Zendesk | WTF is Zendesk?

In the ‘WTF is Zendesk?’ commercial, Zendesk employs self-aware humor to address a common question: “What exactly does Zendesk do?” The ad uses witty dialogue and engaging visuals to demystify the complexities of customer service software, making it accessible and relatable to a broad audience.

The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)

Self-Referential Humor = Audience Engagement

By acknowledging the confusion around its services, Zendesk uses self-deprecating humor to connect with viewers.

→ Lesson: Embracing and addressing common misconceptions can humanize your brand and foster trust.

Simplified Messaging = Clear Understanding

The ad distills complex customer service solutions into straightforward concepts, aiding viewer comprehension.

→ Lesson: Breaking down intricate services into simple terms can enhance audience clarity and interest.

Visual Storytelling = Memorable Impact

Utilizing creative visuals and scenarios, the commercial illustrates how Zendesk operates in real-world contexts.

→ Lesson: Visual metaphors can effectively convey abstract ideas, making them more memorable.

Humor Breakdown

The ad employs a light-hearted tone, using irony and playful scenarios to demystify the brand’s offerings.

→ Lesson: Incorporating humor can make complex or technical subjects more approachable and engaging.

Final Verdict

Zendesk’s ‘WTF is Zendesk?’ commercial successfully combines humor, clarity, and creativity to explain its services. By directly addressing potential customer confusion with a playful tone, the ad not only informs but also entertains, leaving a lasting impression.

BRAVE-o-meter Score:

B-8 | R-9 | A-8 | V-8 | E-9
BRAVE – 8.4/10

Learn more:
Website: Zendesk
LinkedIn: Zendesk on LinkedIn

(See what BRAVE means in our collection)

Understanding the B.R.A.V.E. Scoring System

The B.R.A.V.E. scoring system uses AI to deliver an unbiased evaluation of top-of-the-funnel B2B brand ads. It measures potential impact, memorability, and effectiveness by assessing five key components of a video ad or commercial. This system gauges an ad's capacity to drive brand recall and enhance salience, ensuring that creative work not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

What B.R.A.V.E. Stands For:

Each letter represents a key factor in determining an ad’s success:

  • BBoldness: Is the ad original, creative, or daring? Does it break away from generic B2B marketing, or is it just another forgettable corporate video?
  • RRelevance: Does it connect with a real buyer pain point? Is it addressing a specific frustration or need, or just listing product features?
  • AAttention: Does it grab and hold attention in the first few seconds? Is it visually or tonally engaging, or easy to skip?
  • VVibe: Does it create an emotional response—laughter, recognition, or surprise? Or does it feel like just another corporate info dump?
  • EEffectiveness: Will buyers remember the brand when they need a solution? Does the ad make an impact that lasts beyond the moment?

How It’s Applied to B2B Video Rating

Each video is scored 1 to 10 in all five categories, based on how well it meets the criteria. The total score (out of 50) is then divided by 5 to give a final B.R.A.V.E. score out of 10.

For example:

  • An ad scoring B-8 | R-9 | A-7 | V-6 | E-8 has a total of 38/50.
  • The final B.R.A.V.E. score is 7.6/10.

Why It Matters

B2B ads often struggle with being bland, forgettable, or ineffective. The B.R.A.V.E. system ensures they are judged by their ability to break through, connect with buyers, and drive action.

Simply put: If your ad isn’t B.R.A.V.E., it’s invisible.

Share on social media