How not to advertise your product
Apple seem to have the world under a mystical spell. No matter what they release, it sells. It sells millions! On the train the other day it was iPhone central everyone had one, and I had to ask myself, why? As a former iPhone user I know that it’s not a great phone, emails are ok, battery life is poor and reliability is poor yet still it seems whatever Apple tells the world, the world listens.
So I thought I would highlight a few points specific to the new iPad as to what I mean:
- A magical and revolutionary product at an unbelievable price
Well not really is it? Firstly as a UK consumer seeing that on the Apple website is nothing more than plain annoying simply because there is NO PRICE advertised. How can you make such a bold claim and not release the price?
- The best way to experience the web, emails, photos and video. Hands down.
OK firstly “The Web” no browser that does NOT support Flash can be the “best” way to experience the web especially with the amount of content that is embedded these days. Secondly emails, it is an acceptable way to view emails but as with the iPhone it is a clunky interface that is fine for quickly seeing what’s coming while your out and about but cannot seriously be used for sending emails. Now onto photos. Fine for viewing but surely the “best” way to experience photos is to take them on your device. Not only does the iPad not include a camera but to plug in your own digital camera to import your photos into iPhoto Apple will charge you for another stupid little adapter. Finally video. All that needs to be said is 4:3 aspect ratio. Isn’t the standard these days 16:9? So why has Apple decided to rip us off!
Now I’m not having a pop at Apple for their latest product, well yes I am, but more importantly I’m having a pop at the way in which Apple decides to advertise to us all about its products. Sure they are one of the worlds biggest companies and do extremely well but at what cost. For every customer who buys from them how many of them are happy?
When you advertise your products, be honest. In the long run you’ll feel better for it!
Filed under Geek. No comments, on purpose.