Can Brands Survive Bad Marketing and Should You Voice Concern Over Bad Decisions?

Richard A Meyer
5 min readJun 13, 2024

Marketing is the lifeblood of a brand’s public image. Good marketing can catapult a brand to new heights, while bad marketing can seemingly spell disaster. But can brands survive the storm of bad marketing? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Understanding Bad Marketing

Bad marketing can take many forms, from poorly executed ad campaigns to tone-deaf social media posts and disastrous product launches. For example, Pepsi’s 2017 ad featuring Kendall Jenner was widely criticized for trivializing social justice movements, resulting in a swift backlash. Similarly, Peloton’s holiday ad in 2019 was accused of promoting sexist stereotypes, causing a sharp decline in its stock price.

The Immediate Impact

The immediate aftermath of lousy marketing is often public outrage, social media backlash, and a potential drop in sales. The modern consumer is quick to voice their displeasure, and in the age of virality, a brand’s misstep can become global news within hours. The damage to a brand’s reputation can be significant, leading to lost customers and a tarnished image.

Long-term Consequences

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Richard A Meyer

Healthcare marketing thought leader and CPG marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience.