The Power of Smell Kills a Brand

In a post reviewing a couple hours of MTV programming, Ryan Perry was particularly affected by a commercial for Febreze.

I just saw a commercial for Febreze. This is easily one of the handiest items available to a bachelor, especially one like me who has a dog. But when I walk into a room that smells like Febreze, I can’t help but wonder what’s being covered up. All I can think about is whether or not I’m sitting in a puddle of piss, or if maybe the carpet I’m walking on is tainted by some cannibal’s thrown up grown up. I remember the summers in my friend Jowed’s garage where we’d wake up hungover every morning, “clean” for ten minutes, spray down all the sexed-out couches, and then invite people over for another night of fun. So when I go to the store, I buy imitation Febreze…or something that smells nothing like the original Febreze scent. I don’t want people wondering if they’re sitting in my dog’s crapcakes. It’s called misdirection, and it gets them every time.

Marketers, never underestimate the power olfactory association can have on your brand.

Picture of Steve Hall

Steve Hall

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

People who turn down the radio to see better when they’re lost share these 7 traits most people don’t realize they have

People who turn down the radio to see better when they’re lost share these 7 traits most people don’t realize they have

Global English Editing

If you’d rather have 3 real friends than 50 followers, you have these 7 rare qualities most people never develop

If you’d rather have 3 real friends than 50 followers, you have these 7 rare qualities most people never develop

Global English Editing

Psychology says people who still wear a wristwatch instead of checking their phone usually display these 7 traits that are becoming rare

Psychology says people who still wear a wristwatch instead of checking their phone usually display these 7 traits that are becoming rare

Global English Editing

People who stay energetic into their 70s almost always follow these 6 evening habits

People who stay energetic into their 70s almost always follow these 6 evening habits

Global English Editing

I found my mom’s hidden bank account after she died—$47,000 that explained every “we can’t afford it” from my childhood

I found my mom’s hidden bank account after she died—$47,000 that explained every “we can’t afford it” from my childhood

Global English Editing

There’s a habit people develop in childhood poverty that never fully goes away—even after becoming millionaires

There’s a habit people develop in childhood poverty that never fully goes away—even after becoming millionaires

Global English Editing