The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Strategies Examples: Because You Deserve to Win
As Seen On
Whoever said, “If you build it, they will come,” was clearly not discussing marketing. So, let’s dive into the world of marketing strategy examples and give your brand the edge it deserves.
The Fundamentals of Marketing Strategy
Remember the game of rock-paper-scissors? Let’s apply that metaphor to marketing strategies. There are countless tactics you can use, but they all fall into three main categories:
- Rock: Attract – This is all about getting the attention of potential customers. You know, like a shiny new toy or a Kardashian.
- Paper: Engage – Keep your audience interested, whether with informative content or by making them laugh (or cry if you’re into that).
- Scissors: Convert – Finally, turn those potential customers into paying ones. You know, like magic, but with less smoke and mirrors.
But what specific strategies should you use? Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to dive headfirst into some marketing strategies examples that will make your brand stand out like a sore thumb—in a good way.
The Power of Social Media Marketing
Did you know that there are over 4.48 billion social media users worldwide? That’s more than half the planet! So, it’s no wonder that social media marketing is a must for any brand worth its salt. But what does that look like in practice?
The Old Spice Guy: A Lesson in Virality
Remember the “Old Spice Guy”? Of course, you do. This iconic campaign, featuring a shirtless man riding a horse, took the internet by storm back in 2010. It wasn’t just funny—it was downright brilliant. In the end, Old Spice body wash sales increased by 107% following the campaign.
Wendy’s Twitter Roasts: A Lesson in Brand Personality
Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” if you want a masterclass in using social media to show off your brand’s personality, look no further than Wendy’s Twitter account. Their snarky, hilarious replies to customers and competitors have earned them a massive following and plenty of free publicity.
The Golden Rule of Content Marketing
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Content is king.” But what does that mean? It’s simple—give your audience something valuable, and they’ll give you their attention (hopefully, their money). But how can you make your content stand out in a sea of mediocrity? Here are some examples of content marketing done right.
Red Bull: A Lesson in Creating Engaging Content
Red Bull is a brand that’s synonymous with extreme sports, adrenaline-pumping events, and pushing the limits. But how did they get there? Through a brilliant content marketing strategy that focuses on creating engaging content, like their Stratos Project, where Felix Baumgartner skydived from the edge of space.
HubSpot: A Lesson in Educating Your Audience
HubSpot is a marketing automation platform, and they’ve become the go-to source for all things inbound marketing by providing its audience with valuable, educational content. From their blog to their academy, they’ve made it their mission to teach businesses how to succeed in the digital age.
The Art of Email Marketing
Ah, email—the modern-day love letter. Or, in this case, the modern-day “please buy my stuff” letter. But how do you cut through the noise and make your emails irresistible? Let’s take a look at some examples of email marketing done right.
BuzzFeed: A Lesson in Personalization
BuzzFeed has mastered the art of email marketing by making it personal. They send out quirky quizzes and personalized content based on the user’s preferences, turning their emails into a fun experience rather than just another newsletter.
Airbnb: A Lesson in Storytelling
While we said, no storytelling, Airbnb’s emails are the exception that proves the rule. They use beautiful visuals and compelling copy to showcase their unique listings and experiences, making their subscribers feel like they’re being whisked away to a far-off destination. Who wouldn’t want to open an email that takes them on a virtual vacation?
The Science of SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) may sound like a boring, technical topic, but it’s the key to getting your content seen by the right people. So, how do you make Google (and the other search engines, but let’s be real, it’s mostly Google) fall in love with your brand? Here are some examples of SEO strategies that have paid off.
Zappos: A Lesson in Long-Tail Keywords
Zappos, an online shoe retailer, has built its entire SEO strategy around long-tail keywords (i.e., specific, niche search terms). By doing so, they’ve been able to rank highly for a wide range of search queries and drive a ton of organic traffic to their site.
Brian Dean’s Skyscraper Technique: A Lesson in Link Building
Brian Dean, the founder of Backlinko, developed a link-building strategy called the “Skyscraper Technique.” The idea is to find popular content in your niche, create something even better, and then reach out to the right people to get them to link to your masterpiece. It’s a tried-and-true method for building high-quality backlinks and improving your site’s SEO.
Influencer Marketing: The New Word of Mouth
Influencer marketing is like word-of-mouth advertising on steroids. By partnering with social media influencers, brands can reach new audiences and build trust with their target market. But how do you ensure your influencer marketing campaign doesn’t fall flat? Here are some examples of influencer marketing done right.
Daniel Wellington: A Lesson in Leveraging Influencers
Daniel Wellington, a watch brand, exploded onto the scene by partnering with influencers on Instagram. By gifting their stylish watches to influencers and having them create beautiful, aspirational content, they were able to grow their following and become a household name in the world of fashion.
Glossier: A Lesson in Building a Community
Glossier, a beauty brand, has cultivated a loyal following by partnering with micro-influencers (i.e., influencers with smaller but highly engaged audiences). By focusing on creating authentic, user-generated content, Glossier has built a community of devoted fans who feel like they’re part of something special.
The Delight of Video Marketing
Let’s face it—people love watching videos. Whether it’s a hilarious cat compilation or a tear-jerking ad, video content captures our attention like nothing else. So, how can you use video marketing to make your brand shine? Here are some examples of video marketing strategies that have made a splash.
Dollar Shave Club: A Lesson in Humor
Dollar Shave Club’s viral video, featuring their CEO explaining the benefits of their subscription service while cracking jokes and doing absurd things, was a huge hit. The video racked up millions of views and helped the brand skyrocket to success. The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to make your audience laugh—they’ll thank you.
Nike: A Lesson in Emotional Storytelling
Nike is known for their inspiring, emotion-driven ads that tell stories of triumph and perseverance. By tapping into its audience’s emotions, Nike has created memorable, shareable video content that resonates with viewers and keeps them coming back for more.
The Magic of PPC Advertising
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising may not be the sexiest marketing strategy out there, but it’s an incredibly effective way to drive targeted traffic to your site. When done right, PPC can deliver a fantastic return on investment. Here are some examples of PPC campaigns that have hit the mark.
WordStream: A Lesson in Ad Relevance
WordStream, a digital marketing company, has mastered the art of PPC advertising by focusing on ad relevance. Creating highly targeted ads that speak directly to their audience’s pain points has achieved high click-through rates and conversions.
Slack: A Lesson in Ad Copy
Slack, a popular team collaboration tool, has nailed its PPC ad copy by keeping it simple, clear, and concise. They focus on the benefits of their product and use powerful words like “transform” and “unify” to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
Guerrilla Marketing: The Bold Approach
Guerrilla marketing is all about thinking outside the box and taking risks. This unconventional approach to marketing can create a massive impact without breaking the bank. Here are some examples of guerrilla marketing campaigns that have turned heads and made waves.
IKEA: A Lesson in Public Stunts
IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, has a knack for creating a buzz with its guerrilla marketing stunts. From installing a pop-up apartment on a rock-climbing wall to turning a subway car into a cozy living room, they’ve managed to generate tons of publicity and get people talking about their brand.
Coca-Cola: A Lesson in Interactive Experiences
Coca-Cola has embraced guerrilla marketing by creating interactive experiences that surprise and delight consumers. One memorable example is their “Happiness Machine“—a vending machine that dispensed free Coca-Cola products and other surprises to unsuspecting college students. By creating memorable, shareable moments, Coca-Cola has generated buzz and built brand loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I choose the right marketing strategy for my brand?
Start by identifying your target audience, your unique selling proposition, and your business goals. Then, consider which marketing strategies are best suited to help you achieve those goals while also resonating with your audience.
Can I use more than one marketing strategy?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to use a mix of strategies to reach your audience through various channels and create a cohesive brand experience.
How do I measure the success of my marketing efforts?
Track relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to determine whether your marketing strategies are working. Examples of KPIs include website traffic, social media engagement, email open and click-through rates, and conversion rates.
How can I improve my marketing efforts over time?
Continuously analyze your marketing performance data and adjust your strategies based on what’s working and what isn’t. Stay informed about the latest marketing trends and best practices, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new approaches.
How important is it to have a consistent brand voice across all marketing channels?
Very important! A consistent brand voice helps build trust and credibility with your audience, making it more likely that they’ll engage with your content and ultimately convert into paying customers.
The Bottom Line:
In conclusion, marketing is an ever-evolving field that requires creativity, adaptability, and a healthy dose of grit. By learning from these marketing strategies examples and applying the lessons they teach, you’ll be well on your way to making your brand stand out and achieving your business goals. Now go forth and conquer the world of marketing!
Konger
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.