Yesterday, I saw an ad on TV promoting Microsoft’s Windows 7.  I must say that it was one of the few times, I have been impressed with Microsoft’s innovation or marketing tactics.  In the past we have seen Microsoft copy Apple’s “I’m a Mac” campaign by creating “I’m a PC.”  In my opinion, that was a complete failure because it was not original and they didn’t provide the benefits of their product.  I don’t like when any brand tries to rip apart another as their strategy.  I know it’s all apart of competition, but they should be providing value to their product as well.

So, what was Microsoft’s smart marketing angle?  Well, it first started with creating the Windows 7 operating system to put to rest the horrid operating system that was Windows Vista.  Secondly, using the young kids in their commercials to show that using a PC is simple and easy for anyone at any age to do is a great way to get your message across.  They present their advantage over their main competition in Apple and promote their new operating system in the process.  That’s killing two birds with one stone if you ask me.  Granted, I am an Apple user, but I did use Microsoft for a very long time and it’s nice to see them come up with unique marketing strategies to sell their products.

With Apple and Microsoft practically at war with releasing new technology to the market (example: Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard), it’s great that Microsoft uses this little girl in their ads to promote their product.  They develop consistency with using the same girl in each of their commercials and basically give those who are hesitant to use a computer the following notion:  ”if this little girl can use a PC, so can you.”  You won’t hear me say this often, but that is a brilliant strategy by Microsoft.

I can almost guarantee that this commercial is probably not looked upon by the majority of the public by the way I see it, but then again I love technology and the ideas that going into it!  Here’s the one question I can raise to that commercial - is that little girl really doing anything in the way of operating that computer?  The answer is probably not, but Microsoft is still getting their message across.  If you ever see the commercial on TV, pay attention to when she goes to use the computer. The camera focuses in on the screen instead of watching her use the computer.  To me that suggests that the girl is the spokesperson and someone else is operating the computer.  However, I could be wrong and she could very well be using the computer.  Kids today are a lot smarter and tech savy then we imagine them to be!

I’d like to know how you feel about Microsoft’s marketing strategy here with this commercial.  What do you think of it?  You don’t have to feel the same way I do, but it does bring up very interesting points of discussion as to what Microsoft is trying to accomplish.  If you are new to technology and using computers…did this commercial make you more eager to buy a PC?  Finally, how many of you have never seen this commercial by Microsoft before?  If you haven’t, I’d like to hear your thoughts when you do and leave your comments here!

Further reading:

The Future Of Technology

Tech Issue With Two Operating Systems

Microsoft Just Doesn’t Get It

Microsoft Gives Away Free Software