Human Billboards

Human billboards have been used for centuries. In 19th century London, the practice began when advertising posters became subject to taxes and competition for wall space became fierce.

Young people around the world collectively pay millions of dollars to advertise for Aeropostle and Abercrombie. Parents pay for the clothes and their kids advertise for free. The Aéropostale™ brand offers trend-right merchandise at compelling values for girls and boys ages four to twelve and provides an experience that is cool for kids and enjoyable for parents.(Paraphrased from their website) Everywhere we look, people are walking billboards for brands. Our culture is immersed in “look at me” marketing.”  People identify with brands because marketing agencies are masters of influence and create emotional attachments.  After all, it’s a cool experience for kids and enjoyable for parents.

According to a study made by McKinsey & Company, a Seattle-based marketing consulting firm, over 25 percent of purchases are made due to a peer’s influence.  The marketing agency identifies the prospective customer within the targeted demographic, and creates the product message, experience, and feeling. Then customers simply take over and influence each other to buy it!  Manipulative but brilliant. I’m influenced too. I wear Carhartt tee-shirts with a logo on the pocket to identify with the rough tough working man. They don’t pay me a dime!