Monday, February 15, 2010

Mini Analysis of Geico.com

A. The rhetorical intent of this website is to gain new clients and to help current members. For example, there is the free insurance quote which tries to bring people in and hopefully bring them closer to committing to the company. Then there is the spot for people to manage their policy, which helps to keep costumers satisfied.

B. I think that the text is effective with the audience because it seems clear and easy to use. Also the color scheme and images on the site are appealing and draw people in.

C. Kairos is used well on this site. For those who are exploring different insurance companies it gets the job done in the critical moment. People do not have to search around the site to see what they are looking for. The layout is user friendly and the free quote cannnot be missed.

D. Rhetorical Devices
  • Personification/Icon- The famous geeko speaks and is an icon to people. It is one of the first things people see when they enter the site. Also on the site there is a commercial with the geeko in it. The Facebook icon is also used. This makes the company seem familiar (which may make it seem more secure too) and appealing to people.
  • Tone- The website makes a point of the insurance being about "you". "How much could you save?" and "it's all about you!" These statements give a caring tone for the audience and makes them more trusting of the company. Also it just appeals to them if it is about themselves.
  • Overstatement- "A full life-not a full mailbox!" Having a full mailbox and sorting through papers will not ruin your life, but this phrase definitely makes the point that bills, ect. on the web is a lot more convenient. It is very appealing to people to have things done online now.
  • Imagery- "Leaky bathtub? Kitchen fire?", "Got a computer? How about a flat screen TV?" I think that these references to mental images gets the viewer thinking about his or her personal things and gives he or she more of a desire to get insurance once a personal connection is made.
  • Allusion- The webpage references the history of the company: "led by investment icon, Warren Buffet". This makes the company more trusting, comfortable, and reliable.
  • Alignment- The "Featured Insurance Products" section of the website is a great example of this tool. On the top of the site there is also a row of different headings for people to find certain links. It makes it easy for the viewer to follow and find what he or she needs. This convenience and layout appeals to the viewer.

4 comments:

  1. What are some new media devices that are used? Does the hypertextuality help or just what does tools are used?

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  2. I'm also curious about how Geico uses new media to bring about their messages. Do they have the "Caveman" videos on there? If they do, are they effective?

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  3. who would you specifically say their audience exactly is... do they seem to be targeting a specific age group?

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  4. I think that the links on the site do help because they direct the user to the specific insurance or topic they want to know about. There are ratings and reviews from costumers that viewers can look at so this creates more personal interaction. Also the front page has many interactive items that are a form of new media. Once again the free quote and area to manage a policy are good spots. They have one video right on the front that catches attention. It might not be as effective though since it is towards the bottom.

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