**2012 was a (link: https://www.superdream.co.uk/2012-a-year-for-britain/ text: great year for Britain). But it wasn’t just the Olympics and (link: https://www.superdream.co.uk/regal-rebrands/ text: Jubilee) that showed the rest of the world what we can do.**
2012 was a great year when it came to advertising. Our television screens were littered with funny, moving, and emotive adverts that really put the great back into Great Britain. Here is a selection of 15 our favourite television adverts of the last 12 months:
**1. The Guardian – Three Little Pigs**
The Guardian’s (link: http://www.thedrum.com/news/2012/11/27/guardians-three-little-pigs-ad-wins-big-british-arrow-awards-2012 text: award winning) ‘Three Little Pigs’ advert was a TV highlight for many last year.
The ad’s unique take on the traditional fairytale shows just how powerful the news can be. The main concept is to show how one story can grow – and even snowball – into something entirely different. a really clever concept, brought to life in an extraordinary way.
**2. Channel 4 Paralympics – Meet the Superhumans**
After the storming success of the Olympics, Channel 4 had their work cut out with the Paralympics. But thanks to this amazing advert, they needn’t have worried.
Showcasing some of the big names and hopefuls, the ‘Meet the Superhumans’ campaign proved that these athletes were just as amazing as those we watched in the Olympics. The inspiring advert really worked wonders for the Paralympics, and kept our patriotism going a little longer.
**3. Argos – Aliens**
The Argos aliens made their advert debut in 2012, and were a huge hit.
This ad, part of their ongoing campaign, shows the aliens enjoying the summertime. With nods towards popular culture – “Just an Olly Murs away from perfection” – this ad also shows how easy it is to order from Argos. This is a great way of promoting their products and services, whist building on their (link: https://www.superdream.co.uk/building-an-iconic-brand/ text: iconic brand).
**4. Go Compare – Saving the Nation**
By the middle of last year, it is safe to say the nation was divided. Half of us loved Gio Compario – GoCompare.com’s opera singer – while the rest of us weren’t so keen.
As a nod towards this, the comparison site launched their ‘Saving the Nation’ campaign. This advert was the first in the series, and showed TV presenter Sue Barker firing a rocket launcher at Gio. This advert proved to be hugely popular, and has spawned many other variations.
**5. Microsoft – Internet Explorer**
In order to compete with Google, Internet Explorer launched a great advert campaign in 2012.
Showing the power of Bing, IE browsers, and Microsoft computers, this clever ad was a real hit. It’s also a great example of the power of advertising, as the Alex Clare song peaked at number 4 in the UK charts.
**6. Snickers – You’re Not You When You’re Hungry**
The confectionary giant didn’t just create a star-studded advert for the ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign – they even (link: http://econsultancy.com/uk/blog/8768-snickers-hijacks-katie-price-s-twitter-account-for-pr-stunt text: hijacked glamour model Katie Price’s Twitter account).
The great PR move gained the brand some huge publicity in 2012, and was an example of how a great (link: https://www.superdream.co.uk/best-advertising-slogans/ text: advertising slogan) can boost your advertising efforts. While you might not be able to pay Hollywood diva’s to star in you ad campaigns this year, you can follow Snickers’ lead and utilise the power of an integrated campaign.
**7. Mattesons – Hank Marvin**
This clever advert for Mattesons’ Fridge Raiders took advantage of the retro revival of last year. The vintage-esque advert – complete with 70’s style sepia and hairstyles – makes for really interesting viewing.
The use of cockney rhyming slang – ‘Hank Marvin’ is slang for ‘starving’ – perfectly talks to the brands’ target audience. This simple but effect ad has a similar message to the Snickers one, but portrays it in a different, equally as powerful way.
**8. Enterprise – US vs. UK**
Car rental company Enterprise used their 2012 ad slot to promote their customer service ethic.
The American’s are famed for their excellent levels of customer service, and this advert shows that we Brits can offer it too. Throw in a few ‘tom-aato, tom-arto’ gags, and you’ve got a winning advert. This short and sweet slot is a great example of a brand using self deprecating humour in a clever way.
**9. Fosters – Good Call**
The Fosters adverts have always made UK viewers laugh, and their 2012 offering was no different.
The beer brand added a new spin to their phone-in style adverts by having a girl request relationship advice. This latest Fosters campaign shows how sticking to the same formula your audience recognise works. But also highlights the importance of keeping your marketing fresh and exciting.
**10. Oreo – The Explanation**
We just adore this cute advert from Oreo!
It shows a little girl teaching her dad exactly how you should eat an Oreo. If of course she’s feeling in the mood to share! This is perfectly representative of the company’s brand values, and will appeal to their target audience. By using a real life situation, customers will really align themselves with the ad, making it all the more successful.
**11. Lynx – Unleash the Chaos**
Lynx never fails to impress – or cause controversy – with their adverts. And their advert to promote the (link: http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1113295/Girls-Lynx-effect/ text: launch of their first female fragrance) in 2012 was no different.
The ‘Unleash the Chaos’ advert follows the same premise of their previous offerings – wearing the fragrance makes you irresistible to the opposite sex. Whatever you think of their adverts, you have to admit that a Lynx promotion always sticks in your mind.
**12. Aldi – Chocolate Reindeers**
Aldi have created a collection of clever adverts to promote their own brand goods, proving that they are just as nice as big brand names. In November 2012, the chocolate reindeer’s campaign aired and melted hearts everywhere.
The girls say they like both brands of chocolate, but they don’t like the boys playing shepherds in the nativity. A cute and perfectly festive offering, this advert warmed our hearts at Christmas and stuck to Aldi’s winning advert formula.
**13. Daz – Cleaner Close Episode 36**
Over the last few years, cleaning product Daz has been airing a mini soap opera with its adverts. In this latest offering, ex-Eastenders actor Shaun Williamson takes centre stage.
This is a really clever idea as it follows on from previous adverts to tell a story. The cliffhanger ending – and telling people to watch the next ‘episode’ on Facebook – is a great way of boosting their social media presence.
**14. Compare the Market – Introducing Maurice Wigglethorpe-Throom**
Their infamous meerkat’s were introduced in 2009, and 2012 saw a new era for ComparetheMarket.com.
This latest advert, staring actor Robert Webb, seems to be bringing the campaign back to the original brand. A clever move, still using their humour and brand values; the latest instalment in this ad campaign is sure to run as long as the meerkat’s themselves.
**15. John Lewis – Never Knowingly Undersold**
Finishing up on a visually stunning, and quite emotive advert now.
John Lewis’ ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ campaign showed that the store is still as relevant as ever. The clever love story, backing track, and spilt screen really captured our imaginations; and was a big draw for the department store. This was just one of John Lewis’ great adverts – who can forget their great (link: https://www.superdream.co.uk/christmas-adverts-2012/ text: Christmas advert)?
What other great adverts can you remember from 2012? What are your favourites so far of 2013?