed here. I wouldn't be offended I would smile.

Dec 11, 2018 08:19 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Made me laugh Ron and Alexandra Seigel  to be honest . i don't think it would make me buy it . Perhaps if it were for another area and not for the eyes

Dec 11, 2018 12:32 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

 I am always looking at different connotations when I look at advertising. Sometimes it’s cute and sometimes it’s taboo Alexandra

 

I hope you’re both having an awesome week!!!

Dec 11, 2018 02:13 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Ron and Alexandra- Nars has a blush that Nina Hollander mentioned called Orgasm that has been a best seller for years!  I do like the blush but don't know that I'd want to have Orgasm (blush) and Climax (mascara) sitting next to each other. 

Dec 11, 2018 04:48 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I'm smiling at Kathy Streib's comment #16.  The product she mentions has a name that is a little bit in your face.  But, I think the product pictured is more subtle.  After all, the word, "Climax," has more than a singular meaning.  And, we can always fake it by feigning innocence!

Dec 11, 2018 05:22 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Ron and Alexandra, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Dec 11, 2018 05:24 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

IMHO, not only Taboo but tacky.  I would never support a company that resorts to that kind of marketing.  They obviously think it's clever which is very sad.

Dec 11, 2018 05:46 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

HI Alexandra... reading all these comments, look what your started with your post! 

Dec 12, 2018 04:05 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I'm also back to read the other comments. Touchy topic. Glad you didn't think it was too taboo to discuss. :) 

Dec 12, 2018 08:28 AM