Question

This activity may be assigned as an individual or group activity. Hand out the student
activity sheet. Students must complete the activity sheet before beginning the poster.
(Students will create a poster advertisement for a product of their choice.)
Review
1 Product Positioning (brand recognition, color, packaging, shelf position)
2 Slogans
3 Popular Techniques Used in Advertising
• Bandwagon: Persuading people to do something by telling them that others
are doing it, too. “Don’t be left out.”
• Testimonial: Famous people say they use a product or persuade you to use a
product.
• Transfer/Fantasy: By using the names or pictures of famous people, but not
their direct quotations, the ad is trying to convey that the product will help the
consumer imitate the famous person in the ad.
• Repetition: The product name is repeated at least four times.
• Emotion: Words are used in the ad to evoke strong feelings about someone
or something.
• Nostalgia: Creates a sentimental tone while pointing back to “the good old days.”
• Statistics: Facts and statistics are shown.
• Humor: Makes people laugh so they have a positive association with the product.
• Sense Appeal: Sounds or pictures that are pleasing to the eye.
Once completed, students will present their ad to the class. Have everyone judge the
advertisements.
Answers:
Answers will vary with individual ad selected.
Foundations in Personal Finance High School EditionCH A P TER 6Directions
Select or create a product and complete the product information sheet below. You will then create a poster
advertisement for your product.
Group members:
Product description:
Price:
Slogan:
Explain which advertising techniques you used:
Explain how you used product positioning in your advertisement:
Marketing Madness
N A ME: DAT E:

Answer 1

Below are ready-to-use examples you can copy/modify for the activity sheet and poster, plus quick tips for designing the poster and a simple judging rubric. You can pick one example or mix ideas to create your own product.

Template header (fill in)
- Group members:
- Name:
- Date:

Example 1 — Energy drink
- Product description: BoostMax — a sugar-free energy drink with vitamins B and C, fast-acting caffeine (120 mg), citrus flavor.
- Price: $2.49 per 16 oz can (single), $6.99 (3-pack)
- Slogan: “Power Now. Go Further.”
- Explain which advertising techniques you used:
- Bandwagon: “Join millions powering up with BoostMax” (implies many users).
- Testimonial: Photo quote from a local college athlete: “BoostMax fuels my practice.”
- Repetition: Slogan and product name repeated in headline, subheading, and tagline.
- Sense Appeal: Bright citrus photos and a fizz image to evoke taste and refreshment.
- Statistics: “Provides 4 hours of sustained energy” (use a small chart/icon).
- Explain how you used product positioning in your advertisement:
- Brand recognition: Prominent logo top-left and repeated on can and in badge on poster.
- Color: High-energy palette (neon orange and black) to stand out on shelves and in social ads.
- Packaging: Sleek tall can with matte finish shown on poster; nutritional callout visible.
- Shelf position: Marketed for eye-level placement in convenience stores; use an “on the go” checkout image and a bright shelf strip.

Example 2 — Eco-friendly laundry detergent
- Product description: PureSuds — concentrated plant-based detergent in recyclable bottles, hypoallergenic, safe for colored fabrics.
- Price: $12.99 per 50-load bottle (concentrated)
- Slogan: “Clean Clothes. Cleaner Planet.”
- Explain which advertising techniques you used:
- Emotion: Language about protecting children’s skin and the planet (“safe for little ones”).
- Nostalgia: “Like Grandma’s gentle wash — now greener” (invokes trusted, simpler past).
- Statistics: “Biodegradable in 30 days” and “90% less plastic waste per load” with icons.
- Sense Appeal: Soft pastel color photos of fresh linen and suds to evoke cleanliness.
- Explain how you used product positioning in your advertisement:
- Brand recognition: Gentle leaf logo repeated, consistent green and cream color scheme.
- Color: Earth tones to signal eco-friendly values.
- Packaging: Clear label emphasizing recyclable bottle and concentrated formula (smaller footprint).
- Shelf position: Place in health/eco aisle with end-cap displays and shelf talker stickers calling attention to “concentrate” savings.

Example 3 — Wireless earbuds
- Product description: ClearTone Buds — noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds with 30-hour battery and quick-charge case.
- Price: $79.99 (intro price)
- Slogan: “Your Sound. Everywhere.”
- Explain which advertising techniques you used:
- Transfer/Fantasy: Lifestyle photos of stylish people using the earbuds in cities and gyms — implies the product helps you be trendy and active.
- Humor: A small comic strip: “When your playlist saves the Monday” to create a positive association.
- Repetition: Product name repeated in headline and call-to-action: “Try ClearTone. Hear ClearTone.”
- Statistics: “30-hour battery, 5-minute charge → 2 hours” with icons.
- Explain how you used product positioning in your advertisement:
- Brand recognition: Minimalist logo and consistent black/metallic color palette to read as premium.
- Color: Monochrome with teal accent to stand out among cheaper plastic colors.
- Packaging: Compact charging case pictured; focus on premium materials and compact shelf box.
- Shelf position: Target electronics displays at ear-level; include demo kiosk suggestion.

Example 4 — Retro candy (good for nostalgia-focused posters)
- Product description: OldTown Chews — chewy fruit candies in small striped boxes with classic recipes from the 1950s.
- Price: $1.00 per box
- Slogan: “Taste the Good Old Days!”
- Explain which advertising techniques you used:
- Nostalgia: Retro fonts, black-and-white family picnic photo with color candy overlay.
- Bandwagon: “A favorite in every town for 3 generations.”
- Emotion: Warm, comforting language (“share a memory”) to evoke sentimental feelings.
- Sense Appeal: Bright candy close-ups to highlight color and texture.
- Explain how you used product positioning in your advertisement:
- Brand recognition: Classic typeface logo that mimics 1950s packaging.
- Color: Warm reds and creams to suggest vintage.
- Packaging: Small striped boxes shown stacked, evokes collectible or display appeal.
- Shelf position: Near checkout lanes and candy aisles at eye level for impulse buys.

Poster design tips (quick)
- Keep headline large and clear (use the slogan).
- Use 1–2 main colors and 1 accent color for contrast.
- Show the product image prominently (front + packaging).
- Use icons for statistics or benefits (quick visual cues).
- Include a call-to-action: “Try it today,” “Limited-time intro price,” or “Find us at [store].”
- Make sure your text is readable from a distance; don’t overcrowd.
- If using testimonial/famous person, label it clearly (avoid implying endorsement if not real).

Presentation pointers
- Practice a 60–90 second pitch: product, target customer, 2 unique benefits, why this ad works.
- Point out the ad techniques you used and where they appear on the poster.
- Invite the class to imagine the product on a shelf and explain the chosen shelf position and packaging.

Judging rubric (5–25 points)
- Creativity and originality (5)
- Clear message & slogan (5)
- Use of advertising techniques (5)
- Visual appeal and design (5)
- Explanation of product positioning (5)

If you want, tell me which product you picked and I’ll write a finished activity-sheet entry and a short script for the 60–90 second presentation you can use.