Advertising is all about hitting the mark, but sometimes, even the biggest budgets can’t save an idea from disaster. Some brands thought they were onto something, only to watch their ad campaigns implode in the most spectacular ways. Here are ten failed ads that cost a fortune.
Nissan: Leaf Electric Car
The ad campaign was about as clear as a foggy windshield. Nissan tried to promote their eco-friendly electric car but failed to explain the features and connect with the audience. So, the Leaf became a lost dream with expensive efforts of around $30 million.
Pepsi: Kendall Jenner Ad
The intention behind Pepsi’s ad was to make a statement, but it ended up backfiring. Instead of inspiring, it was accused of trivializing important social movements like Black Lives Matter. Public outrage followed, and what should’ve been a win turned into a PR disaster.
McDonald’s: Arch Deluxe
$100 million went down McD’s drain. The Arch Deluxe was McDonald’s attempt to cater to adult taste buds. However, the idea didn’t quite speak to its core audience. So, their luxurious burger turned out to be neither gourmet nor a hit.
Microsoft: Windows Vista
Windows Vista was hyped with a massive launch campaign that promised speed and innovation. Unfortunately, technical problems overshadowed the marketing. Microsoft’s operating system’s reputation was tarnished before it even had a chance to succeed.
Groupon: Super Bowl Ad
In an attempt to balance humor with global issues, Groupon’s Super Bowl ad fell flat. The tone was very off, and instead of laughing, people got angry. The brand’s attempt to stay relevant turned into a Super Bowl blunder, with this 30-second ad costing $7 million.
Subaru: XT Coupe
Subaru dropped big bucks on the XT Coupe campaign in the ’80s, hoping to rev up excitement with a sleek, sporty car. Sadly, the car looked like something from a sci-fi movie, and people just didn’t connect with it. Despite the heavy marketing push, the car quickly became a ghost.
Nokia: Lumia 900
After sinking $25 million into the campaign, Nokia couldn’t spark interest in its Lumia 900. Despite the hefty investment, the device struggled to compete in the solid smartphone market. Nokia’s campaign failed and generated the buzz for a comeback.
Budweiser: “Born the Hard Way”
The controversy over Budweiser’s “Born the Hard Way” was less about politics and more about how people took the ad in the middle of a heated immigration debate. The timing was off, and the tone didn’t sit well with many viewers—backlash grew higher than the sales.
Coca-Cola: New Coke
Despite being one of the most iconic brands in the world, Coca-Cola stumbled when it unveiled New Coke by spending $4 million on its launch. Fans weren’t on board with the new taste. So, an overwhelming public outcry forced the company to reverse course.
Calvin Klein: Obsession
CK’s “obsession” with racy ads featuring models in steamy poses seemed unnecessary. It made a splash, but not the kind they were hoping for. Instead of oozing sophistication, it sparked controversy and got people asking, “Is this an ad for perfume or a late-night movie?”
