We continue our look into the evolution of marketing over the decades with a dive into the 1980s! Let’s explore the memorable marketing and advertising campaigns that defined the decade of big hair, neon colours, and convenience.
The rise of cable television brought more channel options and increased the prominence of TV advertising. Clever ads like the Milky Way “Red Car vs Blue Car” campaign and the catchy Trebor “Mr Soft” jingle captured viewer attention. Memorable jingles and catchphrases became ingrained in popular culture, like Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” and LifeCall’s “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” Humour and quotable lines were starting to be embraced in advertising.
Product placement also took off, with brands like Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses seeing sales spike 40% after Tom Cruise wore them in Top Gun. Back to the Future cemented DeLorean as an iconic car. Though not successful themselves, DeLorean won a deal for 5% of Universal’s earnings from promotions involving their car.
The changing fast-paced lifestyle that took off in the 80s created demand for convenience and timesaving products. More women entering the workforce led to an expansion of microwave meals, fast food, and convenience stores.
Additionally, technological advancements played a crucial role in shaping consumer habits. The widespread adoption of credit cards and the proliferation of ATMs revolutionised the way people managed their finances and conducted transactions. These innovations made it easier and faster for individuals to spend money, further fuelling the growth of consumer culture.
Bright neon colours, abstract shapes, and dynamic compositions defined the visual art direction of the era, leading a lasting impression that continues to fuel nostalgia marketing today. Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign exemplified this visual style, with the slogan having been a permanent part of their marketing ever since.
And that, it turns out, is what was acceptable in the 80s! Join us again next time as we enter the final era of our marketing through the ages – the 1990s!
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