Sex sells ! Taboo Creates curiosity Shock Value Part of culture “Sex is a ticket to hell” “Simply put, sex in advertising is the use of sexually provocative or erotic imagery (or sounds, suggestions, and subliminal messages) that are specifically designed to arouse interest in a particular product, service or brand .”
Which products are favour usage of sex? Deodorants Lingerie & under garments Fashion Apparel Cigarettes
History of Sex in advertisement First sexual advertisement - Printed in 1871, Pearl Tobacco company in United States
Ads from 1920s
Ads from 1960s
Ads from 1990s
Modern day advertisements
Just Women?
Use of Sex in Indian Advertisement
Does Sex Actually Sells? Yes …. And No. Popular men's magazines like Maxim and FHM have experimented often with their covers. Overwhelmingly, when a sexy, semi-naked woman appears on the cover, it outperforms an image of a male star, even if that star is someone men want to read about. When ads are more sexually provocative, men in particular are irresistibly drawn to them. It's simple genetics. Men respond to sexual images. And if your ad creates a sexual situation, it will get the desired response. However, that doesn't mean it can sell anything. There has to be context.
Sex May Sell... But These Days, Activism Is Doing a Better Job Sex may sell. But activism, political messages, and worthy causes are trumping it (pardon the pun) in every category. The focus has gone from titillation to something far more serious. Brands are now taking a stand on immigration, the climate, eco-friendly products, equal pay for women, racism, sexism, and so much more. “Remember , we now live in a society that gives people sex and pornography on demand, at the touch of a button. It's easy to get. So scantily-clad women in ads are not going to make the social impact that a hard-hitting political message will. This is the new reality .”
The Bottom Line — Use Sex Appropriately If you are advertising a male deodorant like Axe (Lynx in the UK) or lingerie like Victoria's Secret, you'd be a fool to overlook such a strong selling mechanism. But if you're trying to sell a lawn mower or a new sofa with nudity and sex, you're doing your product a serious disservice. Yes, you'll get attention. But it's the wrong kind of attention, and won't lead to a bigger and better brand. Sex, used sparingly and judicially, is a strong selling tool. Abuse it, and you will ultimately lose out.