Whether we like to admit it or not, we are influenced by celebrities. We often copy or are inspired by their looks, style, what they do, even the things they say. We dedicate precious time to reading about them, watch them on TV, and follow them on various social networks – drinking in every tweet, post or a YouTube clip about them.
A lot of times it’s not exactly clear what they’re famous for, except being famous. They have their own reality shows, clothing lines, perfumes, even water. Once an influential celebrity starts endorsing a product it is guaranteed to fly off the shelves in the shortest amount of time possible.
Probably the most famous example of an influential celebrity is Oprah. If you want your product to sell, get it on Oprah and your job is done. Granted this might not be so easy but the profit is guaranteed. A few years back, Oprah gave out cars to all audience members. I’m too lazy too Google which ones but it was a brilliant marketing strategy.
Getting your commercial to air during Oprah costs a fortune but giving out free cars will cost less and create a much bigger impact. I don’t have the numbers, but I can bet that the car manufacturer in question experienced a significant rise in sales – thanks to a spot on Oprah.
Also, we were all witnesses to Oprah trying to lose weight over the years through different methods. Naturally, products that lend themselves to endorsement in a case like that are gym equipment and diet books. Octane, the elliptical trainer manufacturer, saw the opportunity and got their products on the show which resulted in tremendous sales. In fact all brands of elliptical trainers saw a rise in popularity among workout enthusiasts. If you are not sure about what an elliptical machine is have a look here. This site does a great job explaining everything about elliptical trainers and even has some great elliptical reviews.
Ellipticals are the latest in home exercise equipment, allowing you to have a low-impact workout and exercise your entire body not just your legs as is the case with treadmills or stationary bikes. In all honesty, elliptical trainers are no fad and they have numerous benefits to offer but it’s just goes to show how impressionable we are when it comes to celebrities. Oprah certainly had a huge influence on the sales of elliptical trainers.
We are a consumer society and marketing moguls have found the perfect vessel to market their products to the masses. But it started way before the celebrities. In World War 2, soldiers were used to sell war bonds. Then decades later we found new heroes in professional sportsmen. Everybody who ever held a basketball in their hands wanted a pair of Air Jordan’s. But, nowadays, getting Kim Kardashian to wear your sneakers once would help you sell more than having LeBron James endorse them the entire season – including the play-off finals and while knocking down a three-pointer for the win.
Celebrity fads can be useful, as is the case with elliptical trainers because it will motivate a lot people to exercise and live healthier lives. Of course the test will be how soon we get fed up with celebrity endorsements. I wonder what will follow when that eventually happens?
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