This post is for, Hump Day, which is a SexiDesign.com weekly blog series dedicated to investigating subliminal messages and sexy popular marketing techniques.

Flo, making tricked out name tags sexy…

The Progressive Insurance Girl

progressive insurance girl
Sitting on the couch next to a friendly male companion the television shows the latest Progressive Insurance commercial. And as quickly as it came on so was the immediate glee present in my buddy’s face. Smiling from ear to ear he recited the all too familiar lines of the commercial, laughing with such eerie jubilance I could only imagine the reasoning behind its appeal.

It’s not the first time I’ve been in the company of one of her fans, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. For America, is officially in love with Flo, the Progressive Insurance girl.

Who Is The Real Flo?

“Flo,” is actress and stand up comedienne Stephanie Courtney. Stephanie, who has made it publicly apparent of her oblivion to Flo’s appeal, has become an insurance brand icon with her bubbly personality and retro rock star looks.

But what really makes Flo so awesomely appealing–especially to men? Well, let’s found out…

Flo’s Quirky Allure

progressive insurance girl
Approachable

Flo’s fun and quirky personality radiates from the television screen–sending viewers head over heels for her charm. She’s cute, but her looks make her even more attainable, as opposed to a sexed up Paris Hilton selling a cheeseburger. And though it may all just be an act, Flo has the ability to portray such genuine happiness for her job and the service of her customers, that it’s no wonder the commercial leaves a long-lasting “giddy” feeling amongst her audience.

Style

Flo’s retro inspired style, from her bold red lips to her winged eyeliner, represent a touch of alluring naughtiness to the picture. Her style makes her normal, which adds to her approachability, making it easy for people–male or female to claim her as a new best friend.

Body Language

Stephanie Courtney may be oblivious to her natural sex appeal, but it is very apparent in her body language. First off, you are greeted with a representative with a genuine smile–that is, a smile that creates crows feet around the eyes. A smile, that is so contagious that you have to smile back. Her body movements are that of an innocent yet flirtatious school girl, exhibiting an enthusiasm which only intrigues it’s audience.

Flo vs. The Competition

Geico’s Gecko
geico gecko
There is an apparent charm in Geico’s official mascot. He’s as adorable as can be and has an accent to boot! However, he’s only an animation–an inanimate, nonexistent character only appearing for it’s beloved commercials. Flo is a strong competitor against the gecko because people can actually see themselves meeting her, sharing a couple of laughs together, or retrieving a treasured autograph. Either way you see it, the best way to build rapport with your audience is to give them an actual human being.

Erin: Esurance Cartoon
erin esurance cartoon
Esurance also has a nifty little mascot too. And though she falls on the same line of being an animated character, her appeal is lost in her lack of sex appeal. Granted, the cartoon is pretty and a feisty little action superhero. But, she turns people into cartoons which seems more like a children’s fantasy than an adult’s reality. Besides, she speaks to her viewers like any regular business representative would: bland, robotic, and predictable. She’s got nothing on Flo!

The Future Of The Progressive Insurance Girl

Flo, or Stephanie Courtney, is already signed to do several more Progressive Insurance commercials, has a growing fan base of over 300,000, and a Facebook Fan Page. Not to mention the character is one of the the hottest new Halloween costumes of choice amongst women. For now, at least, Flo is here to stay…