In this age of climate change and global pandemic, contributing to social awareness has become not only crucial but necessary. For businesses, launching an awareness advertisement now and then tells your audience that you’re not all about the money. Instead, you also aim for social growth and work to contribute to the community.

The impact of corporate social responsibility can’t be ignored. In fact, a study tells us that 9 out of 10 of the 250 biggest companies in the world produced a CSR report in 2015. This report informed shareholders as well the public about the venture’s activities related to their efforts.

 

Social Awareness Through Advertising

Though a business’s main goal is to make money and grow the brand, it wouldn’t hurt to touch topics that hit close to home. For instance, many healthcare design agencies choose to raise awareness about lifestyle diseases. While a university rebranding social advertisement may focus on elevating standards in education.

If you haven’t tried launching a public awareness advertisement, maybe it’s high time you do. After all, awareness topics can inject more meaning into what the business does. 

There’s no cookie-cutter list of social awareness issues for businesses. But if you’re looking for inspiration, you may want to check out the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It’s a shared blueprint that aims for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. 

 

Examples of Social Awareness Advertisement

Here are some examples of social ads that make a mark.

 

1. This is Not Consent

This image shows a couple of women sporting short skirts with the main copy that says, “This is not consent.” This stresses that dressing how you want to dress isn’t in any way an invitation to be sexually harassed or assaulted.

 

2. I Want a Home

This ad was released to raise awareness about poverty. Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, the text says, “You would give anything to leave your house, they would give everything to have one.”

 

3. This May Be Used Against You

This visual was released by the United Nations as part of their campaign for handwashing against COVID-19. It somehow compares forensics with not just acquiring but also spreading the virus.

 

4. Don’t Attack the Planet

This ad features a plastic bottle and packaging fashioned to look like a bomb. Rightly so, the copy cautions against using non-compostable products that could harm the planet.

 

5. World Proof With Education

This ad is an example of how a bag business can promote its product while advancing a cause at the same time. The image reflects the idea that education can shield, define, and empower a person. 

 

6. Myth Busting Sex Trafficking

This social advertisement poster busts the myth of how sex trafficking victims are portrayed in the media. It tells viewers that in reality, crime can appear less obvious – instead of literal shackles, the victim’s chains could be made of money, fear, or drugs.

 

7. Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

This ad features one of the most timely social awareness topics for school students. The image shows a girl looking at the mirror with face marks for cosmetic surgery. It may be disturbing, but it surely opens viewers’ eyes to how adults are setting beauty standards for the next generation.

 

8. Digital Addiction

At first glance, this image looks like an ordinary photo of a couple in bed with their mobile phones. However, a second look would reveal that they aren’t holding phones, and it just strengthens the message of the ad against digital addiction.

 

9. Fracking vs. Same-Sex Marriage

This awareness advertisement hits two birds with one stone. Linking the legality of fracking and same-sex marriage, it makes for a gripping ad that combines the best of visuals and copywriting.

 

10. Protect What’s Good

This image is one of those social advertisement examples that raise awareness but also highlights the company’s CSR efforts. Made for a packaging company, the visuals reflect how the packaging protects not only products but also the environment.

 

11. Fashion Victim

This image is a strong symbol of how washing machine microfibers released into the ocean harm marine life. As a bonus, the groups’ custom logo design somewhat looks akin to the main subject of the photo.

 

12. Getting in Touch

This ad aims to raise awareness about autism. With a text that says getting in touch with the outside world is hard for people with the condition, the image shows an inside out Russian doll.

 

13. Don’t Drink And Drive

This image shows one of the most fitting awareness topics for youth – drunk driving. The graphic ad urges young people not to get behind the wheel if they’re drunk.

 

14. Covering Up With Layers

This ad raises knowledge about depression. It shows the image of a woman with a pasted smile meant to mask her real emotions. The copy, “Don’t cover up with layers,” works very well with the visuals.

 

15. Share Your Food

This ad shows how graphic design basics, when coupled with a solid idea, can lead to a simple but poignant image. With a lot of people posting their food on social media, this campaign urges people to actually share their blessings as well to people who need it the most.

 

It’s All About What You Stand For

Yes, an awareness advertisement can enhance your influence as a brand. It takes you closer to the hearts of the audience, who also cares about the issue you’re putting forward. 

However, it’s crucial to make sure that you’re genuine about the social issue you’re standing for. Otherwise, the campaign would reek of a PR gimmick and trust me, the audience would know. 

So, sit down with your team and think about the social issue you sincerely care for, if you haven’t done it yet. Advocating for a worthy cause will not only earn your brand a stellar reputation. More importantly, it will power up your team to strive harder because you’re not only doing it for money alone; you’re doing it to change the world.

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