Introduction

Some brands grow faster by turning insults into funny ads. This simple trick can lift clicks and make people like them more.

What's the problem it solves?

Most brands treat insults as a threat. They ignore them or deny them. This makes them look stiff, scared, or boring. Reusing insults in a smart way can flip the script and increase trust, clicks, and positive feelings.

Quick Summary

This article explains a strange but proven idea. When a brand takes an unfair insult and uses it in an ad with humor, people see the brand as more confident and more likable. Many brands have already done this. A hockey team made almost one million dollars from shirts using an insult. A small restaurant turned a wild comment into sales. The research shows this works because it surprises people in a harmless way and makes the brand feel human.

The study tested different brands. When they reused insults like birdbrain or overly dramatic, their ads got more clicks and people liked them more than when the brands denied or ignored the insults. Humor and confidence are the key drivers. But there is a limit. If the insult comes from someone seen as vulnerable, using it can make the brand look like a bully. Also, insults about real problems, like bad food, should not be reused.

The idea works best when the insult is silly or unfair. It should not be about safety or real product issues. It also works better as a one time move. Doing it too often will make the effect weak.

Key Takeaways

• Reusing silly or unfair insults can raise ad clicks by over 25 percent.
• Brands look more confident when they joke about the insult.
• Humor makes people like the brand more.
• Do not reuse insults from vulnerable people or insults about real product problems.
• Works best as a surprise move, not a constant tactic.

What to do

• Collect unfair or funny insults your brand gets.
• Turn them into ads or social posts with simple humor.
• Avoid insults about real harm or safety problems.
• Do not use insults from people who seem vulnerable.
• Use the move once in a while, not all the time.
• Add the insult source in small print to make the joke clear.
• Test the idea on a small audience before using it widely.

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