What do you call a bright idea that turns into a “maybe we should have thought this through” situation? An advertising fail of course. Here are a few #advertisingfail examples using outdoor advertising.

Mall escalator ad proves troublesome for Turkish Airlines –  #advertisingfail

This mall advertising idea seemed cool at first but quickly became an advertising fail. Turkish Airlines flies customers from the United States to Europe and even Africa. The company used an escalator advertising wrap in a mall to display an airplane with the Turkish Airlines logo flying into the clouds. The problem? The airplane was set-up flying down the escalator and gave the look that the plane was crashing down into the clouds ground instead.

A mobile message Starbucks missed – #advertisingfail

Many companies use their delivery vans and trucks as a way to further advertise their brand. Starbucks is now a household name and is known to take customer service seriously. They often use mobile advertising to increase brand awareness as they travel. This is where a problem occurred. When the door of a van featuring their brand is open, the only visible part of the ad is a Starbucks logo, the “S” in Starbucks, and the last four letters of the brand name: “U-C-K-S.” This caused the van to read “Starbucks Sucks.” Awkward.

Outdoor advertising display embarrasses IKEA with IT mishap – #advertisingfail

If you’re going to use technology as part of your outdoor advertisement, be sure it works! IKEA is a worldwide home improvement company with establishments from Europe to the United States. This company had to learn the hard way that technology and outdoor ads don’t mix when you’re not sufficiently prepared.  When their outdoor advertisement and the internet connection were not in sync, their display read: “Webpage cannot be displayed” in front of their store location. Quite embarrassing for the brand and their resident IT guy (or gal).

How do we prevent advertising fail situations? By being aware of how each and every outdoor ad will appear to consumers. Door open, or shut! Preventing campaign mishaps is just one logistic area we can handle for you. Let us help ensure your next advertising campaign doesn’t end up attached to an advertising fail hashtag.