Weird ad campaigns aren’t reserved just for the Superbowl.
Granted, there are a lot of offbeat ads competing for attention during that infamous – and infamously expensive – time slot; nearly every day, however, brings some new kind of strangeness into the advertising and marketing realm, and it’s been amplified by the internet and now mobile. It’s the time of year where weird ad campaigns take over the world!
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We decided it would be fun to take a little stroll down memory lane, and see what weird ad campaigns and other offbeat marketing schemes had been deployed in the past twenty years. We chose a few favorite campaigns, and we are likely bringing you a belly laugh today when you think back about some of these projects.
Whether you are a creative looking for inspiration, a potential ad man trying to research what types of ads or campaigns actually stick around in peoples’ memory, or if you just happen to like weird ad campaigns for the sake of liking them, then you’re going to like this episode of the podcast!
Off the wall campaigns come in all sizes and shapes.
We’re chatting about diverse advertising campaigns – everything from IKEA’s famous “Princess and the Pee” to AB Inbev (formerly known as Anheiser Busch) pushing a strange, mystical, and totally fake animal in a Superbowl commercial. A really weird Superbowl commercial.
So of course, with the Superbowl set to air just a few short days from now, there are a ton of places online to “pre-watch” the commercials – which frankly takes all the fun out of it, if you ask us! Half the reason to watch the game in the past was to see the commercials as they aired; they were almost more important that the game itself for a lot of people.
Standing Out From the Crowd: Why Brands Go Weird with Marketing
In a world saturated with marketing messages, brands are constantly battling for our attention. This is where weird and offbeat campaigns come in. These seemingly bizarre tactics may raise eyebrows, but they can be surprisingly effective in achieving brand recognition and engagement.
Here are some key reasons why brands might choose to get weird:
- Cut Through the Noise: The marketing landscape is bombarded with conventional ads. A weird ad campaign can act as a jolt, grabbing attention and making a lasting impression on viewers. Imagine a commercial featuring dancing hamsters promoting car insurance – it’s unexpected, funny, and likely to be remembered long after a typical car commercial fades away.
- Spark Conversation and Social Sharing: Offbeat campaigns are designed to be talked about. In the age of social media, shareability is king. A weird ad campaign can go viral, generating organic buzz and reaching a wider audience than traditional advertising methods. People love to share strange or funny things online, and brands can leverage this to spread their message organically.
- Build Brand Personality: Weird ad campaigns can be a way for brands to showcase their unique personality and values. By embracing humor, quirkiness, or even a touch of absurdity, brands can connect with consumers on an emotional level and build a more relatable image. A playful and unexpected campaign can make a brand seem more approachable and human.
- Target Specific Demographics: Sometimes, weirdness is targeted. Brands might use offbeat humor or unconventional visuals to appeal to specific demographics, like young adults or tech-savvy consumers. These audiences might appreciate the irony or self-awareness inherent in a weird ad campaign, feeling a sense of connection with the brand’s humor.
- Leave a Lasting Impression: Weird ad campaigns can be highly memorable. The unexpected nature of an offbeat ad can create a stronger association with the brand in a consumer’s mind compared to a more forgettable conventional campaign. If done right, a weird campaign can leave a positive and lasting impression that translates to brand loyalty.
However, using weirdness is a balancing act. If the campaign goes too far, it can backfire, alienating consumers or even damaging the brand image. The key is to ensure the weirdness aligns with the brand’s core values and resonates with the target audience.
Using weirdness in marketing can be a powerful tool for brands to stand out, spark conversation, and build brand loyalty. But it’s a strategy that requires careful planning and execution. When done right, a weird ad campaign can be the key to unlocking a brand’s full potential in a crowded and competitive marketplace.