In the world of marketing, capturing people’s attention is now the toughest challenge. Amidst thousands of advertisements every day, we only remember those that make us laugh or evoke strong emotions.
Interestingly, some funny marketing ads have achieved a level of success that even the companies’ creators couldn’t have imagined. Today, we will learn about some advertisements that have transformed their brands through humor.
Why is humor so effective in marketing?
People inherently enjoy entertainment. When a brand abandons seriousness and communicates in a fun way, it creates an emotional connection with customers. Research has shown that funny marketing ads are shared three times more often than regular advertisements and leave a lasting impression on people’s minds.
Old Spice (Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like)
At one time, Old Spice was considered a “brand from our grandfathers’ era.” But in 2010, a campaign completely changed that perception. The strange and humorous antics of a well-built man sitting in a bathtub made viewers laugh. After the release of this funny marketing ad, Old Spice’s sales increased by 125%.
Dollar Shave Club
This is a prime example of how a video made for just $4,500 can transform into a billion-dollar company. At the beginning of the video, CEO Michael Dubin comes directly in front of the camera and starts saying all sorts of quirky things. This type of funny marketing ad proves that expensive cameras or locations aren’t what matter; rather, a great script and humor are the real key.
Metro train: Dumb Ways to Die
Awareness advertisements aimed at preventing train accidents are usually frightening. But the Australian metro train authorities came up with an animated music video. People laughed at the scenes of cute characters dying in bizarre ways, and at the same time, the message about train safety reached everyone. It became known as one of the most popular funny marketing ads worldwide.
The risks and successes of humorous advertising
Not all humor works. But when brands understand the right timing and the right audience, funny marketing ads work like magic. It not only increases product sales but also transforms the brand into a familiar member of people’s households. These Funny Marketing Ads prove that the right humor can drive brand success beyond expectations.
Candy brand Skittles
Skittles has always been known for its quirky and bizarre advertisements. Their ads are so unusual that people can’t help but talk about them. Through these kinds of funny marketing ads, they have created a unique brand image for themselves.
Popeyes vs. Chick-fil-A (The Chicken Sandwich War)
Social media is now a major battleground for marketing. Popeyes made a simple but funny tweet about their chicken sandwich, targeting Chick-fil-A. The humorous marketing campaign that arose from this digital battle resulted in them selling out all their sandwiches within a few days.
Avis (We Try Harder)
In the sixties, Avis was the second-largest car rental service. They openly admitted that they weren’t number one, and therefore, they worked harder for their customers. This honest yet humorous marketing campaign won people’s hearts and significantly boosted their business growth.
Why should you incorporate humor into your business?
Even if you are a small business owner, you should include funny marketing ads in your marketing strategy. It lowers people’s defensive guard. When someone laughs, they are more receptive to your message.
The last word
Marketing is not just about praising features; it’s about bringing smiles to people’s faces. Every advertisement discussed above has proven that combining creativity with humor can yield returns far beyond expectations. So, when designing your next campaign, don’t underestimate the power of funny marketing ads.
