The AI Billboard That Sold Tickets (But Hurt the Brand?)

Introduction

Welcome to another exciting week!

Table of Contents

• Best Ad of the Week

• Latest Trends and News

• Weekly Tip

• Weekly Challenge

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Best Ad of the Week

Melbourne Royal Show – AI-Generated Billboard Campaign

The Melbourne Royal Show recently launched a bold outdoor campaign featuring surreal, AI-generated visuals—imagine shiny sheep and oddly distorted human forms. While critics derided the imagery as “pretty dogs**t,” the campaign triggered widespread discussion. Despite polarizing reactions, organizers reported strong ticket sales and credited the ads with gaining attention and helping test audiences respond positively.

Key Marketing Lessons

• Shock can drive visibility—but at what cost?
  These AI visuals cut through visual clutter by being bizarre and unexpected, forcing viewers to notice. However, controversy can just as easily backfire. It’s a reminder that visibility doesn't always equate to goodwill.

• Backlash isn’t always fatal—if the outcome is measured effectively
  Despite public criticism, the campaign correlated with strong ticket sales. It’s proof that attention—good or bad—can translate into business results when objectives are clear and success is tracked.

• Reflect on creative intent and audience alignment
  The campaign divided opinion: while some saw it as provocative and futuristic, others viewed it as low-quality or tone-deaf. Move fast on creative innovation, but pause to consider whether your message matches audience sensibilities and brand values.

• Stay alert to AI pitfalls in creative work
  As AI-generated imagery becomes popular, firms must ensure quality, cultural sensitivity, and originality. This case underscores the importance of human oversight and thoughtful curation—especially when using emerging tools.

Takeaway

The Melbourne Royal Show’s AI-driven visuals stirred both fascination and frustration. It's proof that novelty attracts attention—but marketers must weigh that attention against brand values, creative reputation, and real-world reactions. When pushing boundaries, it pays to stay grounded in emotional intelligence, not just aesthetics.

Let me know when you’re ready for the next one—100% fresh, thoughtful, and image-tested.

Latest Trends and News

Limits on Junk-Food Ads for Kids Suggested by MAHA Commission

The White House–backed Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is recommending stricter federal guidelines on marketing unhealthy food to children—especially via TV and social media. While public health groups support the move, expect pushback from industry giants like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Mondelez.

Cracker Barrel Reverses Redesign After MAGA Backlash

Cracker Barrel’s new minimalist logo sparked intense criticism from conservative figures, including Donald Trump Jr., who lambasted the rebrand as “too woke.” Facing backlash and a dip in stock value, the company quickly reinstated its iconic emblem—showcasing how cultural politics can derail branding efforts.

Dentsu Explores Sale of Its International Operations

Struggling to compete globally, Japanese agency Dentsu is considering selling its overseas business (including Aegis, Merkle, and Tag Group). The unit generated over $4.5 billion in revenue last year but is now facing heavy restructuring and job cuts amid a bleak 2025 outlook. A strategic decision is expected before year end.

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Weekly Tip

Keep It Skimmable

Most readers don’t consume every word—they scan. Make your content easy to absorb at a glance.

• Use headers to break sections clearly
• Highlight key words or phrases for quick takeaways
• Keep sentences and paragraphs short

Skimmable content respects attention spans and ensures your main message still lands, even with quick readers.

Weekly Challenge

Poll Every Day

Run a simple poll in your Stories once a day for a week:

• Keep each poll tied to your niche (tools, habits, preferences, trends)
• Make the answers short and easy to tap
• Share results the next day and add a quick takeaway or comment
• Track how many people interact across the week to see if daily polls increase reach

Regular polls keep your audience engaged and train them to interact with your content.

Submissions + Feedback

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