What it means to do guerrilla marketing, and a few epic examples from recent history

Guerrilla marketing is a form of unconventional marketing that uses unconventional and unexpected tactics to achieve a specific marketing goal. The focus is on creating a unique and memorable experience for the consumer rather than on traditional advertising methods such as television, radio, or print ads. Here are ten examples of how guerrilla marketing has been used successfully in the past:

1. The “I am a PC” campaign by Microsoft: In 2008, Microsoft launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their Windows operating system. The campaign featured everyday people holding signs that read “I am a PC” in public places, as well as a series of television commercials that featured the same message. The campaign was successful in changing consumer perception of Windows and increasing market share.
2. The “Subway is better than a gym” campaign by Subway: In 2010, Subway launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their healthier menu options. The campaign featured actors dressed as personal trainers encouraging people to eat at Subway instead of going to the gym. The campaign was successful in increasing sales and changing consumer perception of the Subway brand.
3. The “Gorilla” campaign by Cadbury: In 2007, Cadbury launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their Dairy Milk chocolate bar. The campaign featured a gorilla playing the drums to the Phil Collins song “In the Air Tonight” in a television commercial. The campaign was successful in increasing sales and raising brand awareness.
4. The “Epic Split” campaign by Volvo Trucks: In 2013, Volvo Trucks launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their new truck model. The campaign featured Jean-Claude Van Damme performing a split between two moving trucks. The campaign was successful in increasing sales and raising brand awareness.
5. The “Small Business Saturday” campaign by American Express: In 2010, American Express launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote small businesses. The campaign encouraged consumers to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The campaign was successful in increasing sales for small businesses and raising awareness of the importance of supporting small businesses.
6. The “Find the Next” campaign by Pepsi: In 2009, Pepsi launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their brand and find the next big music star. The campaign featured a nationwide talent search and included a series of television commercials and a dedicated website. The campaign was successful in finding new talent and raising brand awareness.
7. The “Make a Move” campaign by Nike: In 2013, Nike launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their new line of athletic shoes. The campaign featured a series of flash mob-style performances in public places, as well as a dedicated website and social media promotion. The campaign was successful in increasing sales and raising brand awareness.
8. The “Be the Ball” campaign by Titleist: In 2016, Titleist launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their golf balls. The campaign featured a series of hidden camera videos of golfers reacting to the performance of Titleist golf balls. The campaign was successful in increasing sales and raising brand awareness.
9. The “Can you hear me now?” campaign by Verizon: In 2002, Verizon launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their wireless service. The campaign featured a man walking around in public places asking “Can you hear me now?” The campaign was successful in increasing sales and raising brand awareness.
10. The “Will it Blend?” campaign by Blendtec: In 2006, Blendtec launched a guerrilla marketing campaign to promote their blenders. The campaign featured a series of videos of the company’s founder blending various unusual items, such as a hockey puck, in the blender. The campaign was successful in increasing sales and raising brand awareness.

In conclusion, guerrilla marketing is a unique and unconventional approach to marketing that can be a very effective approach It’s not always the right fit for every business or marketing campaign. As with any marketing strategy, it’s essential to consider your target audience, goals, and resources before committing to a guerrilla marketing campaign.