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There’s good advertising that makes you convinced you can’t live without the product or service. Then, there's excellent advertising that proves it’s a form of art, just like these mind-bending and clever billboard ads.

And then, you've got hilariously bad advertising. When you see one, you know it. Whether it’s product placing that has gone wrong, a slogan that sounds way off, or an overall design that gives people second and third thoughts, these are the ad fails worthy of the prize.

So let’s buckle up for a fun ride which is basically a masterclass on how not to “create and produce an ad,” as compiled in this list by Bored Panda. Take notes, kids, it’s about to get heavy.

#1

This Ad For Graduation Photography

This Ad For Graduation Photography

box_cardinal_peanut Report

#2

I Pass This Billboard Everyday And Everyday I Think He’s A Vampire

I Pass This Billboard Everyday And Everyday I Think He’s A Vampire

fitygrands Report

There are so many ways an advertising campaign, a billboard, a print ad, and a commercial can go wrong. But one of the greatest faux pas is “false advertising.” The term refers to ads that use misleading, dishonest, and plain “false” assumptions in their content in order to promote or market products and services.

One should remember to respect the consumers who, as a result of the ad, may feel lied to and fooled. Such negative ads rapidly create a very bad image of a brand, and it can lead to various biases about it.

As a result, sales immediately suffer and it takes ages to gain back consumers’ trust in the brand. Thus, false advertising is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make while advertising your product and it never, ever pays off.

#3

This Ad Placement

This Ad Placement

vadge Report

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luisa_vasconcelos avatar
Luisa Vasconcelos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like my phone, everything I even think about something, out of nothing come all the advertising.

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#4

I Used To Be Able To See The Towel On Her Head

I Used To Be Able To See The Towel On Her Head

mikaelstein Report

Another form of unethical advertising is ads that employ misrepresentation of a product or a service in a way that use a subliminal message to fit the brand's hidden agenda. These kinds of ads often use deception and manipulation to make consumers want their product or service and believe they can't live without it.

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For example, Reebok launched an infamous “Cheat On Your Girlfriend, Not Your Workout” ad campaign back to 2012 and received immediate backlash. Initially, the ad was intended to motivate consumers, but in turn, it spread the wrong message and encouraged infidelity.

#6

I Think She Should Go To The Hospital Instead Of Booking A Flight

I Think She Should Go To The Hospital Instead Of Booking A Flight

MariaDmnd Report

The sportswear brand acknowledged the ad was offensive and pulled it, as many consumers were boycotting the brand. They wrote an open letter that stated: “This form of advertising shows a dishonest and disrespectful attitude towards women and your company should be ashamed to have even placed this ad in various places thinking it would be perceived in any other way.”

Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission deemed the campaign false advertising in its unsubstantiated claims about exercise benefits, and Reebok was made to pay a $25 million fine.

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#9

A Bag Of Apples With A Character On It That Got Poisoned By An Apple

A Bag Of Apples With A Character On It That Got Poisoned By An Apple

Red_Rolo09 Report

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chris-c-bowles avatar
general kenøbi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wondering —does anyone know what language this is/ what country it’s in?

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Another controversial ad example that made a tremendous negative impact on brand image was the series of ads by Protein World released 5 years ago in London Underground. One of its posters asking "Are you beach body ready?" caused public outrage and even sparked vigilante acts of vandalism.

There were 378 official complaints regarding the body-shaming campaign filed to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority. Moreover, a petition to have the ads removed was launched, and demonstrations followed.

#13

I’m Certain They Could Have Used A Better Slogan

I’m Certain They Could Have Used A Better Slogan

BeaulaGoo Report

#14

Wow! What A Bargain

Wow! What A Bargain

DjFizz Report

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mikedelancey avatar
Mike DeLancey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is too much going on. First, now I'm worried I'm paying too much for my current anxiety. Second, I'm glad they want to give me a nice familiar anxiety instead of something obscure like worrying about black hole chairs. Why does cystic fibrosis have snowflakes? Third, do I have change my hair every time to get in or just the first time? Lastly, there are blood sample pickup boxes on the door. Who are they giving the blood of calm cystic fibrosis patients looking to worry about making the mortgage next month?

kaliniemann avatar
Phoenix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They’re scamming people... I got mine for free without even asking

alinasava avatar
Alina
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BONUS "Entrance Next Doo". Final "r" didn't make it in the budget.

earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I give them to someone else? Then I'll take two, one for each of my enemies.

unifiedmosquito96 avatar
Unified Mosquito
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

did anyone else notice the door reads ""Entrance next doo" or just me?

pickaxesfellinlava avatar
bee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow, I got mine for free and people are paying for theirs!?

mepotter avatar
Me Potter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They give them out for free at schools and kindergartens, this is a scam.

shewolf-rho avatar
Sun Shine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yep, this is an example of my mom buying in bulk, as usual. Poor me.

robert-townsend avatar
Billy The Kid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Going once, Going twice, SOLD TO THE PERSON WHO HASNT GOT ANXIETY!!!

bettye000 avatar
Bettye McKee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to get a couple for my mother-in-law's birthday. What do you have in stock?

jlk103144 avatar
John L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, Everyone needs at least one Anxiety Disorder, just to be part of the crowd. :)

jb_dean avatar
Jb Dean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As my dad used to say, “That’s cheap at twice the price!”

carrolltonia22 avatar
Tonia Sizemore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I get mine with a couple of tablespoons worth of Depression, and round bout probably, let's say 4 to 6 Cups of Anger. And not the Cheaper one either!!

amandaroddam avatar
Amanda Roddam
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I pay less than that and it lands on my doorstep or in the yard every morning! Plus it gives me something to read in the toilet haha

debrinablackmoon_1 avatar
Debrina Blackmoon
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES! Please throw in some depression, OCD, insomnia, PTSD and panic attacks! Don't forget the terror dreams! Discount bundle??? Ok, I have all those, but sure-just top it off!

jomaric avatar
JOMARI C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 i have extra to give away if anyone wants!

sosenahailu avatar
Sosena Hailu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm very young and suffer from Anxiety for the CHEAP price of losing all I have

jonathanroberts avatar
Jonathan Roberts
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bloody hell, you mean you guys have to pay for that in America ? I got mine for free 😜

s-jdodson avatar
Tsuki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ive already got 6 of those sorry bro- i got em by mom, dad, bro, sis, me, and whats supposed to be my dog.

sarahbeth4617 avatar
Sarah watson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got my anxiety after drinking for years and then getting sober. The price must have been included with every bottle so I feel like I could have gotten a better deal.

rstone avatar
Bexxxxx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this Vancouver? Feel like I’ve seen this before on broadway or something

okaylol_ avatar
okay lol.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think the price for anxiety therapy would make a person anxious on the spot! :D

igonovabord avatar
Igon Ovabord
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I get a refund if I'm not happy with my anxiety disorder?

micaela_morrigan avatar
Micaela Morrigan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But that's only for the "familiar" ones. How much do the other ones cost?

stacy avatar
Fixin'Ta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've paid a lot more for my anxiety disorder. I mean, go big or go home.

gracie-morgantini avatar
Bisexuali-tea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HELLLLLLL YESSS. who wants it? only 45 bucks and my anxiety is yours :)

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#15

If You’re Going To Use The Dumbbell As An “I” Then You Don’t Need Another “I”

If You’re Going To Use The Dumbbell As An “I” Then You Don’t Need Another “I”

BassAckwards31 Report

In 2017, Dove released an ad clip on Facebook for Dove body wash where a black woman was pictured removing her top and morphing into a white woman after she used the product. Such portrayal was not only horrendously racist, it promoted “whitewashing” and sparked a well-deserved outrage.

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Coming from a powerhouse like Dove, which, according to their slogan, champions "real beauty," the ad seriously damaged the brand's reputation.

#16

I Followed This Bus For 4 Blocks To Wait For It To Pull Over To Share This Beautiful Work Of Art

I Followed This Bus For 4 Blocks To Wait For It To Pull Over To Share This Beautiful Work Of Art

Germantoast33 Report

#17

Finally, A Shower That Works With My Broken Neck

Finally, A Shower That Works With My Broken Neck

dinglehump Report

#19

The Implication That This Tooth Has Genitals

The Implication That This Tooth Has Genitals

Dylflon Report

#20

Sometimes The Answer Is In The Box Too

Sometimes The Answer Is In The Box Too

lukeglenn Report

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fijinole avatar
Chris Hardtke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you really need to cheat by going outside the grid AFTER you took 6 turns to your opponent’s 3?

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According to the Online Marketing Institute, “bad commercials often try for a quality that the good ones have, and fall short of the mark, or else lack it completely.” And one of the worst things you can do as a brand building an ad campaign is treating your customers like fools, which “means talking down to them and trivializing their values, beliefs, or experiences.”

#22

The Brazilian Vaccination Mascot Looks Like KKK

The Brazilian Vaccination Mascot Looks Like KKK

alan04eu Report

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chi-wei shen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even though it looks creepy you have to take into account that there is no KKK in Brazil and most Brazilians wouldn't think about KKK.

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#23

I Only Saw The Left Window At First And Got Very Confused

I Only Saw The Left Window At First And Got Very Confused

generationfire Report

#24

Let God Arse

Let God Arse

KenNCM Report

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Shazz Winchester
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

took me a minute to figure out the sword is meant to be an 'I' and it's Thursday, not even a Monday #PrayForMe

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In reality, consumers are humans and a good ad needs a human touch to it to be convincing, appealing, and interesting. Sometimes, though, brands decide to take a shortcut into consumers' hearts by manipulating their feelings, which in turn results in lazy, tone-deaf, and appalling advertising disasters.

#27

We Cut Kids

We Cut Kids

aTerrariaExpert Report

#28

The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

sleightlymagical Report

#29

This Guy's Frog Legs Featured In An Ad

This Guy's Frog Legs Featured In An Ad

MeerK4T Report

Creating a good ad is somewhat of a form of art, and although mistakes happen even to the best of us, some are forgivable, and others, not so much. In the end, the sales and brand perception tell it all.

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#30

Saw This Ad For A Shirt That’s Supposed To Say Saturday

Saw This Ad For A Shirt That’s Supposed To Say Saturday

virginmary93 Report

#31

"Hide The Pain Harold" Becomes Face Of French Coronavirus "Thank You, Heroes" Campaign

"Hide The Pain Harold" Becomes Face Of French Coronavirus "Thank You, Heroes" Campaign

jeancafecreme Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#33

Finally A Realistic Mannequins In Women's Lingerie Store

Finally A Realistic Mannequins In Women's Lingerie Store

B_Monster Report

#34

This Monstrosity

This Monstrosity

Hantook Report

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Full Name
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Left - right, up - down, backwards, in no direction does this make sense.

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#39

This Ebay Advertisement For A Sleep Mask Photo Shopped Out Her Nose And Left One Nostril

This Ebay Advertisement For A Sleep Mask Photo Shopped Out Her Nose And Left One Nostril

rosalina888 Report

#40

This Really Odd Advertisement For Transit Around My City (Where Did The Bus Driver Come From?)

This Really Odd Advertisement For Transit Around My City (Where Did The Bus Driver Come From?)

LoveGhostDotEXE Report

#42

Yes, The Earth

Yes, The Earth

boring_space_waffle Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#43

That’s A Pokemon In The Bag

That’s A Pokemon In The Bag

ungori11 Report

#44

This Library Poster

This Library Poster

holzdnbein Report

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Laura Mende
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking at these ads, i'm sure they're smoking something. Maybe a clichee but a true one. 😂😂

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#47

Enjoy A Nice Massage In A Moving Car With Your Eyes Closed

Enjoy A Nice Massage In A Moving Car With Your Eyes Closed

colorfl0 Report

#48

Probably It's More Convenient This Way

Probably It's More Convenient This Way

Bobik42 Report

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what happens when you get a model who has never seen sugar do your ad

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#50

Me And My Clones On The Job

Me And My Clones On The Job

doctor_blob Report

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Thijs L.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

tbh, with the slogan it does make sense, the slogan says, 1 contact, 1 team, ie. you speak to one person and via them you contact the entire team

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