4 Weird Yet Creative Marketing Ideas that Actually Worked

Feel like your recent campaign ideas have become a bit stale? Looking for a way to really shake things up when it comes to your marketing strategy? Interested in adopting a “go big or go home” approach to branding? 

If so, then you’ve come to the right place. 

In this post, we’re sharing with you four of the most creative marketing ideas of all time. Even if you don’t end up trying them out for your own advertising strategy, they should inspire you to think outside of the box. 

Ready to learn from the wacky, wonderful, and truly weird? If so, then keep on reading! 

1. Month at the Museum

In today’s social media-obsessed world, convincing people to put down their smartphones and spend some time looking at art instead of selfies can be a bit of a challenge. 

The famous Museum of Science and Industry of Chicago came up with a brilliant solution. Everyone familiar with the book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler has likely thought about what it would be like to be able to spend the night in the museum. 

In 2010, the Chicago-based museum took things even further. They held a contest that allowed the winner to live inside of the museum for a full 30 days — and to be able to get paid for it. 

The only catch? 

The winner needed to record what they were up to on the museum’s social media accounts. 

The museum got much more traction during the life of the contest. But they also got something they may or may not have planned on. After the winner was announced, many more people flocked to the space to see them in person. 

This unique marketing idea could work for almost any business. 

2. Would You Like a Toothbrush with That? 

Another one of our favorite creative marketing ideas comes from Colgate, the famous dental hygiene company. 

While most adults are aware of the importance of brushing and flossing, it can sometimes be hard to get kids to be enthusiastic about taking care of their teeth. 

Colgate decided that it would use one of the most kid-approved things in the world to get the attention of younger consumers: ice cream!

They worked with an ice cream maker to create a popsicle that actually used a toothbrush for a stick. As children ate through the yummy treat, they’d reveal the toothbrush. It also included an important reminder to brush and instructions on how to do so properly. 

Of course, you can also take a more traditional route when it comes to marketing your brand. Try pay-per-click instead of pay-per-lick, as seen on the JSA Interactive website. 

3. Pulling a Crazy Stunt

Sometimes, in order to pull off truly innovative marketing ideas, you have to be willing to get a little crazy. 

At least, that’s what the folks at Groupon seem to think. 

In 2011, Michael Bloomberg paid a visit to the famous deal site’s headquarters. Groupon needed a way to publicize the visit, so they decided to think outside of the box. 

Instead of a traditional “welcome” gift of free products or a nice bottle of champagne? The folks at Groupon decided to give Bloomberg a pony. 

As you’ve likely expected, the press had a serious field day — and we think the pony enjoyed all of the attention, too.

Unfortunately, there was one serious oversight: Groupon didn’t bother to do their research. It turns out that Bloomberg’s daughter had recently been seriously injured in a horseback riding accident a few weeks before the gift was given. 

Though everything was still a success, it certainly could have turned into a PR disaster if Bloomberg hadn’t responded well. 

The lesson here? If you’re going to risk a unique marketing idea, make sure you’ve taken the time to do your homework beforehand. 

4. How About a Free Guitar? 

Are you interested in getting a free guitar? Of course you are!

And, now that we’ve got your attention, let’s talk about how a radio station managed to give away hundreds of free guitars, all without having to spend a single cent. 

The catch? They gave away free air guitars. 

A Scottish radio station was trying to figure out how it could have the perfect launch party on a budget. They knew that their music wasn’t for everyone, but they needed a way to connect with their target market. 

The free air guitar giveaway was the perfect solution. 

Listeners loved the laugh, and we’re certain that they seriously enjoyed rocking out on their new air guitars as well. Many people posed for photos with their air guitars and the gimmick got tons of attention and press all over the world. 

We think that the neighbors definitely appreciated the silent air guitar concert! Today, the radio station is one of the most popular in Scotland. 

Will You Try Any of These Creative Marketing Ideas? 

We hope that this post has also shown you that some of the best creative marketing ideas don’t have to cost a ton of money. In fact, they can even sometimes be 100% free!

Whether you want to give away an invisible product or shower a celebrity with a truly unique gift, don’t be afraid to take a few risks in your marketing strategy. 

Of course, you also want to make sure that you have your marketing basics covered. To learn how to create a strong branding and marketing strategy, make sure that you keep checking back with our blog. 

We’ll also tell you how to improve office morale, keep production high, and much more. 

Weirdomatic is the place where all weird things come to life through the amazing world of photographs – a corner of our wild imagination or the whimsical face of the reality?