While California is in the midst of the worst drought recorded in 3 years, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is resorting to the classic 'sex sells' strategy when it comes to their latest water conservation campaign.
To make saving water more exciting, the SFPUC suggests making showers a quickie by taking shorter showers. Offering other handy tips, such as getting paid via rebates to replace toilets, the water conservation campaign highlights innuendos to grab people's attention. Even though phrases like 'doing it' and 'satisfied' are in larger print, the actual content of the ads are quite tame and practical.
The ads could be spiced up however, by asking people to consider showering together in addition to speeding up their shower time.
Suggestive Water-Saving Ads
This SFPUC Water Conservation Campaign Uses Titillating Language
Trend Themes
1. Suggestive Advertising - Opportunities for businesses to appeal to customers with titillating language
2. Water Conservation - Innovative means of encouraging customers to conserve water to meet growing demand
3. Rebates for Toilet Replacement - Businesses may offer rebates to customers for purchasing water-efficient products
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Goods - Consumer goods businesses may draw in new customers with suggestive language in their advertising
2. Utilities - Water utilities may explore innovative ways of encouraging customers to conserve water during periods of drought
3. Plumbing - Plumbing businesses may offer rebates and promotions to customers for purchasing water-efficient products