logo
logo
Sign in

Thinking Outside the Box: Unconventional Buzz Marketing Tactics That Work

avatar
Ghia Marnewick
Thinking Outside the Box: Unconventional Buzz Marketing Tactics That Work

Asking yourself “What is buzz marketing?”? Keep reading to find out…

 

Buzz marketing, also known as word-of-mouth marketing or viral marketing, is a marketing technique that involves creating excitement and generating interest in a product or service through various means of communication, including social media, email marketing, blogs, online forums, and other online and offline channels.

 

So, how is buzz marketing used?

 

The goal is to create a buzz or a viral buzz around a product or service, generating conversations, and getting people to talk about it, share it, and promote it. The main idea behind a buzz marketing strategy is to leverage the power of word-of-mouth to spread the message about a product or service, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation that can lead to increased sales and customer engagement.

 

Buzz marketing tactics can be an effective way to create a loyal customer base, increase brand awareness, and ultimately drive revenue.


Some buzz marketing campaign examples include:

Ikea's "Human Catalogue" Campaign

In 2014, Ikea launched a buzz marketing campaign in the United Arab Emirates where they turned their staff into living catalogues. Customers would ask a staff member about a particular product, and they would instantly become the human catalogue by standing next to the product with a signboard providing all the details. The campaign generated a lot of buzz on social media and increased foot traffic to Ikea stores.


Airbnb's "One Less Stranger" Campaign

In 2015, Airbnb launched a buzz marketing campaign called "One Less Stranger," where they encouraged their users to perform a random act of kindness for a stranger and share their experience on social media using the hashtag #OneLessStranger. The campaign generated a lot of buzz and positive publicity for Airbnb, showing their commitment to community building and social responsibility.


Oreo's "Dunk in the Dark" Campaign

During the 2013 Super Bowl, the lights went out in the stadium, and Oreo capitalized on the opportunity by tweeting an image with the caption "Power out? No problem. You can still dunk in the dark." The tweet went viral and generated a lot of buzz, making Oreo one of the most talked-about brands during the Super Bowl.

 

How Does Buzz Marketing Work?  


Buzz marketing works by creating a sense of excitement and anticipation around a product or service and generating interest and engagement among potential customers. Here are some of the key components of how buzz marketing works:

 

1.   Unique or remarkable product or service: Buzz marketing starts with a unique, remarkable, or attention-grabbing product or service. Something that is new, innovative, or different from what's already available in the market can generate interest and excitement among consumers.

 

2.   Target audience: Buzz marketing relies on understanding and targeting the right audience. Identifying the right demographic and psychographic factors can help create a buzz among people who are more likely to be interested in the product or service.

 

3.   Influencers and advocates: Buzz marketing often involves identifying and engaging with influential people, such as bloggers, social media influencers, celebrities, or other thought leaders who can help spread the message and generate buzz.

 

4.   Multi-channel marketing: Buzz marketing involves using multiple channels and platforms to reach potential customers, including social media, email marketing, blogs, online forums, and other online and offline channels.

 

5.   Emotional connection: Buzz marketing also relies on creating an emotional connection with potential customers. By tapping into people's emotions, such as their desire for social acceptance or the need for self-expression, buzz marketing can create a sense of belonging and excitement around the product or service.

 

6.   User-generated content: Buzz marketing can also leverage user-generated content, such as reviews, testimonials, and social media posts, to create a sense of authenticity and credibility around the product or service.


Actionable Buzz Marketing Strategies  

 

Here are some actionable buzz marketing strategies that businesses can use to create a buzz around their products or services:

 

  • Leverage social media: Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are great tools for creating a buzz. By posting engaging content, running social media contests, and using hashtags, businesses can encourage their followers to share the content and generate buzz in an attempt to go viral.
  • Influencer marketing: Collaborating with influencers and thought leaders who have a large following on social media can help generate buzz around a product or service. By providing influencers with samples of the product or service, they can share their opinions and experiences with their followers, creating a buzz around it.
  • User-generated content: Encouraging customers to share their experiences with the product or service on social media can help create buzz. By using hashtags and sharing the content on the company's social media accounts, businesses can amplify the user-generated content and create a sense of authenticity and credibility.
  • Exclusive offers: Offering exclusive deals or discounts to customers who share the product or service on social media can encourage them to talk about it and share it with their friends and followers, creating a buzz around it.
  • Creative marketing campaigns: Creating unique and creative marketing campaigns, such as viral videos or interactive experiences, can help generate buzz and get people talking about the product or service.
  • Events and experiences: Hosting events or creating unique experiences around the product or service can create a sense of exclusivity and excitement, generating buzz among attendees and those who hear about it.
  • Public relations: Generating positive publicity through media coverage or press releases can help create buzz around the product or service and increase its visibility.

 

Tips for a Successful Buzz Marketing Campaign


Here are some tips for creating a successful buzz marketing campaign:

 

Define your target audience: Identify your target audience and create a message that resonates with them. Understand their pain points, desires, and interests to create a message that connects with them.

 

Focus on the unique value proposition

Highlight the unique value proposition of your product or service. Identify what sets you apart from the competition and make that the center of your messaging.


Leverage influencers

Identify and engage with influencers who have a large following and are relevant to your industry. Collaborating with them can help amplify your message and create a buzz.


Create engaging content

Create content that is engaging, shareable, and memorable. Use visuals, storytelling, and humor to create an emotional connection with your audience.

 

Utilize social media

Social media platforms are great tools for creating a buzz. Use social media to reach your target audience, engage with them, and create shareable content.


Encourage user-generated content

Encourage customers to share their experiences with your product or service on social media. This can help create a sense of authenticity and credibility around your brand.

 

Be creative

Use creative marketing techniques, such as experiential marketing, viral videos, or interactive campaigns, to create a buzz and get people talking about your brand.


Measure and adjust

Track the success of your campaign and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use metrics such as social media engagement, website traffic, and sales to measure the impact of your campaign.

 

Summary

Viral marketing can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to create a buzz around their brand, generate excitement, and increase sales. By leveraging influencers, social media, user-generated content, and creative marketing techniques, businesses can create memorable and impactful campaigns that resonate with their target audience.

 

Buzz marketing also allows brands to create a sense of authenticity and credibility by engaging with their audience in a more personal and meaningful way. Additionally, buzz marketing can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience, as campaigns can go viral and generate organic reach.

 

By implementing a well-planned buzz marketing campaign, businesses can create a positive reputation for their brand, build a loyal customer base, and ultimately drive business growth.

 

 

collect
0
avatar
Ghia Marnewick
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more