What Advertisers Can Learn from Potatoes

Ah, the humble potato. The unsung hero of the culinary world. It doesn’t demand attention like an avocado, throw a party like a pineapple, or strut around in a designer suit like a truffle. But the potato? It’s a rock star in disguise—a versatile, unassuming legend that has sustained civilizations, sparked revolutions, and earned a permanent place in comfort food royalty. And as it turns out, advertisers have a lot to learn from this starchy superstar. Surprised? Let’s dig in (pun fully intended).

1. Potatoes are Relatable

Potatoes don’t pretend to be something they’re not. They’re not flashy or exotic. They’re just… potatoes. And that’s their magic. Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food because they’re relatable—warm, hearty, and unpretentious. They show up in everyone’s life, whether as mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving, French fries on a road trip, or a baked potato when you’re trying to be a little healthier.

Advertising takeaway? Relatability wins hearts. If your brand can connect with your audience on a human level—speaking to their everyday joys, struggles, and cravings—you’ve got a recipe for success. Forget overcomplicated jargon and unattainable perfection. Be the potato: simple, dependable, and universally loved.

2. They Adapt to Any Situation

Potatoes can do it all. You can fry them, mash them, bake them, roast them, boil them, and even turn them into vodka. They’re the Swiss Army knife of food. Need a side dish? Potato salad. Comfort food? Mashed potatoes. Fancy dinner? Potato gratin. Late-night snack? French fries. They’re a shape-shifter, effortlessly adapting to the context.

As advertisers, we need to be just as versatile. Different platforms, different audiences, different trends? No problem. Great advertising meets people where they are. It can pivot, innovate, and shine in any format—whether that’s a snappy Instagram Story, a long-form email, or a Super Bowl ad that makes people laugh-cry. The key is staying flexible without losing the essence of your brand. Be like the potato: ready for anything.

3. Potatoes Are Masters of the Underdog Story

Let’s be honest: nobody looks at a potato and thinks, “Wow, glamorous.” They’re lumpy, dusty, and brown. But underestimate them, and you’re missing out. Potatoes have fueled revolutions (hello, Irish potato famine), built economies, and dominated fast food menus worldwide. They prove that appearances can be deceiving and that greatness often comes from the most unexpected places.

Advertising loves an underdog story. Think about brands like Airbnb, which started with two guys renting out an air mattress in their apartment, or Apple, which was famously born in a garage. People root for the scrappy upstart. So, embrace your potato-ness. If your brand doesn’t look flashy on the surface, lean into that. Share the story of how you started, the challenges you overcame, and the heart behind what you do. People will love you for it.

4. They’re Universally Appealing

Potatoes transcend borders, cultures, and cuisines. From Indian aloo gobi to Peruvian papa rellena to classic American fries, everyone’s got a potato dish they adore. Why? Because potatoes are a blank canvas. They soak up flavors, adapt to spices, and complement just about anything.

For advertisers, the lesson here is inclusivity. The best campaigns resonate with a wide audience without losing specificity. Think about Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, which personalized bottles with names but kept the core message universal: sharing joy. Your brand doesn’t need to appeal to everyone, but it should be broad enough to connect with diverse groups while remaining true to your core values. Be the potato: adaptable, but always tasty.

5. Simplicity Sells

What do French fries, potato chips, and hash browns have in common? They’re all insanely popular, and they’re all incredibly simple. Potatoes don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to shine. A little salt, a little oil, and you’ve got magic.

The same goes for advertising. In a world drowning in noise, simplicity cuts through. Apple’s “Think Different” campaign? Simple. Nike’s “Just Do It”? Simple. A clear, compelling message delivered with confidence is often more effective than a complex, over-engineered pitch. Don’t overthink it. Be the potato: straightforward and satisfying.

6. They’re Resilient

Potatoes are tough. They grow underground, surviving harsh conditions, and they’ve been feeding humanity for centuries. During the Irish potato famine, when blight devastated crops, people found ways to replant and adapt. Potatoes endure.

In advertising, resilience is everything. Campaign flopped? Ad copy bombed? Social media trolls came for you? Shake it off and try again. The best brands don’t crumble under pressure; they learn, adapt, and come back stronger. Be the potato: hardy and unshakable.

7. They’re Economical but Valuable

Potatoes are affordable, but their value is immeasurable. They’re a staple in billion-dollar fast food empires, a comfort food in homes worldwide, and even a key ingredient in luxury dishes. They prove that you don’t need to be expensive to be priceless.

For advertisers, this is a reminder to deliver value. Whether you’re selling a budget product or a high-end service, the key is to make people feel like they’re getting more than their money’s worth. It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about maximizing impact. Be the potato: cost-effective but indispensable.

8. They’re Memorable

Think about all the iconic potato-based foods: McDonald’s fries, Pringles, Lay’s, Tater Tots. These aren’t just foods; they’re cultural phenomena. Why? Because they’ve mastered branding. McDonald’s fries are golden perfection in a red carton. Pringles are the snack you can’t stop popping. These brands took something simple and made it unforgettable.

Advertising goldmine: consistency breeds memorability. Your logo, tagline, colors, and voice should all work together to create a cohesive identity that sticks in people’s minds. Be the potato: unforgettable in all the right ways.

9. Potatoes Spark Creativity

From the curly fry to the waffle fry to the twice-baked potato, the ways to enjoy a potato are endless. And don’t even get me started on potato art (yes, that’s a thing). Potatoes inspire creativity in the kitchen and beyond.

As advertisers, we should strive for the same. Push boundaries. Try new formats. Experiment with storytelling techniques. Creativity is what turns a good campaign into a great one. Be the potato: endlessly inventive.

10. They Bring People Together

Potatoes are the centerpiece of some of the best communal meals. Think about it: French fries shared over late-night conversations, potato latkes at Hanukkah, or a big pot of buttery mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. They’re more than food; they’re a reason to gather.

Advertising is at its best when it fosters connection. Whether it’s a campaign that gets people talking, an ad that sparks nostalgia, or a product that becomes a shared experience, the goal is to bring people together. Be the potato: the glue that bonds us.

11. They’re a Little Unexpected

Sure, potatoes are common, but they’ve got a quirky side. Think about Mr. Potato Head, the first toy ever advertised on TV. Or the viral internet debates over the best kind of fry (curly fries are the correct answer, by the way). Potatoes have a way of sneaking into pop culture and surprising us.

Great advertising does the same. It delivers the unexpected—a twist, a laugh, a moment that makes people sit up and pay attention. Don’t be afraid to surprise your audience. Be the potato: familiar but delightfully unpredictable.

Conclusion: Channel Your Inner Spud

So, there you have it. The potato, in all its starchy glory, is more than just a food. It’s a masterclass in branding, adaptability, and connection. Whether you’re crafting a million-dollar campaign or trying to sell socks on Etsy, the lessons are clear: Be relatable. Be resilient. Be