Recently, we let you know about a new account win for The Cyphers Agency: Severn Savings Bank.

In order to meet 2010 benchmarks, Severn Savings Bank is looking to increase their loan portfolio and number of deposits over the next 9 months. After listening to their needs, accompanied by in depth market and local research, The Cyphers Agency will conduct 2 separate advertising campaigns. Each will attract different consumer bases: individuals 45-60 and individuals 25-44.

Overall, we look to position Severn Savings Bank as a local financial institution that offers peace of mind for those looking for a smarter banking relationships. Through a complete brand development campaign, the tag line,”It’s Safe Here” helps address consumer fears about making poor banking choices, while the tag line “Toobigaphobia: Fear of Big Banks” with accompanying imagery speaks directly to that fear.

To break it down further, we will approach our audiences with two different ad messages. Our first audience, which is comprised of individuals 45-60, need a local bank that they can trust: personal attention and a true relationship with their relationship manager. “Think of it as a Financial Kinship,” if you will.

The second audience, individuals 25-44 are looking for something a little different. They require a local bank with real people, but they need more than that. Since this audience is always “on-the-go” and quite tech saavy, they search for accessibility and online convenience in a financial relationship. They need “Online Banking with a Pulse.

I think the strategy behind Apple’s iPad launch is genius, and they are poised to dominate the tablet industry just like they dominate the smart phone industry. Many think that the iPad fell short of expectations. I don’t disagree with that, but I think that there is a method to Jobs’ madness. Here’s why:

It really didn’t matter how silly the iPad seems (just a large iPhone), people were going to buy it anyway. Apple was smart to launch early to take advantage of this brand loyalty. What happens if nobody likes the product? They can buy the second version. Apple could launch a 52″ iPad TV and people would buy it. It would be silly for Apple to stretch itself thin and try and meet an outrageously low price point and pack their product full of technology if people will buy it anyway.

Fewer expensive components means that Apple can come in at a very competitive price point. With the exponentially decreasing price of technology, Apple will hopefully be able to meet the same price point with the second iPad, and also include a camera and other important equipment. And since the first version is pretty cheap, Apple will probably be able to raise the price on this second version, just like the progression of the iPhone pricing.

By the time other companies are coming out with their tablets, Apple will be launching the second iteration of it’s iPad. Apple will have had a chance to work out the bugs, add newer technology and benefits, and probably get more bang for the buck than the first time around.

So that’s what I think. I know I’m beating a dead horse, but we couldn’t stop talking about it in the office and we wanted to see what our readers thought. Let us know!

-Andrew

The Cyphers Agency would like to announce that we have won two new accounts: Severn Savings Bank and River Glass Designs.

Severn Savings Bank is a local financial institution in Anne Arundel County with a mission to enhance the community by investing in the climate, culture, commerce and people of the Chesapeake region. As Agency of Record for Severn, we will be supporting their 2010 marketing plan, including a new brand launch. Look forward to a fully integrated campaign coming your way.

River Glass Designs, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, is a glass company that specializes in custom glass structures, like showers, mirrors, staircases, etc., for  home builds and remodels. As their Agency of Record, we will be executing brand development and applying that to a new website, collateral, and more.

We’ll keep you updated as we dive into some great creative and strategic work. Check back for news soon!

Every day, we do amazing work for some pretty cool clients. We get to do amazing work, have fun, and create some awesome stuff along the way.

We recently created some designs for a client of ours: Chicken. Yes, chicken! (Okay, okay, The National Chicken Council). Aside from an awesome Facebook page and a sweet Twitter account, we’ve create some merchandise for all those chicken lovers out there. Check out some of our work below, or just go check out the CafePress Shop (and buy some chicken stuff).

One of the most expensive media buys a company can make, the superbowl is always paid close attention by hundreds of millions of viewers. And so of course everyone likes to give their opinions on what ads were good, bad, or just weird. We generally have to suspend our opinion on great strategic ads, because the superbowl spots are always more about entertainment that solid ad messaging. But we’ve pulled together a list of some winners and losers below, with the embedded ads. Let us know in the comments section which ads were your favorite.

Winners:

Google – With Google’s first-ever television media buy, it showed everyone how integrated it has become into our lives, and also emphasized all the different things you can do on Google. Add in some warm and fuzzy feelings at the end and you’ve got a recipe for success. However, we were confused that Google released the ad online before it aired during the superbowl. Why ruin the surprise?

Denny’s- There is nothing more captivating than screaming chickens. With an ad message tied well to the promotion, these ads were funny and strategic.

Dodge – This commercial speaks to men, and is enjoyable for women. With grabbing creative, this was an easy favorite.

Doritos – Lot’s of commercials and consistent messaging make Doritos a consistent superbowl success. We thought the ads this year were the funniest yet, and hope they can keep it up.

Losers:

Bud Light – Although the spot was entertaining, there was only one spot! We’re used to seeing several bud light commercials, and seeing much funnier ones than the Lost parody that they aired. Sorry Bud Light, but you set the bar too high, and our expectations were let down. Hopefully you’ll be back in full force next year.

Focus on the Family – This commercial sparked a lot of controversy before the superbowl for it’s strong anti-abortion message, which had everyone poised to pay attention. Yet when the ad aired, the abortion message was taken out, and so the message came across as weak. Without a strong value proposition the ad did little to attract supporters, and didn’t drum up any outcry from the detractors (which is sometimes a good thing).

What did you think about the superbowl ads? Which were your favorites?