Getting Nostalgic With A Product History Timeline

Products like football shirts can be very nostalgic. As a consumer, I have fond memories of old football shirts (from all clubs) from the early days when I first began to follow football.

This week whilst casually browsing the web (checking out all the premiership football club websites) I came across something awesome yet simple.

A Football Kit Timeline

I’m a big West Ham fan, and I’ve seen posters with collections of the old kits from yesteryear. But I’ve never seen a catalogue of the kits on the club’s website.

I did find one, however, whilst browsing the Leicester City website.

Why Is This So Wonderful?

Fashion and certain other products have nostalgic and emotional value. I can look back at the 1994 Merlin sticker album and lose myself in it, looking at all the players and their awful kits. My favourite is Norwich City’s 1993 kit. Wow, what a beauty! It’s so ugly but so beautiful.

The emotional connection springs good memories. The same thing happens for my generation when we see photos of Nintendo’s or 80’s or 90’s fashion. It reminds us of (hopefully) good memories and simpler times.

I remember my brother saving up his birthday money for a pair of Reebok Pumps. Simply seeing a picture of them brings back great memories of my childhood.

I am really surprised that Reebok hasn’t got a product timeline on its website. Highlighting the classic models that helped them to become the global brand they are today.

I read the founder’s book recently and learned about some of the models that helped them to become a household name. A timeline is what they thoroughly deserve. Joe Foster I think this is a great idea, put in a good word for me, please!

So What’s To Swipe & Deploy?

This is all about content. If your brand has a history, you’ll be surprised at how many people will want to learn about it or reminisce. If you have products that are meaningful to people and could potentially create an emotional connection, why not put them in a timeline on your website?

Many brands share things with the Throwback Thursday hashtag on social media, but how many have a dedicated history page?

History timelines are also great for highlighting team members who’ve played key roles in the growth of companies. Particularly those that have been around for years. (Crystal Coates, look out for some very old pictures of you on Impact’s new website!)

The Leicester City example I mentioned above wasn’t actually executed that well. It isn’t flashy and doesn’t use any interactions or animations, but it still hits the mark. A single-column layout with text and images is something that most marketers will be able to create on their WordPress websites.

I’d love to see any timeline examples you’ve come across, whether for pure nostalgia or impressive UI. Drop me a message with any that have caught your attention. I’d love to see one from Nintendo, with their landmark games and consoles.

That’s a wrap for Swipe & Deploy #10. Join me next week when I’ll share another insight or piece of inspiration from around the web. 

Want To Add A Timeline To Your Website?

If you’d like to add a timeline page or section to your WordPress or WooCommerce website, we can help! Start a conversation today about how we can help grow your website.

PS. If you want to learn about Reebok’s history, then get yourself a copy of Joe Foster’s book “Shoemaker”. A great story about a British business that went global.

PPS. Check out our post on the power of nostalgia in marketing.