Anthropomorhic brand presenters The appeal of Frank the Sheep

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the appeal of anthropomorphism to marketers. This is done through reference to three relevant advertising models, the Symbolic Communications Model, the Symbolic Transfer Device Model, and the VisCAP Presenter Model, and one critical case study involving an anthropomorphized sheep presenter for a Swedish mobile telecommunications company. The advertising models are found to support the effectiveness of the symbolic presenter, Frank the Sheep, particularly explaining how meaning is transferred from the presenter to the brand, and the effects the presenter has on advertising communication effects such as brand awareness and brand attitude. We extend previous research on how linking anthropomorphic associations to brands can be employed to increase effectiveness of these common marketing communication tactics. We show that anthropomorphized animals can work effectively and quickly when presenting a new brand to the market, but also offer several cautions for managers. Summary statement of contributionWe contribute to theory by drawing together three different but related strands of advertising to explicate how the anthropomorphic brand presenter can increase advertising effectiveness, particularly in quickly positioning or repositioning a brand and developing brand equity. We contribute to managerial practice by demonstrating, through the use of one critical case study, how the choice of anthropomorphic brand presenter must be a considered process, but is one that can add to advertising effectiveness if managed appropriately.