Having consumers buy products online while watching one of their much-loved episodes is the ultimate dream for marketers, so Target decided to experiment with this idea. The brand turned the sitcom Cougar Town into an all-out Target ad, allowing audience members to click on featured items (if watching online). Once clicked, viewers would be led to a link where these products could be purchased.
Product placement is nothing new in advertising, but this strategy takes it to a whole new level. Integrating links and highlighting the products that can be bought within an episode makes it that much easier for consumers to buy, which is exactly what companies like Target wants. The only question is how much does it take away from the overall viewing experience? Only time will tell.
Product-Integrated Sitcoms
Cougar Town Allowed Viewers to Buy Products Online Through an Episode
Trend Themes
1. Episode Shopping - Integrating links and highlighting the products that can be bought within an episode makes it that much easier for consumers, creating an opportunity for disruptive innovation in e-commerce and TV advertisement.
2. Interactive Ads - Interactive ads that allow viewers to click on featured items while watching TV shows offer a new dimension to advertising and a potential opportunity for disruptive innovation in the marketing and advertising industry.
3. Seamless Integration - Seamless brand integration with content, such as product placement and online stores, offers a new way for companies to engage their customers and provides an opportunity for innovation in marketing strategies and content creation.
Industry Implications
1. E-commerce - The integration of shopping into TV shows offers opportunities for innovation and growth in the e-commerce industry through new and engaging ways of reaching customers.
2. TV Advertising - Interactive and seamless product integration with TV shows presents a new approach to advertising, offering opportunities for innovation in the TV advertising industry.
3. Marketing and Advertising - The new approach of integrating ads within TV content offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the marketing and advertising industry, allowing for more creative strategies to reach and engage audiences.