So, why does GEICO use a Gecko?
While sitting here eating my delicious cheesy egg scrambled breakfast (inspired by my fellow Fan Fest News Writer here), I saw a GEICO commercial for the fourth time this morning. Fourth! It got me wondering why in fact, GEICO chose a Gecko to be the mascot for their commercials.
I mean, I’m not saying he isn’t cute or anything… cause he totally is. But out of all the animals in the animal kingdom, why a Gecko? So, like any writer does when they have a couple of questions (or like 10 in my case sometimes), I researched it and came across some pretty cool information!!
The GEICO Gecko is known across the United States on his ability to help people save money on car insurance. The GEICO Gecko has become a force to be reckoned with in the advertising world and was voted America’s favorite advertising icon in 2005. The small green gecko has traveled the country spreading the good news about GEICO and has indeed captured the attention of audiences of all ages.
The idea for the Gecko grew from a creative session at GEICO’s ad agency, the Martin Agency in Richmond, Virginia. The name “GEICO” was often mispronounced “Gecko,” and as the brainstorming began, a quick doodle of a gecko appeared. Successful ad campaigns from the past have proven animals create a strong connection between customers and companies. With this in mind, the Gecko came to life and made his debut during the 1999-2000 television season.
His constant good cheer, insatiable need to meet people, and natural tenacity all make him perfectly suited to help people find outstanding values on insurance. In fact, the GEICO Gecko explains it best himself: “My job is saving people money. I love my job.”
The GEICO Gecko can thrive in any environment, as long as he has good company. However, to live a truly fulfilling life, the Gecko must be able to help people save money on insurance. In his free time, the GEICO Gecko enjoys eating anything fresh, preferably home-cooked and tasty. He also has a particular penchant for clams.
As GEICO’s ambassador of great customer service and quick rate quotes, the Gecko has been invited to make special appearances at venues all over the country.
Source: GEICO
Julia recently published her first novel, titled; Anomic. She is currently co-authoring a novel called ‘Snow Falls’. She has a B.A in Communications with concentrations in Professional Writing and Public Relations. She is also in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Police Officer, and is currently in the process of going back to school for her Masters Degree in Business. When she isn’t writing, she is co-owner of a film production studio called ‘Valentine Productions LLC’ and she frequently spends her weekends acting in films, or being a stuntwoman.
