Where's Herb?

Where's Herb?

Herb, the character from the "Where's Herb?" campaign

Where's Herb? was a marketing campaign launched by Burger King in 1985. The campaign was designed to generate interest and increase sales by creating a sense of mystery and engagement with the audience. The central character of the campaign was "Herb," a fictional person who had never eaten a Whopper, Burger King's signature hamburger.

Campaign Concept

The "Where's Herb?" campaign was conceived as a nationwide search for the elusive Herb. The idea was to create a buzz around the Burger King brand by encouraging customers to visit Burger King restaurants in hopes of spotting Herb. The campaign promised rewards for those who could identify Herb, who was portrayed as an "average guy" who had somehow never tried a Whopper.

Execution

The campaign was launched with a series of television commercials and print advertisements. Herb was depicted as a nerdy, bespectacled man, and the ads encouraged viewers to look for him in Burger King locations. Customers who spotted Herb were eligible for prizes, including a $5,000 reward.

Public Reaction

The "Where's Herb?" campaign received mixed reactions from the public. While it succeeded in generating initial interest and curiosity, it ultimately failed to sustain long-term engagement. Many customers found the campaign confusing, and it did not lead to a significant increase in sales as anticipated by Burger King.

Legacy

Despite its lackluster performance, the "Where's Herb?" campaign is remembered as a notable example of 1980s marketing strategies. It is often cited in discussions about advertising campaigns that did not achieve their intended goals.

Related Pages

• Burger King
• Whopper
• Advertising campaigns