Advertisements are a powerful tool. They help any brand tell their story, put across a message, and spin the yarn in the most creative, efficient way for the audience.
Some commercials leave a lasting impact on you and others provide the most bizarre experience. Just like your favorite films, you also pick your commercial preferences, and they remain stuck with you forever.
GEICO has made a name for itself in the advertising world with over 20 years of memorable commercials. The company’s partnership with The Martin Agency put the insurance provider on the map.
GEICO’s approach is effective because of how cleverly they create loveable characters, utilize humor, and end their spots with simple one-liners.
The best GEICO commercials have the following attributes in common:
- Storyline
- Interesting characters
- The successful portrayal of the main theme
- Inoffensive humor
- Production value
We have come across various advertisement campaigns that have successfully remained top-of-mind for decades because of their novelty and creativity (think of Nike’s Just Do it and Old Spice’s The Man Your Man Could Smell Like). On the other hand, there are some which have failed spectacularly for their controversial or tone-deaf nature (think of Pepsi’s Live for Now and Peloton’s holiday commercial).
Read more:What Makes a Video Effective and Memorable?
GEICO has always managed to hit home with the content they regularly produce in their commercials.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of their most iconic commercials and what makes them click.
Best of GEICO commercials
GEICO Gecko
GEICO introduced its mascot, Gecko back in 1999 through the Martin Agency and ever since then, it has been the most recognizable and notable aspect of their commercials. GEICO’s Gecko was voted America’s favorite advertising icon back in 2005.
In this short commercial, Gecko himself explains the reasoning as to why it is necessary to let an icon step up and take the reins to rope in customers and serve them. It has been 20 years since Gecko was created. People have grown up watching and listening to the icon.
GEICO’s Gecko evokes feelings of nostalgia, which creates an impactful effect and hence, people want to remain associated with GEICO for a long, long time.
Why it works:
- A memorable and charismatic icon that inspires trust
- Catchy tagline.
- Humor
Geico commercial – Caveman at the Airport
Apart from the Gecko, the company has a few other characters audiences know and love. This caveman spot is a classic.
The company tends to steer away from obnoxiously funny jokes and keeps it simple with zany humor. Just goes to show that even an insurance company can have a bit of fun.
Why it works:
- An unusual scenario
- Presents an interesting character
- Clear and simple messaging packaged with humor
Creating a unique character with his or her own personality and using it in your content is a great way to build a relationship with your audience. You generate a sense of familiarity and can build stories and scenarios for that character in the future.
Many popular brands understand the importance of mascots, think of Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger and Dos Equis’ The Most Interesting Man in the World (who is also an internet meme). More often than not, figures like these are the prime reason why people prefer to flock to these brands as opposed to their competitors.
Also read:Bao – 2019 Oscar Winner for Best Animated Short Film
Geico commercial – Maxwell the Pig
Maxwell the Pig is another one of GEICO’s star mascots. We see that deadpan humor again in this ad where no one seems to question the ridiculousness of the situation playing out. The commercial briefly highlights the features of the app and frames everything in a hilarious way that viewers will remember.
This could easily be one of GEICO’s funniest commercials.
Why it works:
- An interesting character and an unusual scenario
- Brief explanation of what the product/service is
- Deadpan humor
Geico commercial – Spy Mom
In this commercial, GEICO introduces a mom who calls her spy son at the worst possible time; cramping his style and essentially, ‘doing what moms do’.
Why it works:
- Novel concept
- Most people can relate
- Simple and clear messaging at the end
Geico commercial – Caleb the ‘Hump Day’ Camel
The ‘Hump Day’ commercial may be one of GEICO’s most popular ones to date. Everyone remembers the ad that made the camel a star. This, hands down wins as one of those novel ad campaigns that truly transcends the test of time. The insurance company’s ads remain funny and relevant without ruffling any feathers.
Why it works:
- Funny bizarre scenario
- Interesting character
- Clear messaging that ends with a simple one-liner
Geico commercial – Tag Team Helps with Dessert
Geico’s latest commercial has feel-good vibes and energy. Viewers take a walk down memory lane when Tag Team pops up and sings its most famous song “Whoomp! There it is” while baking a dessert.
Why it works:
- Bringing the nostalgic 90s back
- Creative plug-in of their “Money You Could be Saving with GEICO” campaign
- Relatable characters
Throughout the years, we have witnessed that GEICO has been producing commercials with ingenious approaches and themes which swiftly catch the eyes of the audience.
From parodies to Bland Salesman, viewers enjoy the witty little plot twists in these advertisements.
GEICO advertisements also introduced several taglines such as “I’ve got good news”, “Real service, real savings” and “The money you could be saving with GEICO”, “15minutes could save you15% or more on car insurance.” These taglines encompass the vital aspect of their business i.e. to help their customers save money through insurance.
As our world constantly transforms, we welcome new trends; technologies, and processes every single day. Despite the changes, we see that advertisements have remained constantly in fashion to introduce/re-introduce a business to the masses.
GEICO commercials are a testament to the fact that no matter what you are selling, you can form a connection with your audience and generate interest in your brand with videos that entertain, inspire, and tell a great story.
What’s your favorite GEICO commercial? Let us know in the comments!
(Cover photo credits: GEICO)
