048: How to Turn a Lion King Into A Conversion King

Nostalgia sells, but not without strategy.

Author

Chase Mohseni
January 22, 2025

Hello, you powerful Creatives!

Welcome to Volume 4️⃣8️⃣ of Creative Cuts 🔪 - your weekly dose of creative strategy from your friends at Creative OS.

Today, we’re going to go over an ad with you and give some great takeaways so you:

  • Understand the quality of the assets

  • Strength of copy

  • Psychology used to convert customers

  • And how you can leverage these tactics easily

Now that you know what you’re in for, onto the show 👊

Best,

Chase

The Oodie’s Ad 💪

What’s working ❤️‍🔥:

  1. Strong Use of Licensing Appeal:

    • Leveraging The Lion King franchise taps into nostalgia and emotional resonance with a broad audience, especially millennials and Disney enthusiasts. This kind of co-branding can drive higher click-through rates by creating an instant connection.

  2. Product-Centric Visuals:

    • The product is clearly featured in the ad, showing its size, comfort, and playful design. The close-up inset of the cushion case highlights an added value proposition that differentiates this product.

  3. Playful Color Palette:

    • The color scheme (blue and yellow) aligns well with The Lion King theme while creating visual contrast. This makes the ad stand out in crowded social media feeds, where bold colors often perform better.

  4. Clear Branding:

    • The Oodie logo is prominently placed, and the Disney license is subtly highlighted to establish credibility. This makes the ad recognizable and trustworthy, key for conversions.

  5. Inclusive Representation:

    • Featuring a plus-size model promotes inclusivity, aligning with modern brand values. This expands the ad’s appeal by connecting with a diverse audience base.

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What Could Be Better 🔨

  1. Cluttered Layout and Overlapping Elements:

    • The ad feels visually busy, with overlapping graphics (e.g., the Simba illustration, “Cushion Case Included!” text, and inset). This detracts from the product’s focus and may confuse viewers about where to direct their attention.

  2. Weak Call-to-Action (CTA):

    • There is no prominent CTA directing users to purchase or learn more. Phrases like “Shop Now” or “Limited Stock Available” are crucial to drive clicks, yet they are missing entirely.

  3. Overemphasis on Design Rather Than Utility:

    • While the Disney design is appealing, the ad fails to highlight the core benefits of The Oodie: warmth, comfort, and practicality. For a product with functional value, showcasing these features could improve engagement.

  4. Lack of Social Proof or Urgency:

    • There are no reviews, ratings, or testimonials included, which could increase trust and conversions. Additionally, the absence of scarcity or urgency messaging (“Limited Edition” or “Hurry, Almost Sold Out!”) misses an opportunity to prompt immediate action.

  5. Suboptimal Use of Text Placement:

    • The “Cushion Case Included!” bubble competes for attention with the product itself. Instead, this benefit could be integrated into the main description or presented more subtly.

What To Do 📈

  1. Streamline Visual Hierarchy:

    • Simplify the layout by removing unnecessary elements (e.g., the Simba illustration) and ensuring the primary focus is on the model wearing the product and the cushion case inset. Use whitespace strategically to reduce visual clutter.

  2. Add a Bold, Action-Oriented CTA:

    • Include a CTA like “Shop Now” or “Grab Yours Before They’re Gone!” in a prominent position. Position it in a contrasting color button below the product or near the bottom right of the ad for maximum visibility.

  3. Emphasize Key Product Benefits:

    • Highlight practical benefits like “Keeps You Warm All Winter” or “Perfect for Lounging and Gifting” to connect emotionally with potential buyers. Include these benefits either in the overlay text or as part of the caption accompanying the ad.

  4. Incorporate Social Proof:

    • Add user-generated content or a quick testimonial snippet, such as “Over 1 Million Oodies Sold!” or “Rated 5 Stars for Comfort.” This builds trust and persuades skeptical buyers.

  5. Use Scarcity and Exclusivity to Drive Urgency:

    • Include phrases like “Limited Edition Disney Collaboration” or “Only Available While Supplies Last!” in the copy. Scarcity tactics are proven to encourage faster conversions.

  6. Test Alternative Formats:

    • While this static design works, testing video ads could help highlight the Oodie’s unique features in action. For example, showing someone cozying up on a couch with the Oodie and the cushion case in use could demonstrate its value more dynamically.

That’s all! If you’re looking to find inspiration or get the best ad templates out there, come hang out with us at Creative OS and tell your friends!