Description
This ad opens with a confession.
“Oops! We goofed.” Not a boast. Not a claim. Just honesty, front and center. Kellogg’s isn’t pretending everything went perfectly, they’re admitting they underestimated you. And somehow, that makes the product feel even more desirable. Running out isn’t framed as failure. It’s framed as demand speaking louder than expectations.
How It Works
The psychology here is subtle and powerful. By apologizing, the brand lowers its guard. That instantly builds trust. Then it flips the narrative: we didn’t make enough because people liked it more than we imagined. Scarcity becomes social proof, and the toaster visual reinforces normalcy, this isn’t a novelty, it’s already part of everyday breakfast. Instead of shouting “everyone loves this,” the ad lets absence do the talking.
How It Can Be Reused
This approach works anytime momentum outpaces supply.
Product launches, waitlists, sold-out drops, beta tools, any situation where demand is real can borrow this tone. Be honest. Be human. Admit the miss. Let the audience connect the dots themselves.
Sometimes the strongest marketing message isn’t look how good we are.
It’s we didn’t expect you to love it this much.
