Many brands have used controversial marketing to create buzz and get people talking about their products. However, this type of marketing is not appropriate for all brands. It would be wise to consider whether your service or product is suitable for this type of marketing before getting involved.
What is Marketing?
Marketing is the process of promoting products, brands, or services to consumers. The ultimate goal of marketing is to make a profit. Marketing campaigns usually start with research which includes defining your target audience and understanding their needs, wants, values, emotions, and behaviours.
For example, if you are running a restaurant, you need to know what kind of food people want to eat there. Do they want healthy food? Fast food? Something sweet? Understanding what people will buy at your restaurant will help you create the right marketing campaign.
Once you have defined your target audience and narrowed down what they want from your product or service, you will need to identify the appropriate marketing techniques such as social media campaigns or public relations events so that you can promote.
What is Controversial Marketing?
Controversial marketing is any marketing strategy that seeks to create controversy among the public by pushing boundaries or creating shocking content.
The intent behind controversial marketing strategies can vary; some tactics are employed to evoke strong reactions from the audience, while others are created to present an opinion on an issue that is divisive.
The main idea of controversial marketing is to create a stir in the media or public. A campaign might be seen as controversial because it pushes boundaries, the content is shocking, or it has a polarizing opinion on some issue.
How to Generate Controversy
This is a question that many brands have been asking themselves in recent years. To stand out from the competition, organizations need to generate controversy in the market. The more controversial a story is, the more successful it will be.
A brand can either generate controversy by creating one or using existing controversies to their advantage. One of the most common ways of developing controversy is by advertising a brand with a provocative slogan or image against cultural norms and values.
Download Now: Social Media Calendar – Use this social media content planner to create your digital media strategy [Free Download]
How to Create Controversial Marketing Campaigns?
As the world becomes more politically charged, marketing tactics are increasingly becoming controversial. It is not easy to create a controversial campaign, but the result will likely be highly viral.
The most crucial point in planning a controversial campaign is deciding what you want to achieve with it. What is the end goal? What type of message do you want to send? If you want your campaign to be highly viral, then focus on being provocative and shocking people.
Some marketing campaigns are so intense that they can generate an extreme response from the public, be it positive or negative. Be careful when trying this tactic because it can backfire if not executed right.
Does Controversial Marketing Work?
As a marketing tactic, controversial marketing is an effective way to get people talking about your brand.
Unfortunately, many examples of companies have lost their credibility because they pulled controversial marketing stunts.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to marketing tactics. One of the most effective ways to get attention is to break the rules and push boundaries but be careful not to ruin your reputation in the process!
In recent years, controversial marketing has been on the rise. The best example of controversial marketing is Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign. In this campaign, Dove markets its products to women by showcasing a diverse group of women in different shapes and sizes, all beautiful in their own way.
Tips for Implementing Controversial Marketing Strategies in Your Business
The first step is to establish what your business stands for and what makes it different from other companies out there.
For example, you might say that your company is against the current administration and supports equal rights or supports equal rights but advocates for sustainable living choices. You can also state that your company doesn’t take any political stance. These are just examples of what you can say about your business.
You should then figure out who would be impacted by this controversy and why they would be impacted by it. Survey people within your company and find out which this statement would impact groups of people and why they would care about the statement.
Controversy is a marketing ploy if used the right way. Controversy can provide a competitive edge, but you need to implement it with care.
1) Identify the controversy & the target audience
2) Establish your objective for your brand
3) Establish how you will achieve this goal
4) Develop a strategy that will work in the long run
Why You Should Use Controversial Marketing Strategies in Your Business
It may feel counterintuitive to market your business in a controversial fashion. But, when done right, it can be an effective marketing strategy. Here are some reasons why you should use controversial marketing strategies in your business.
– Increases exposure and exposure rate to brand
– Increases interest in brand and product
– Increases engagement with audiences
– Increases social shares
Controversial marketing tactics are not often easy to pull off, but they do work!
