Mobile Dev Memo Podcast Season 6, Episode 9: The blandification of marketing (with Adam Singer)
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Sep 16, 2025 Adam Singer, VP of Marketing at AdQuick and creator of the Hot Takes blog, shares his insights on the troubling trend of 'blandification' in marketing. He argues that brands lose their identity by playing it safe and advocates for creativity and originality in branding. Singer discusses the challenges faced by CMOs today, the potential of AI in marketing, and reflects on what David Ogilvy would think of modern strategies. He also sheds light on the backlash against the American Eagle ad campaign and critiques the rebranding efforts of Cracker Barrel.
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Creativity Lost To Safetyism
- Marketing has drifted into safetyism that strips personality and interest from brands.
- Adam Singer argues this blandification reduces differentiation and harms long-term brand value.
Choose Long-Term Brand Health
- Decide whether to maintain quality or manage decline; choices determine long-term brand health.
- Invest in product and experience instead of chasing short-term cost-cutting moves.
Cracker Barrel Rebrand Backlash
- Singer recounts the Cracker Barrel rebrand that turned a beloved logo into a tech-like mark and provoked uproar.
- He attributes the change to consultants, risk aversion, and executives distant from customers.
