Go Daddy started a total media controversy after airing their latest and most shocking advertisement to date. Following the famous lip-lock between model Bar Refaeli and actor Jesse Heiman, social media lit up with buzz about the shocking commercial that was just witnessed. People calling it "disgusting" and "inappropriate" were clearly offended by what they saw. One Go Daddy customer even removed his account, stating that this was the "last straw".
But Go Daddy was not going to be shy about their ad this Super Bowl season. In fact, an even racier version of this commercial was originally scheduled to air, however CBS censored it, declaring that it was "indecent". With 255,131 mentions on social media (according to the L.A. Times), the Go Daddy "Perfect Match" commercial was the most talked about advertisement this year.
This kind of exposure proved beneficial to Go Daddy, who's sales soared to new heights. The day following the airing of this advertisement, CEO Blake Irving stated that Go Daddy set "all-time Superbowl Sunday records" in mobile sales, new customers, and website hosting.
Go Daddy is no stranger to racy advertising. Bob Parsons, founder of Go Daddy, describes his marketing plan as "fun, edgy, and a lot inappropriate". Commercials over the years have featured multiple "Go Daddy Girls", teasing the viewer with sexual innuendos and skimpy outfits. In these commercials there have been over 6 featured "Go Daddy Girls" most notably WWE Diva Candice Michelle, IndyCar driver Danica Patrick, and celebrity fitness instructor, Jillian Michaels
The bottom line is that Go Daddy emerged from this scandal beyond victorious. It's a grey area whether or not they stepped over any moral boundaries, but in the end they surely achieved their goal. With record sales and buzz all over social media, no one will forget their name anytime soon.
Although they came out victorious how far are they willing to go to get sales and promote themselves? They really pushed the boundaries with this ad. The Super Bowl is a televised event that families watch. An ad like this is not exactly what I would call family friendly. Maybe next time they should consider that.
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