Plain folks is a communication technique used in advertising and propaganda. It involves presenting the target audience with characters they can identify with as regular people to make the message more relatable and persuasive.
These propaganda techniques are often used in political campaigns and by brands looking to connect with consumers personally. It can be an effective way to build trust and credibility and create an emotional connection that can lead to brand loyalty.
While plain folks can be an effective marketing tool, it’s essential to ensure that the characters used truly represent the target audience. Otherwise, the approach can backfire and cause distrust or even resentment.
What’s The Purpose?
The purpose of plain folks is to make the message more relatable and believable. By using characters that the target audience can identify with, the advertiser or propagandist hopes to create a connection to deeper engagement and understanding.
This approach can help build trust and credibility and create an emotional bond between the audience and the brand or cause when done well.
What Are The Risks?
There are a few risks associated with using plain folks in advertising or propaganda.
- First, if the person or people chose to represent the “ordinary” Americans are not representative of the population, then the campaign may be seen as dishonest.
- Second, if the person or people featured in the campaign are not likable or relatable, the message may not be compelling.
- Finally, if the campaign is not well executed, it may backfire and make the company or organization seem out of touch.
What Are Some Examples?
Plain folks appeal is a type of advertising in which businesses or organizations appeal to the familiar, ordinary people. This approach is meant to make potential customers feel like they can relate to the company and that it understands their needs.
- For example, a car company may use plain folks advertising by featuring a test driver, a middle-class parent, or a grandparent. The ad would show the test driver talking about how the car fits their lifestyle and budget.
- Another example comes from the food industry; many fast-food restaurants use plain folks advertising by featuring customers in their commercials who are shown enjoying the food.
- Or, a clothing company may use plain folks advertising by featuring a model who is shown wearing the clothes in a casual setting, such as at home or the park.
- For example, virtual business card software and services allow customers to create and manage their virtual business cards. One such example is Zapped. Customers can input their information, including name, title, company name, website URL, contact information, and social media links. They can also customize the card’s design, choosing from various templates or uploading their logo or image. Once the customer has created their card, they can share it via email, social media, or print it out. If they like the end product, the business can show that regular people have had positive experiences with the company’s products or services.
Plain folks’ argument can effectively connect with potential customers and create a sense of trust. It can make a business or organization seem more relatable and down-to-earth when done well.
How To Use Plain Folks Strategy For Enhancing Your Brand Image?
In advertising, the plain folks or ordinary person strategy attempts to gain acceptance by appearing to be a regular person rather than a company or organization. The strategy involves using real people in advertisements instead of actors or models and presenting products or services as accessible and affordable to the average consumer.
This approach can help brands appear more relatable and down-to-earth, making them more appealing to the vast majority of potential customers. Additionally, companies can avoid coming across as too sales-y or pushy by featuring regular people in ads.
If you’re interested in using the plain folk’s strategy for your brand, keep a few things in mind.
1. Use Real People Instead Of Actors
When it comes to the plain folk strategy, authenticity is key. That means using regular people in your ads instead of models or actors. This will help your brand come across as more relatable and down-to-earth.
2. Keep It Simple
Don’t try to oversell your products or services with complicated language or overly-complicated images. Remember, the goal is to appear accessible and affordable to the average consumer. So keep your message clear and concise.
3. Highlight The Benefits
Make sure to focus on the benefits of your product or service rather than just listing features. This will help potential customers see how your offering can improve their lives somehow.
4. Emotional Appeal
Plain folks’ advertising is often most effective when it appeals to emotions. After all, people are more likely to purchase based on how they feel rather than just logic. So try to evoke positive emotions like happiness, hope, or nostalgia in your ads.
5. Be Genuine
It’s important to be genuine when using the plain folk strategy. Don’t try to force anything or make your brand seem like something it’s not. Be sincere in your approach and let your personality shine through.
6. Consider Your Listener’s Concerns
When crafting your plain folk ad, it’s essential to consider your target audience. After all, not every brand will benefit from this type of advertising. Think about what would appeal to your target consumers and make sure your ad speaks to them specifically.
7. Test Different Approaches
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches when using the plain folk’s strategy. See what works best for your brand and adjust your approach as needed.
Key Takeaways
Plain folks are a propaganda technique involving regular people in advertising to make a product or idea seem more relatable and trustworthy.
The plain folk technique is often used in political campaigns or promoting products, as it can help a person seem more down-to-earth and relatable to the audience.
Plain folks’ propaganda aims to create an emotional connection between the audience and the person or thing being advertised.
Critics argue that the plain folks’ technique can be misleading, as it can present a false image of who a candidate or product is.
But if used properly, it can make a product or idea seem more relatable and trustworthy.
