Marketing has completely changed today. Most of us come from a generation when we had to sit through commercial breaks during our favorite TV shows. Now streaming services offer upgrades to avoid them. It takes far more effort to the market today than it has in the past.

How can we advertise effectively?

Experiential Marketing

This type of marketing connects consumers to products using emotion. It engages them, draws them into a world where they find a sense of belonging. For example, any soda commercial known to man makes you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t drink their product. They show individuals having adventures and extreme fun while drinking soda.

When done right, experiential marketing pulls the consumer in and makes them feel like they are actually a part of the experience. It encourages them to want to go out and witness the same happenings as portrayed in the ad. It’s at this point that you are no longer just trying to sell them your product; you are making the product about them.

But be careful when using this approach in your marketing. Because it encourages heavy engagement, it’s a sought after method. However, like anything, going into it without knowledge can cause serious damage to your business.

Pro for using experiential marketing.

Using too strong of a sales pitch can kill your image.

We’ve all done it. We’ve called a friend up that we haven’t spoken to for years because we want them to buy Avon from our Aunt Sue. We start off friendly, asking how the kids are. Then we go in for the kill. The problem is, your approach was too abrupt. If you pitch your sale too soon, you offend them and could possibly lose them forever.

Make it a personal and memorable experience.

Chick Fil A hit the experiential marketing right on the nose during the holiday season. They used a heartfelt animation to depict families needing to spend more time together during the holidays. They then associated their brand with spending time with the family by offering a free ice cream cone if they bring their loved ones to a Chick Fil A for quality time. Wow! That’s tugging at the heartstrings without being sales pitchy. They made the marketing campaign personal, and it was memorable because of the perfect timing and execution. Chick Fil A for the win!

Let’s face it, marketing just isn’t the same anymore. Companies have to be far more intentional and personal in order to get the attention of their customers. Make sure that whatever your strategy, you pay attention to timing, execution, and relevancy.