How Google stole Christmas

An avatar of the author

Martha Rzeppa

18. 12. 2013 | 2 min read

How Google stole Christmas

2 mins left

Get the newsletter

Raw, unfiltered, too-hot-for-Wordpress B2B marketing insights, straight to your inbox, every month.

Yesterday evening my partner asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I couldn’t believe my ears since Christmas is only a few days away. Classic response: “Nothing. Don’t worry about me. I don’t need anything.” (Yes, I am still expecting a Christmas present. And it better be a really good one.) Then I thought it would be a good idea to brag a little bit à la “Just so you know, I already bought your present weeks ago.”
[Smile.]

His response: “Yes I know. And I hate to tell you but I am pretty sure I even know what it is.”

Boom. You should have seen the frozen look on my face. The last thing you want is to spoil the surprise. I felt caught out and tried to figure out where I didn’t cover my tracks.

I was sold out. And the culprit had a name: Google. Of course. Bloody Google.

How?

“Well, I used your computer and these banners started to follow me. Banners about a product I knew you didn’t care about at all. A product I mentioned to you I needed. You are too sweet. Thank you so much. And don’t worry I will still look surprised the moment I open it.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Bloody shit.

Retargeting that worked – against me.

So what do we learn?

Don’t buy any presents online. Your local shops will thank you.

And if you do, clear your cache every minute or hide your computer, tablets and mobile devices from everyone.

Merry Christmas.

 

 

Image Source: http://dragonhomer.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-grinch-file-3.html

Published in:

  • B2B Agency

  • B2B Content Marketing

  • content-marketing

  • retargeting

Enjoyed this article?
Take part in the discussion

Opt into our crap

We will send the latest stuff written just for B2B content marketers exactly like you. Sound good?

illustration of a an envolope

Related blog/content

How to break free from the benchmark trap

If you’re turning to industry benchmarks to set your performance goals – make sure you’re asking these two questions.

Agustin Rejon | 06. 09. 2023

Comments

  1. Alessio

    December 18th, 2013

    Damn Google.
    better go and buy all stuff offline.

  2. Martha Rzeppa

    December 18th, 2013

    Alessio, you just shared my resolution for 2014. Small addition: don’t get involved in any retargeting campaigns a few weeks before Christmas. Some people won’t thank you.

Leave a comment/reply

Hey look: a teeny-tiny cookie request. Would you mind? It’d help us out. Click here to read our privacy policy to see why. Or hit “customize” if you’re fancy like that.

Customise