Playable Traits

0 min read
August 24, 2020

We have a working theory at Dysrupt that when two disparate domains of knowledge share a commonality, it is worth investigating. The pairing should be natural and not succumb to a procrustean bed issue. When natural, often time it reveals deep truth.  

Here is a warm up example that applies to finding success in stand up, tech start-ups, or the NFL - there is a where to success. If you want to be great at stand up, Boise, Idaho is not the place to do open mics... for that matter Boise, Idaho is not the place to find success with a tech start-up idea or the NFL either 😁

Here is our main example. As an added benefit let us save you 2 levels of study and $1,500 in class fees for an insight only delivered in Level 3 of a Groundlings' Improv class - a character should only have at most two playable traits. As Will Ferrel was a graduate of Groundlings, you can pick anyone of his characters to see this in action. For example, Anchorman's Ron Burgandy has two playable traits: narcissism and incompetence.

Notice that both of these traits inform how to play the character. Ron Burgandy has numerous non-playable traits that are distilled from these two choices. The audience can always understand throughout the movie that his character's choices come from these playable traits.

It so happens that every great brand has at most two playable traits. The great ones may just have one. Companies spend years and millions building these traits into the hearts and minds of consumers.

Here are some quick examples:

  • Amazon - Selection
  • PayPal - Trust
  • Apple - Design
  • Coke - Happy
  • Volvo - Safety

Why the commonality between building a character for Improv and business? Because the art of improv is making the audience remember what is not explicitly stated. No one wears costumes and the options for what may happen are infinite. The audience needs simplicity to follow along. Ultimately, the jokes only land if an audience can track why someone is taking a specific action.

Similarly, a person is bombarded with complexity constantly. Forbes reports that the average person is exposed to 4,000 - 10,000 ads per day! The brands that can cut through the noise by adhering to their playable traits get remembered. Not only that but it can do wonders for a company's internal organization. People at Volvo know that any marketing ideas ultimately need to ladder up to the idea of safety.

At Dysrupt, we haven't spent millions on our brand but we landed on "Dysrupt" because we wanted to disrupt the agency space by being expert-driven. Expert is a fairly common word with many potential meanings but we defined "experts" explicitly as:

  • People who have a deep knowledge in the space (e.g. know the real formula for Facebook's auction... hint it's not second price)
  • Are able to foresee change in the market and for a client's business
  • And most importantly can implement that change (e.g. turn theory into practice)

Ultimately all of these extra qualities derive from our playable trait of expert-driven. And the way we have evolved the business, the people we hire, the technology we're developing, and the way we engage with clients all ladders back into this playable trait.

What are your brand's one or two playable traits? Is this known within your organization or is there a lack of clarity?

*Fun fact, Groundlings has most likely produced at least one of your favorite comedic actors

--

Thanks to Spencer Imbrock for sharing their work on Unsplash

Nate Lorenzen
Founder
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Isla Bruce
Head of Content
Isla Bruce
Head of Content
Isla Bruce
Head of Content
Jenner Kearns
Chief Delivery Officer
Isla Bruce
Head of Content
Kenneth Shen
Chief Executive Officer
Isla Bruce
Head of Content

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Each bidding strategy has its unique benefits and challenges. Some are great for maximizing visibility, while others prioritize cost-efficiency. Choosing the right one depends on your specific goals, whether that's more clicks, better engagement, or higher sales. Knowing the pros and cons of each strategy will help you make informed choices that benefit your business.

This article will guide you through five key Facebook Ads Bidding Strategies. You’ll learn about their benefits, drawbacks, and how to pick the one that suits your campaign objectives. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which strategy will help you achieve your advertising goals effectively.

Understanding Facebook Bidding Mechanics

Facebook bidding is essential for advertising success. It involves auctions where advertisers compete for ad placements. Understanding key elements like Auction Dynamics and Different Bidding Strategies is crucial.

Auction Dynamics and How Bids Work

In Facebook's auction, ads compete based on bids, estimated action rates, and ad quality. Bid represents how much you're willing to pay for a specific action (like clicks, views, or conversions). The Cost Per Result adjusts based on competition.

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Exploring Different Bidding Strategies

Advertisers can choose from several Facebook bidding strategies. The Lowest Cost strategy aims to get the most results for the lowest price but may lack spending control. The Cost Cap strategy helps maintain an average cost while driving results.

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Choosing the right strategy depends on your campaign goals, budget, and desired Cost Per Result. Evaluate each option to find the best fit for your needs.

Implementing Bidding Strategies for Campaign Success

Successful implementation of bidding strategies can drive better results and optimize ad spend. Key factors include setting appropriate bid caps, maximizing returns using ROAS goals, and balancing volume and value.

Setting the Right Bid Cap for Your Campaign

Setting the right bid cap involves determining the maximum amount you are willing to pay for a result. This ensures costs don't exceed the budget. Bid caps can help control spending and improve efficiency.

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  • Consider the competition: Higher bid caps might be necessary in competitive markets.

Maximizing Returns with ROAS Goals

Use the Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) bid strategy to drive maximum returns. ROAS goals ensure that every dollar spent on ads generates a specific amount of revenue.

  • Calculate target ROAS: Set a realistic ROAS based on past campaigns.
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Balancing Volume and Value in Bidding

Balancing volume and value helps achieve the right mix of reach and profitability. Consider using both Highest Volume and Highest Value strategies.

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