Unconventional Digital Marketing Strategies That Deliver Surprising Results

Picture this scenario

Your company has recently launched an innovative product, and you're eagerly waiting for the world to embrace your brand. However, despite meticulously crafting a traditional marketing plan, it seems like the world is not responding as expected. Does this sound familiar? Well, take comfort in knowing that the marketing landscape is unpredictable and often resistant to traditional tactics. That's where unconventional marketing techniques come into play.

As the late, great Albert Einstein once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." So, let's inject some 'sanity' into our marketing strategies, shall we?

1. Make Memes, Not War

As any Gen Z individual will tell you, memes are the language of the internet. Embracing their sarcastic, ironic, and sometimes self-deprecating humor can work wonders for your brand. Take, for instance, the luxury fashion house Gucci, which ran a meme-based marketing campaign titled ‘#TFWGucci’. This bold move resonated with the younger audience, creating buzz and brand relevance among a demographic that was previously challenging to engage.

2. Piggyback on Pop Culture

Tapping into pop culture trends, be it from movies, music, or the latest Netflix obsession, is a powerful way to stay relevant and become part of the conversation. Look at the success of Spotify’s ‘Wrapped’ campaign, which utilizes users’ listening data to generate personalized year-end reports. It has become a pop-culture phenomenon, with users eagerly sharing their unique statistics each year.

3. Flip the Script

Nothing grabs attention like a good ol' switcheroo. Presenting your product or service from an unexpected angle can spark curiosity and engagement. The Dollar Shave Club’s inaugural video campaign is a perfect example of this. Their irreverent humor and straight-talking CEO flipped the narrative on a commonly mundane product — razors — leading to a viral sensation and explosive brand growth.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships

A strategic partnership can offer a fresh perspective, access to new audiences, and enhanced credibility. It's like borrowing someone else's popularity, and both brands benefit! For instance, consider the successful partnership between Apple and MasterCard for the Apple Pay service. This collaboration opened up new possibilities for both brands, leading to increased visibility and consumer convenience.

5. Community Building

Invest in building an engaged community around your brand. This creates a tribe of loyal followers who not only buy from you but also advocate for your brand. Peloton has mastered this approach with a vibrant community of fitness enthusiasts who share their workouts, achievements, and challenges, creating an ecosystem that promotes continual engagement with the brand.

6. Utilize User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content is like getting your customers to do your marketing for you (for free!). It's authentic, relatable, and brings a personal touch to your brand. Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, which featured the names of consumers on their product packaging, is a prime example of UGC done right.

7. Embrace Augmented Reality (AR)

AR can provide an immersive experience that bridges the gap between the digital and physical world, creating a memorable interaction with your brand. IKEA’s AR application, IKEA Place, enables customers to visualize how a piece of furniture will look in their space before purchasing — a game-changer in the home décor shopping experience.

The Recipe for Success:

Ready to break some rules and redefine your marketing strategy? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to follow us for more out-of-the-box insights. Remember, in this hyper-digital age of marketing, sometimes you have to be a little 'insane' to achieve sanity.

8. Steal Traffic

Stealing traffic might sound strange, but there's nothing illegal or unethical about it. Your audience is already engaging in conversations and interacting with content in your industry. Instead of trying to create traffic from scratch, why not take advantage of existing traffic?

There are various ways to steal traffic, such as using trending hashtags or capitalizing on online conversations related to events. You can monitor brand mentions, trending hashtags, or industry discussions using a tool to target your campaign effectively.

For instance, if your company sells tech gadgets, you could leverage the existing traffic around the yearly Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Share updates about the event, gadgets you're excited to see, similar products being presented at the show, and photos of you or your team members attending the event.

9. Make Public Art

Hire someone to design an artistic advertisement, whether it's displayed in your storefront window or on a billboard. Exceptional artwork will draw the eye and demonstrate that you genuinely care about your followers.

Using sidewalk chalk for public art marketing is a popular trend. Whether you have a storefront and use your sidewalk to illustrate promotions or you write out a promotion on a city sidewalk in a public space, this can generate significant engagement and attract an audience in itself.

10. Give Something Back

Never forget that your customers are crucial to your success—show them how much you appreciate them. You can generate more business simply by expressing gratitude for their support. Giving back can be as simple as sending a thank-you letter, but many successful businesses go a step further and offer a gift. For example, you could send a coupon to your loyal customers during Christmas, donate to a charity of your followers' choice, or send a swag gift in the mail.

11. Start a Movement

Harness the passion of your audience to start a movement that aligns with your brand. When people are passionate about something, they tend to engage more actively, leading to increased brand awareness across all media platforms. Identify what your target audience cares about deeply, and find ways to align your brand values with their interests. By initiating a movement that resonates with your audience, you can create a sense of community and foster stronger connections with potential customers.

Conclusion

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, traditional marketing methods may not always yield the desired results. That's why it's essential to explore unconventional marketing strategies to capture the attention and interest of your target audience. From embracing memes and pop culture to flipping the script and utilizing user-generated content, these strategies can breathe new life into your marketing efforts.

Additionally, consider stealing existing traffic, using public art to showcase your brand's creativity, and giving back to your loyal customers to strengthen your brand's reputation and relationships. Finally, tapping into the passion of your audience and starting a movement can further elevate your brand's visibility and impact.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to marketing success. It's crucial to stay adaptable, take calculated risks, and continuously understand and adapt to your audience's preferences and behaviors. By adopting these unconventional marketing techniques and staying ahead of the curve, your brand can stand out in the hyper-competitive digital landscape.

So, are you ready to break some rules and redefine your marketing strategy? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, and be sure to follow us for more cutting-edge marketing tips. In this hyper-digital age, sometimes a little 'insanity' can lead to extraordinary results.