Top 10 Bizarre Marketing Stunts to Boost Sales
In the competitive world of marketing, standing out is crucial for capturing consumer attention and increasing sales. Over the years, some brands have taken bold, bizarre, and sometimes downright strange approaches through creative marketing tactics and viral marketing stunts. Here, we look at the top 10 bizarre marketing stunts that have achieved impressive results and left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
1. The Ford Fiesta Splash in Milan
The car manufacturer Ford Fiesta created a splashy marketing stunt in Milan, where a new Fiesta was submerged in a giant water tank, with a crowd gathered to watch the unveiling. The dramatic reveal captured media attention and boosted the car’s sales.
2. The Coca-Cola Happiness Machine
Coca-Cola installed vending machines that dispensed not only drinks but also unexpected surprises like flowers and pizzas. This experiential marketing stunt generated viral buzz and increased brand engagement.
3. The Kit Kat Break Out in London
Kit Kat’s giant outdoor advertising campaign featured a huge chocolate bar breaking through walls in London, symbolizing the "break" aspect of their brand. It quickly drew public attention and social shares.
4. The IKEA Sleepover
IKEA hosted a sleepover event inside one of their stores, allowing customers to experience the furniture firsthand. The stunt created a buzz and showcased their products in a memorable way.
5. The Burger King Whopper Detour
Burger King tricked app users into redirecting to the digital space with an offer for a free Whopper, leading to a rise in sales and social media chatter. This creative digital campaign demonstrated clever use of app marketing.
6. The Burger B.E.D Campaign
In an unusual move, a Burger B.E.D was set up for public relaxation, blending humor and brand visibility, garnering attention for its unusual approach.
7. The Skittles Rainbow Rain
Sensory marketing comes alive with Skittles’ rainstorm where vibrant rain poured Skittles candies in a public plaza, creating a spectacle that drew crowds and social shares.
8. The Volvo Truck Lighthouse
Volvo created a giant light installation resembling a lighthouse, demonstrating the sturdiness and reliability of their trucks. This branding stunt was both creative and effective.
9. The Gym Shark Underwater Workout
Gym Shark launched an underwater workout video featuring fitness influencers, making waves across social media platforms and inspiring fitness enthusiasts.
10. The PETA Anti-Cage Campaign
PETA staged a powerful and bizarre animal rights protest involving live actors in cages to raise awareness about animal cruelty and gain media coverage.
These bizarre marketing stunts serve as examples of how bold and creative approaches can sometimes produce surprising and successful results. Whether through humor, shock, or innovation, these campaigns prove that taking risks can pay off in the realm of marketing.