Marketing isn’t just changing; it’s expanding. It’s not just that we use social media differently now, but there are also 10x more features. You’re supposed to film, go live, run ads, post organically, partner, and cross-promote; it can be overwhelming. Here are some unique ideas to help you stand out.
#1. A Totally Random Collab
You’ve likely been planning collaborations and partnerships since you started your brand. But can you think of something totally random, fun, or bizarre that captures the essence of your brand? If you need inspiration, look at Fenty Beauty’s collab with Heinz Ketchup. You read that right.
#2. Offer An Un-Sale
I’m giving this a new name. Can you run a promotion that is the opposite of a sale? Like Cards Against Humanity did on Black Friday when they increased their sales. Maybe you increase prices with the profits going to a charity, run a huge promotion that says ‘TODAY ONLY EVERYTHING IS REGULAR PRICE!’ Remember that you want to stand out and zig when everyone else is zagging, but it doesn’t need to cost much money. We ran a 1% off sale for a client a few years ago, which was a huge success.
#3. MERCH!
Who doesn’t love some merch? Collab with a local t-shirt or apparel company for something memorable. Sell or offer it as a bonus; every time someone wears it, they promote your brand! The Juice Truck did a pretty unique collab with Native Shoes.
#4. Unique Pop-Ups
Events and in-person socials are BACK! Can you do a fun and unique pop-up? Maybe it’s somewhere totally random, like a lumber yard! Give your audience a different experience of buying from you. Even if you don’t get many sales at the pop-up, leverage it for some media, PR, and online content!
#5. Get Creative with Recommendations
Amazon has partnered with many celebrities to offer curated lists (like Priyanka Chopra). Indigo has Heather’s Recommendations, so have your team or supporters assemble their favourite ways to use your products. Or you could do recommended products or uses for big celebrities, like “the Top 5 products we recommend for Lady Gaga”. It’s fun to talk about and recommend your products in new ways.
What I love about most of these is that they can be done simply.