FreshBooks’ ad takes a playful spin on the classic “Would You Rather?” game, contrasting the pain of manual bookkeeping with the ease of using FreshBooks. By presenting ridiculous (yet painfully relatable) accounting struggles alongside absurd alternatives, the ad keeps viewers engaged while making a compelling case for FreshBooks’ automated solutions.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):
Exaggerated Pain Points = Instant Engagement – The ad kicks off with a series of over-the-top scenarios, like wrestling a bear or managing invoices manually. The extreme contrast drives home how frustrating outdated accounting can be.
→ Lesson: Use humor to amplify your audience’s struggles in a way that feels both entertaining and instantly relatable.
Humor Through Absurd Choices – The “Would You Rather?” format works because it forces viewers to consider ridiculous trade-offs—like battling nature’s fiercest predators vs. doing manual data entry. The absurdity keeps viewers engaged.
→ Lesson: Frame your audience’s pain points in a way that makes them laugh while subtly reinforcing why your product is the better choice.
Product as the Obvious Answer – After showcasing painful accounting tasks, FreshBooks is positioned as the clear alternative—automating invoicing, tracking expenses, and eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets.
→ Lesson: Structure your ad so that choosing your product feels like the only rational choice.
Humor Breakdown:
The humor in this ad thrives on its extreme contrasts—would you rather wrestle a bear or struggle with outdated invoicing software? The ridiculous choices make mundane business frustrations feel even more unbearable, making FreshBooks’ solution seem like a no-brainer.
Final Verdict:
FreshBooks’ ad delivers a clever, engaging take on accounting struggles. By using the “Would You Rather?” format, it makes a dry topic feel fun and memorable while subtly emphasizing the platform’s benefits. A smart mix of humor, contrast, and clear product positioning.
Brave-o-meter score:
B-8 | R-7 | A-9 | V-6 | E-8
BRAVE – 7/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: FreshBooks
LinkedIn: FreshBooks LinkedIn Page
