Unconventional Approaches to Marketing That Actually Work

Here at Surf’s Up, we live, eat, and breathe branding and are experts in all approaches to marketing. The marketing mix is full of different marketing approaches, marketing strategies, and tactics.

We know what works, and what is just hype.  We study marketing from a level that is…well, unlike other digital marketing agencies. Trust us, that is a good thing!

When it comes to the decision-making process of who you want to trust for the marketing functions of your business, trust the ones who may give you ideas that seem a little unorthodox and help you implement them to success.

If everyone participated in the same marketing activities, you wouldn’t notice them. It is why a lot of them are not successful for brands.

At Surf’s Up, we like to not only ride the challenging waves, but we like to make waves.

Unconventional Approaches to Marketing That Work!

We’re stepping off the beaten path to explore some unconventional tactics we’ve personally tested and found to be game-changers. No fluff, no frills—just real insights from marketing experts in the digital trenches.

Let us take a journey beyond the ordinary, where creativity meets strategy. We can help you redefine the rules of the marketing game together.

1. Guerilla Stunts

Surprise your audience with unexpected and attention-grabbing stunts in public spaces. It could be a flash mob, street art, or anything that leaves a memorable impression. It can also be activities getting the community or your target demographic involved. We can promise you that your efforts will be posted on social media by someone… a few someones.

2. Reverse Psychology Campaigns

Play with the element of surprise by using reverse psychology in your messaging. Challenge expectations and provoke thought, making your brand stand out. Using different approaches such as this allows your target audience to think a bit.

Market research shows that by nudging consumers to adopt thoughts and behaviors that defy their initial convictions, brands can cultivate a sense of exclusivity, amplifying the demand for their products or services. When harnessed effectively, the prowess of reverse psychology transforms into a potent tool for businesses, leading to profit multiplication and the establishment of a devoted customer base.

3. Mystery Behind-the-Scenes

Create intrigue by teasing a mysterious behind-the-scenes project. Drop subtle hints and build anticipation, turning your audience into detectives eager to uncover the secret.

Bonus- garner so much interest that you build your email list to entice subscribers to be the “first to know”!

4. Unexpected Partnerships

Collaborate with unlikely partners or brands from different industries. It adds a fresh perspective and can lead to surprising connections. You’d be surprised to know the common ground of the target audience there is out there between industries.

There is often a lot of synergy with marketing strategy amongst brands. Partnerships are often smart business decisions.

5. Influencer Partnerships Unlike Others

Who is tired of seeing the typical unboxing, or a post showing products that you’ve never seen an influencer use or talk about before? Hands, please!

There are the typical influencer marketing campaigns, then there are OUR influencer marketing campaigns.

Why not make it immersive? Let’s give the influencer deliverables that include embarking on an adventure to uncover the true potential of your product. Each clue leads them to discover a unique feature or use.

Encourage the influencer’s audience to participate by guessing the next steps or solving challenges alongside them. It creates a sense of community engagement. There are many ways this can be done that are fun and out-of-the-box!

6. Interactive Content Ventures

Create quizzes, polls, or interactive infographics to entice involvement in your branding strategy. People love engaging content, and it can boost your audience interaction. Hence, user-generated content is often the result.

7. Behind-the-Scenes- a Real POV

Give your audience a sneak peek into your daily routine. Show the fun and creative process behind your work. But also, show the challenges. It adds a personal touch and makes you more relatable.

Gone are the polished reels and YouTube videos made by marketing departments, showcasing only the glitz and glamour. People want to see you in the trenches, so they know you are human. Authenticity is thrown around like a buzzword these days, but true authenticity builds relationships, communities, and customers.

8. Live Q&A Sessions, but Make Them Interesting

Look, we are all tired of the online host reading names of people who are showing up on the live, “Hi Jess, good to see you! “Oh, hey Sam!” “Hey, Callie from Cali!” No. Just no.

No one wants to see duplication or copycat marketing.

We want to help you make these Q&A sessions lively and exciting!

Announce that the session will be held at a public place, and invite people to attend in person, and then those who cannot come to you can chime in virtually.

Both sides can ask questions about your business, services, and brand. Potential customers begin feeling like they are vested in your company and inevitably are more likely to become loyal customers.

Ordinary is Forgotten in Marketing

In the world of marketing, the ordinary is forgotten, but the extraordinary is remembered. A marketing campaign doesn’t have to be confined to the predictable lanes of tradition. They should be a rollercoaster of engagement, a mosaic of interaction, and a testament to the uniqueness that sets you apart.

The takeaway though? The nugget of info to keep in the back of your mind from all of these ideas? Be consistent. A unique approach to marketing won’t get any traction if you are not consistent with your marketing overall.

Leave the lightbulb moments in marketing to us.

Fear not! Let us be your compass on the seas of limitless possibilities. Together, we’ll navigate the uncharted territories of marketing, crafting campaigns that resonate, captivate, and leave a lasting imprint.

Say goodbye to the mundane and embrace the extraordinary—let your story begin!

We’ve Got You!

Concerned about brainstorming unconventional marketing approaches? Leave the strategy and execution to us. Reach out, and we’ll dive in whenever you’re ready to create some waves!