Eleven’s Edge: Stranger Things to Try When Normal Marketing Fails

Y’all are not ready for this conversation. The marketing landscape is changing faster than the plot twists in your favorite thriller series, and if your strategies still feel like a tired rerun, it’s time to get bizarre—like, Eleven-in-the-Upstate-Bizarre. Sure, traditional marketing has its merits, but let’s face it: stale tactics are about as enticing as a soggy Demogorgon. So, what do you do when normal marketing fails? Embrace the strange, the unconventional, and the downright weird. Here’s how to make your brand scream “season finale, cliffhanger style!”

The Upside Down Strategy: Flipping Traditional Marketing on Its Head

Ever feel like you’ve been sucked into the Upside Down? Welcome to the world of marketing where flipping your approach can lead to incredible breakthroughs. The first step in breaking the cycle of typical marketing is to flip every expectation on its head:

• Identify Stagnant Practices: Look at your current campaigns. What feels tired? What gets yawns instead of clicks? If every idea feels more predictable than a Hawkins town meeting, it’s time to shake things up!
• Experiment Boldly: Try strategies that you haven’t seen in your industry. What if you snuck in a meme that references a popular TikTok trend in your next ad? Why not? Go for it and see what resonates. Luckily, you can channel your inner marketing genius with resources like The Viral Brand Voice Blueprint.

Brands like Old Spice and Dollar Shave Club flipped their narratives and went viral. Why? They embraced ridiculousness and weirdness that connected with audiences in unexpected ways.

Mind Flayer Branding: Creating Fear and Excitement

Fear can create powerful brand engagement; just ask the Mind Flayer! Tapping into emotions, especially ones that raise the heart rate, can create a buzz that traditional marketing strategies can hardly touch. Here’s how to harness that energy:

• Craft Suspenseful Stories: Ever watch a horror movie and yell at the screen during the tense parts? Use that suspense in your branding! Craft stories that build anticipation, making your audience lean in closer.
• Invoke Curiosity: Create campaigns that tantalize your customers—think teaser videos, mysterious email invitations, or cryptic social media posts. For instance, consider creating a limited series of products that are only available for a short time to evoke excitement.
• Challenge Perceptions: Just as Eleven challenged norms, your brand can redefine categories. Create edgy campaigns that provoke thought and conversation. Being a little controversial can sometimes translate to higher engagement rates!

To get inspiration for your campaigns, dive into the world of selling like Saul. Lessons from this approach can reveal how storytelling with tension and excitement drives connection.

Demogorgon Engagement: Overcoming Customer Resistance

Let’s face it: customers can sometimes be as resistant as a Demogorgon. The trick? Combining interactive and immersive experiences that get them hooked. Here are a few ideas:

• Use Interactive Content: Polls, quizzes, and augmented reality experiences are all the rage. They draw customers in and encourage participation, making them feel part of the brand.
• Leverage Influencers: Just like the kids in Hawkins banded together, you can collaborate with influencers who resonate with your audience. They can assist in breaking down barriers and building excitement around your brand.
• Create Anticipation: Launch events and surprise drops work wonders. If your followers know something unexpected is coming, they’ll be more engaged and excited!

You can create powerful experiences that turn resistance into active participation. Remember, nobody wants to be the Demogorgon at the party!

The Byers’ Family Playbook: Authentic Storytelling

The Byers family had their share of turmoil, and their resilience told a powerful story. In the same way, authentic storytelling can breathe life into your marketing:

• Emotional Resonance: Tap into shared experiences and feelings that your audience can relate to. Stories of overcoming adversity or finding your “people” resonate deeply.
• Be Vulnerable: Share your brand’s journey—the ups, the downs, and the weird in-betweens. Audiences appreciate transparency and it builds trust.
• Use Visuals Wisely: A compelling image or video can enhance your narrative. Pair your words with visuals that evoke emotion and create stronger connections.

You might also want to explore more about building communities through storytelling with our Ebook: Started From the Comments Now We Here: Community Building 101. It will enrich your storytelling strategies!

Community Building: The Hawkins Connection

In “Stranger Things,” the characters rely heavily on their friends and community during tough times. Building a vibrant community around your brand is essential:

• Foster Genuine Interactions: Engage with your audience beyond your product. Host events, live streams, or Q&A sessions that invite customers to connect.
• Encourage User-Generated Content: Challenge your audience to create content around your brand or products. It fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
• Support Causes That Matter: Aligning your brand with social causes can amplify loyalty. When customers believe in what you stand for, they become your strongest advocates.

Building community isn’t just about marketing; it’s about creating a culture where customers feel seen, heard, and valued. Embrace your inner Hawkins—with all its quirks and charm!

Unconventional Partnerships: Linking Beyond Boundaries

Just like the unique alliances formed in “Stranger Things,” unexpected partnerships can lead to incredible opportunities:

• Find Your Unlikely Allies: Collaborate with brands that aren’t direct competitors but share a similar audience. Think outside the box—a pet supply brand with a local coffee shop, for example. Together, you can host joint events or create thrilling joint campaigns.
• Cross-Promotions: Utilize social media to promote each other’s content, products, or services. Building recognition can make waves for both parties.
• Fun Collaboration Campaigns: Craft a campaign that brings together both brands in a fun, engaging way. Your joint venture can lead to new audience demographics exploring your brand!

Embrace the chaos of collaboration, and watch your brand synergy skyrocket.

Content Creation from Beyond the Norm: Innovation and Variety

It’s easy to fall into predictable content routines, but don’t be a basic marketing strategy! Break the mold and explore new formats that delight:

• Diverse Formats: Blogs, videos, podcasts, and webinars are just the beginning. Try your hand at interactive infographics or live storytelling sessions to captivate your audience.
• Experiment with Series: Create content series that keep your audience glued to their screens, waiting for the next episode—like the series finales we all binge. Hook them in with cliffhangers!
• User Stories: Let your customers take the spotlight. Share their experiences using your product in creative ways, building strong connections through genuine narratives.

The key is to keep your content fresh and engaging, ensuring your audience is ready for whatever strange surprises you throw their way!

Marking Your Territory: Making Space for Your Brand

In the wilds of marketing, the competition can feel daunting, but here’s the secret: you’re not just another brand. Embrace your unique voice and showcase your personality. Boldly display your quirks, your mission, and your story. Here are some final tips:

• Be Authentic: Don’t shrink to fit a mold. Embrace what makes you, you!
• Stay Relatable: Connect on a personal level within your community; your audience should see themselves in your brand.
• Prepare for the Unexpected: Just like in ‘Stranger Things,’ be ready to adapt to unforeseen challenges with a creative twist.

So arm yourself with these strategies and dive into the unknown depths of marketing opportunities. After all, when normal marketing fails, it’s time to embrace the strange—you never know what extraordinary success awaits!