MARKETING
In 1990, Leslie Nielsen Delivered a Masterclass in Brand Building
Long before TikTok, viral content, and social media marketing, Leslie Nielsen starred in an advert that nailed the fundamentals of great branding. It was sharp, entertaining, and surprisingly instructive.
Here are five timeless lessons every modern marketer should take from it, especially if you’re serious about digital marketing and building a memorable brand..
The Power of the Hook
Even before short-form video took over, Nielsen understood what a hook was. It is not about shock value. A hook sets the scene. It introduces the character and the environment, building anticipation. Think of that moment he bursts into the bar and shouts, “FRAUD SQUAD.” That is how you grab attention with purpose.
Attention Is Earned
Today’s audiences are more distracted than ever. We cannot assume they are watching or that they care. The answer? Be entertaining. Tell stories. Use humour. Develop characters. Whether you are working in digital marketing or social media marketing, the principle is the same: earn their time and you will gain their trust.
It’s Not Just USP, It’s Unique Selling Personality
The old idea of a Unique Selling Proposition is not enough anymore. In the real world, most products are similar. What makes a brand truly stand out is its personality, what it represents, how it sounds, and how it makes people feel. Brand equity and emotional connection are the real differentiators. That is where creative thinking becomes powerful.
Brand Early and Often
Many marketers make the mistake of waiting to reveal the brand. But most viewers do not stick around for the punchline. The best creative campaigns make the brand part of the narrative from the very beginning. At Yoony.n, our own digital marketing campaigns have shown that branding early improves recall and does not lead to skipping.
Respect the Audience
You hear a lot about native content. But that does not mean shaky iPhone footage. It means creating something that feels relevant and respects the viewer’s time. This advert acknowledges it is an ad, delivers a compelling reason to care, and still entertains. That is the value exchange. That is smart marketing.
This was not just a funny sketch. It was a campaign built on principles that still work across modern media, from traditional advertising to digital platforms and social media marketing.
At Yoony.n, we apply these same principles to every project we take on. Whether it’s SEO, paid campaigns, or brand building, we focus on creative strategies that deliver tangible results.
Watch the ad. Then see how we bring these proven ideas to life in our work.
Whether you are new to social media or looking to level up your current efforts, we offer the tools, insight and experience needed to grow your brand and connect with your audience in the places that matter most.
