Crafting Ads that Stick: The Emotion-Logic Connection

Os Ishmael
4 min readAug 23, 2023

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Photo by Benyamin Bohlouli on Unsplash

Lessons from the Ad Agency Trenches — How the Emotion-Logic Framework Elevates Every Campaign

Back in my agency days, I would often find myself surrounded by creative minds — graphic designers sketching out visuals, copywriters finessing every word of a tagline, and strategists diving deep into market research.

The shared objective?

To craft ads that would not only capture attention but also resonate on a personal level with the intended audience. I vividly remember our collective exhilaration when a campaign hit its mark and our introspection when it didn’t.

Over time, I discerned a pattern. The most impactful ads we developed were those that tapped into a powerful duo: emotion and logic.

The introduction of the Emotion-Logic framework to our strategy toolkit changed the game entirely. It’s a lesson that every small business owner and entrepreneur can benefit from.

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Grasping the Emotion-Logic Framework: The Heart and Mind of Advertising

When I first encountered the Emotion-Logic framework during my time at the ad agency, it felt like stumbling upon the Rosetta Stone of marketing.

Why?

Because, at its core, advertising is about connecting emotionally while offering logical solutions to a consumer’s needs or desires. It’s a delicate dance between the heart’s beats and the mind’s reason.

Emotion: The Heart’s Whispers

Before a product or service can even begin to appeal to a consumer’s logic, it first needs to reach out and touch their emotions.

People buy feelings, not just items.

Think about the last time you made a purchase — whether it was a luxurious vacation or even just a coffee from a local café.

There’s an emotional component attached, whether it’s the longing for relaxation, the allure of adventure, or the comfort in the familiar taste of your daily brew.

The Emotion segment of our framework draws on this very principle. It’s about understanding the deepest desires, fears, joys, and concerns of the audience. What makes their heart race? What brings them peace? It’s these emotions that guide their decisions.

Logic: The Mind’s Anchor

Once you’ve tugged at the heartstrings, it’s time to engage the mind. This is where the logical aspect comes into play. After an emotional connection is made, the audience will naturally seek justification for their impending actions or decisions. They’ll ask questions like, “Why should I buy this? What makes it different? How does it solve my problem?”

That’s where logic steps in. It provides tangible reasons, clear benefits, and undeniable facts. It’s the “proof” to support the emotional inclinations. If the emotion is the spark, logic is the fuel that keeps the fire burning.

Continental Tyres AllSeasonContact: A Real-World Application

Consider an advertisement for Continental Tyres’ AllSeasonContact. The scene showcases a devoted mother, behind the wheel, navigating her family through the ever-changing seasons — from the blooming beauty of spring to the icy challenges of winter.

The emotion is palpable. We empathize with the mother’s desire to keep her family safe in every situation, to cherish those family moments regardless of the weather.

And then comes the logic. The tagline: “Stay in Control in Every Season.” It subtly, yet powerfully, underscores the tire’s versatility across varying weather conditions. The ad reinforces this with specifics about the tire’s design, grip, and adaptability.

It’s not just about driving; it’s about driving with the assurance that you have the best possible equipment beneath you.

Finding the Balance

One of the vital lessons I learned during my agency tenure was the importance of balance in the Emotion-Logic framework.

Lean too heavily into emotion, and your advertisement may come off as insincere or manipulative. Rely solely on logic, and you risk being dry, forgettable, or overly technical.

As small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding and implementing the Emotion-Logic framework can be transformative.

It provides a structured approach to resonating deeply with potential customers, guiding them from feeling to thinking, and ultimately, to acting.

Final Thoughts

The Emotion-Logic framework isn’t just a fancy marketing term — it’s a testament to the human experience. We feel, and then we think. If you can master the art of blending these two elements seamlessly in your advertising, you’re well on your way to creating campaigns that linger in the minds and hearts of your audience.

For budding entrepreneurs and small business owners, this knowledge can be the key to unlocking genuine and lasting connections with your customers.

Remember, it’s not just about selling a product; it’s about sharing a story — one that is felt, understood, and cherished.

Thank you for reading!

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Os Ishmael
Os Ishmael

Written by Os Ishmael

Communications practitioner embracing life's wisdom | Strategic Communications | Problem-Solver & Storyteller | Investor Relations | ESG Strategy

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