.Global, Advertising, Blogging, book review, david ogilvy, direct response, marketing, ogilvy on advertising, Social Media — May 31, 2011 8:00 — 9 Comments

Book Review: Ogilvy On Advertising

Half way through David Ogilvy’s book “Ogilvy on Advertising” I found it hard to believe it was first published in 1983. Why? Most of Ogilvy’s advice and views still hold true today in 2011. Chapter 7 titled “Wanted: a renaissance in print advertising” could well have been a modern day guide on best practice in blogging. His views on Headlines/Titles, the use of images and what type of copy works eerily mirror that of current guides on blogging. Was he a true visionary? Have modern day “Social Media Guru’s” just repackaged his advice from print advertising and applied it to blogging? I couldn’t say, but I do advise anyone in Advertising, Marketing, PR or Social Media to read “Ogilvy on Advertising“.

David’s background as a copywriter shines through. He manages to take the reader on a very enjoyable journey through the history of advertising. I also found his BOLD approach to business and overwhelming confidence very entertaining, which made the read even more of a pleasure.

If you have ever doubted the importance of insights or market research in the world of Advertising or Marketing, please do yourself a favour and read chapter 15 of this book. David’s argument on the importance of research will stay with you for the rest of your career.

Below is an inspiring video from David Ogilvy talking about his views on the Advertising Agency world. Like the book, it’s worth investing your time. Enjoy.

If you’ve read this book or any other great books on Advertising or Marketing, we’d love to hear your feedback below.

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About the author

Kohlben Vodden has written 71 articles for WhatWorksWhere.com

Head of Social Media & Content Strategy @ #Ogilvy London + Editor of @whatworkswhere - Social Media Blog. Connect on LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/6Qv4b

9 Comments

Onur Ibrahim says:

May 31, 2011 at 10:33 am

Thanks for the review Kohlben, I agree with your response on this title.
It was a very interesting read and definatley more like a “to do” list of points that will help any modern Social campaign as much as print or TV.
- Yohei says:
  
  August 9, 2012 at 9:49 am
  
  They are if you’re interested in actlulay selling the product. I think he would have especially enjoyed the new video capabilities. Video is like long copy for those that don’t want to read. Which seems to be a fair number of people today. But then again they’re hints. I read this blog in reverse type. It’s hard to read but not as bad as the mouse type in this comment box.
  - Shazia says:
    
    October 22, 2012 at 9:30 am
    
    DR is a great form advertising but in no way diisnimhes the importance of brand advertising. Ogilvy was my first guru as well but I soon discovered Bernbach, a true genius who built brands from nothing and whose approach and body of work has stood the test of time. Not only was Olgilvy limited and short sighted by comparison, the hypocrisy of having frugal offices while entertaining his clients in his castle in France also contributed to his brand and agencies dinosaur reputation.
- Elena says:
  
  August 9, 2012 at 6:23 pm
  
  Thanks for the encouragement in getitng started with social media. You are right, today is a good day to begin something new within our social media efforts. Taking small steps is better than not doing it at all.
Jennifer Kubeczko says:

May 31, 2011 at 7:27 pm

Thanks Kohlben for the great review. I’m actually working my way through Wally Olins On Brand at the moment and would love to compare the two. I’m adding it to my reading list now.
- Kohlben Vodden says:
  
  May 31, 2011 at 10:17 pm
  
  Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear your thoughts on your book or if you’re interested I’d like to invite you to write your own book review to publish here on http://www.whatworkswhere.com
  - Laiding says:
    
    October 22, 2012 at 7:22 pm
    
    , You have to taste blood to understand. Direct Response realves how simple we all are in what drives and motivates us to buy. You have to be in Direct Response Advertising / Marketing to understand what he is saying. With the ability to see the track the results, sometimes immediately, after it runs, it allows Direct Marketers and agencies to learn what works and doesn’t and adjust at a rate that general advertisers have no concept about.
- Raisya says:
  
  October 22, 2012 at 2:07 pm
  
  Ogilvy was my first guru in the ad industry. In his time, he was more forarwd-thinking than most of today’s creatives . To those who are criticizing this film clip: It’s about 35 years old. Try making your own similar video today in 2010, with all of your ideas philosophy about what makes for a winning ad campaign. Now, imagine someone in the year 2045 looking at your video on YouTube and saying how Jurassic your thinking is. Reality: even by 2015 people will laugh at your video.
Carlee says:

June 14, 2011 at 6:42 pm

That’s 2 clveer by half and 2×2 clever 4 me. Thanks!