Some people watch the Super Bowl for the actual football game being played. Many watch the event for the halftime show or as an excuse to eat wings and other game day snacks. Some watch it to look for better software solutions for their company — maybe?
Key Takeaway
Papaya Global’s decision to invest in a Super Bowl ad reflects its strategic move to enhance brand visibility and stand out in a competitive B2B market, despite the challenges in tracking direct ROI.
Papaya Global’s Super Bowl Ad
Papaya Global, a late-stage global workforce payment startup, is set to run a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl. The ad aims to showcase the company’s software, which assists other companies in maintaining compliance while running payroll for cross-border teams. Unlike the flashy ads of Super Bowl regulars like Budweiser and McDonald’s, Papaya’s commercial takes place in an office and follows a more subdued approach.
B2B Startup’s Unconventional Move
It’s uncommon for B2B startups to invest in Super Bowl ads due to the broad audience, which may not effectively target their specific customer base. However, the move can signal financial prowess and elevate a company’s image, according to Bernd Schmitt, a professor at Columbia Business School specializing in branding and advertising.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Papaya’s decision to air a Super Bowl ad is driven by the need to stand out in an increasingly competitive employee payments space. With the market becoming more saturated and competitors gaining ground, the ad serves as a strategic move to boost brand recognition and visibility.
Challenges and Potential Returns
Measuring the success of the ad campaign poses challenges, especially in tracking direct ROI for a B2B company with longer sales cycles. While the immediate impact may be hard to quantify, the ad could yield a better ROI for Papaya due to its diverse target audience across various industries and company sizes.
