Gatorade!

By. Sarah Crowe

1. This classic Gatorade commercial embodies several aspects that can be described as “hard sell.” Often times advertisers want viewers to know about their product by stuffing factual details into their commercial. In the “Gatorade” commercial, a brief history of how the drink originated is given. According to the commercial, “Gatorade” was the answer to a dehydration problem during a University of Florida football game back in 1965. However, besides the facts, the commercial also tells users why they may consider purchasing this drink. The commercial does not specifically tell us to “buy Gatorade.” Rather, we should look at the world-class athletes such as Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, and Dwyane Wade who have used Gatorade and see what it has done for them. By just using pro athletes and their talents, Gatorade claims that you can have this talent too, by asking the simple question, “Is it in you?”

2. Besides having aspects that can be described as those of “hard sell,” the Gatorade commercial also describes aspects that are “soft sell.” Soft sell strategies often aim towards the youth, using methods that can be described as “cool.” So what about this commercial make Gatorade “cool?” Well, the fact that MICHAEL JORDAN drinks Gatorade is all that needs to be said! To many youth, seeing professional athletes, many whom are their idols, drinking a beverage that their hero drinks too is enough for them to beg mom and dad to go to the grocery store.

3. Regardless of the methods of “hard sell” and “soft sell,” the Gatorade commercial certainly does reach out to the youth. By drinking Gatorade, you’re going to feel cool. You’re going to feel like a pro athlete. You may even perform at your next basketball game like one. If anything, you will most likely feel more athletic. Getting to that point of no energy and drinking this electrolyte filled drink is going to make you feel sporty, and to many, this feels attractive. Having that “it” body is what they believe to be attractive. And Gatorade may help get you there… After you do the athletic part.