Good ideas vs great ideas.

26 February 2025

Tips for understanding which is which

Ideas,​ as you know, ​can change the world.​
​And if you’re a marketeer,​ that same creativity is ​proven to be the most ​effective tool you have​ (they have an effectiveness-magnifying effect of x12).​

* (besides the scale of your company– but that is out with your control)

£1 used in marketing that’s truly creative,
has the effect of £12.

But ​how do you define ​what’s good? ​Or even ​GREAT?

You can pre-test ideas.​ In this sample audiences offer direct feedback or facial analysis gives non-conscious reactions or A/B testing indicates decision making etc. But, all have failings.​And all cost money.​

So​ how​ do​ you​ get​ on​ the​ right​ path?​

Before you spend in testing, ​production or media…

Try asking yourself ​these questions:

Would anyone talk about it in the pub? (without embarrassment).

Is it a first?
Do you want to make it?
Does it make me think?
Does it make me feel something?
And as it does it, does it strengthen the brand and take it forwards?
Does it change anything?
Does it affect culture?
Does it start a discussion?
How much value does it add?
Does it solve a problem?
Can you say the idea in 10 words?
Could an artist have made this?
Will it motivate the audience?
Did it break any rules?
Does it scare me?
Is it ambitious?

It’s rare for anyone to tick all off, but they’re a starting point for a good discussion.​