Ogilvy Gets Potholes to Tweet, Asking to Be Fixed, Every Time They’re Run Over

As I mentioned previously, I love campaigns that have the element of “human stake” aka there is a participation of those in the campaign that aren’t a part of the company or paid actors.

Ogilvy in Panama make a statement that through advertising there would be change.

A large problem in Panama City are the potholes. With there being so much damage to the street of Panama City, P4 (a local agency) and Ogilvy came up with a brilliant idea to place a device in the pothole that would automatically tweet annoying messages to the local Department of Public Works whenever a driver hits one.

In an effort with Panamanian TV station, they drew attention and put the spotlight on public works minister Ramon Arosemena.

While this isn’t a product of service, it’s a brilliant way in which advertising can entice change. And because of the change it is one of the most effect campaigns because, the Panamanian government did in fact, fill those potholes. They targeted specifically the Panamanian government officials by using the drivers and citizens of Panama to hit those potholes in order to tweet for change.

The video below show why this is one of my ALL TIME favorite campaigns.