Friday Blog Question: Does Sex Sell?
People are always saying it, so I want to get a definitive answer for once: Does sex in advertising sell? 
Duh. Joseph Jaramillo
While I must admit I'd love to buy the bag, I can't say it's the shimmering limbs that lure me in. Personally, I'm not into the whole boobs on a platter approach but understand why it exists. Does sex sell? Not me. Amanda Wolfe
Depending on the product. Yes. So if you’re selling a hip clothing, great. If you’re selling police uniforms not so much. Roger Hurni
As long as the sex involves attractive people. Chris Sietsema
It depends on where you’re advertising, I think. If it’s at a daycare, I’d say you’d lose some fans, but if it’s in Playboy, during the Super Bowl, etc than yeah, it most likely will turn some heads. Amy Rushia
In my opinion it gets your attention. It may not translate into a sale, but will always get your attention, you will most likely remember the ad and tell others about it. With that said, I would put it on the same level as the Bud Lite commercials that usually involve someone getting hit by a projectile in the groin. I like the commercials, I will talk about them, but will not buy the product. If it was Sierra Nevada that was making the commercial it might be different, but that is just my preference. Justin Wilson
Yes!! William Smith
I would definitely have to say yes based on a lot of the advertising that is out there these days. Monique Prehoda
About the Author: Eric Reid
I am the Social Media Services Manager for Off Madison Ave. I've been with the company since 2006, when I was hired to do SEO, and link building in particular.
When social networking sites started cropping up, at first I started using them to create backlinks - but they weren't the best for that, given all of the "nofollow" attributes. However, I did see the potential for all of the direct referral traffic they represent. Since then I've been actively pursuing both tactics for clients: Links that can help them for search, and social postings that get them involved in the conversation.
It's about the coolest job you could ever get. ;)
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9 comments so far
Ellen Stevens says:
On the flip side, Abercrombie & Fitch got into some hot water over their scantily clad teens gracing the cover and insides of their catalog a few years ago. I know they lost the support from many parents over that. But I do agree that sex sells to adults.
Conrey says:
I'll only answer this question if there are attractive scantily clad people in it to keep my attention long enough to get to the call to action.
Tori Bishop says:
It seems Calvin Klein, Go Daddy, Axe, Victoria's Secret and even PETA have benefited from sex in their ads, so I'd say it probably can't hurt if done right.
Ovi Demetrian Jr says:
It certainly gets attention. No doubt it sells.
Sunny Thaper says:
Man, I kinda want to buy a Dolce & Gabbana purse right now.
Doug Anderson says:
I believe the question of whether sex sells is debatable if you're assessing the infrequent use of it. But when it comes to a repeated message and association of sex with a particular product, I think it has an affect on perception. Before you know it you think "sexy" or associate attraction when thinking of that product.
danno says:
"does sex sell"
absolutely
rocksteady,
danno~
Genna says:
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Thank you so much for your future answers ;-). Genna.
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