“Humor is subjective.” We’ve all heard it, and it’s true—what tickles one person might leave another stone-faced. But the beauty of humor in marketing isn’t in its subjectivity; it’s in the strategy behind it. Injecting humor into your local marketing doesn’t just lighten the mood; it makes your brand memorable. If you’re ready to take the plunge and add a little levity to your marketing efforts, here are four approaches that can help your business stand out from the crowd.
The Irreverent Approach
Being irreverent means being a little quirky and slightly edgy. It’s all about breaking the mold and defying traditional norms in a light-hearted way. Think of Wendy’s Twitter account, where the fast-food giant engages in a playful roast of its competitors. Their cheeky attitude has garnered significant attention and engagement, proving that a little irreverence can work wonders—especially with younger audiences.
But a word of caution: tread carefully! Not every brand can pull off the irreverent angle. This strategy works best when your products aren’t overly serious. For instance, if you're selling burgers, feel free to poke fun at local customs or landmarks. A little self-deprecation can also show that you’re genuinely connected to your community.
The Meme Approach
Memes are the lifeblood of internet culture, and they can be a goldmine for local marketing. Think of a meme as a culturally relevant joke packaged in a visual format. While many brands shy away from memes, those that embrace them—like Netflix—know how to connect with their audience on a personal level.
Memes resonate with people because they reflect shared experiences. Local businesses can capitalize on this by customizing existing memes to fit local themes or jokes. This approach creates an instant connection with your audience and gives your brand a relatable, humorous personality.
The Meta Approach
Let’s face it: most marketing tries to conceal its promotional intent behind a veil of objectivity. But what if you flipped the script? A meta approach means openly acknowledging that you’re marketing something—perhaps even poking fun at the traditional advertising style. This self-awareness can break down barriers and make your brand feel more approachable.
Consider using this strategy to highlight your local pride. If you’re a small-town business, embrace that narrative in your ads. Show your customers that you’re not just another faceless corporation but a genuine part of their community.
The Satirical Approach
Satire is the crème de la crème of humor, but it requires finesse. The goal is to cleverly critique societal norms or competitors while maintaining a playful tone. Take IKEA’s “Power of the Book Book Ad,” which humorously positioned their catalog as a groundbreaking tech product akin to an Apple release. The execution was clever and engaging, proving that satire can yield a memorable response from your audience.
For local marketing, consider lightly poking fun at your competitors or the industry standards. Just be careful to know your audience well—satire isn’t for everyone. Done right, though, it can create a buzz and position your brand as relatable and witty.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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