Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Let's Get Digital" with Wake and Make Media. In this episode, co-hosts Corey and Megan Nager Turner delve into the art of blending comedy with branding and marketing. This discussion is not just entertaining but also packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to spice up their marketing strategies with a touch of humor.
The Power of Comedy in Branding
Megan Nager Turner, leveraging her expertise as a stand-up comedian and marketer, introduces her upcoming book "Punchlines to Profits," which is all about using comedy to elevate marketing strategies. She emphasizes that while many brands shy away from humor, fearing it might not resonate with their audience, comedy actually has the power to grab attention, appear more authentic, and ultimately, level up marketing efforts.
Key Strategies for Infusing Comedy in Marketing
Know Your Audience: The first step is understanding your audience's preferences. For instance, a serious audience might appreciate a gradual introduction to humor, while a younger, Gen Z audience might embrace it readily.
Relatable Situations: Using relatable humor that resonates with your target audience is crucial. Megan cites an example of a commercial for Clawguard, where adults dressed as pets humorously showcased the product, making the ad both funny and relatable.
Surprise and Unexpectedness: Incorporating elements of surprise can make your content memorable. A great example is a roofing company ad that humorously portrayed roof damage in a way that's both surprising and engaging.
Leverage Pop Culture: Tapping into current trends and pop culture can be a smart move. A coffee shop client of Wake and Make Media transformed its theme to align with the Barbie movie release, resulting in a highly successful campaign.
Visual Hooks: The first few seconds of your content should be engaging. Whether it's a humorous visual or an unexpected scene, grabbing attention early on is key.
Props and Visuals: Using visuals and props can add a humorous dimension to your content. Megan shares an example where she dressed up as a grandmother to contrast traditional and digital marketing.
Self-Deprecating Humor: This involves poking fun at oneself or one’s industry in a light-hearted way. It's a tactic that can humanize your brand and make it more relatable.
Conclusion and Upcoming Book
Megan wraps up the episode with a reminder that comedy in marketing is subjective and requires taking risks. She advises businesses to experiment with these strategies, monitor the outcomes, and adjust accordingly. For more in-depth insights, she encourages listeners to look out for her book, "Punchlines to Profits," launching in January 2024.
In the meantime, she invites listeners to follow her on Instagram at MeganMakesComedy.
This episode of "Let's Get Digital" is a goldmine for anyone looking to add an edge to their marketing with comedy. It's not just about making people laugh; it's about creating memorable and engaging content that resonates with your audience. So why not give it a try and see how it transforms your brand's appeal?