How to Use Humor as a Marketing Strategy

If you’re looking for a way to make your brand’s content more interesting, you should consider using humor marketing. Humor has the power to strengthen trust between the joke teller and the laugher, further increasing the connection between your audience and brand. Additionally, funny content quickly goes viral on social media and increases engagement. This blog post will discuss how to use them in your content marketing strategy and why they work well.

What Is Humor Marketing, and Why Do Brands Use It

Humor marketing is a strategy brands use to connect with consumers and create an emotional bond. Studies have shown that humor increases brand recall and Purchase Intent, making it an effective tool for marketing communications. Using humor-based ads, brands can be more memorable and attention-grabbing while also humanizing the brand. 

Additionally, a funny campaign can help build brand identity and differentiate the brand from competitors. However, this is not appropriate for every brand or every situation. When misused, humor can backfire and damage the brand. Therefore, it is essential for brands to carefully consider whether humor is suitable for their target audience and message before incorporating it into their marketing mix.

The Benefits of Using Humor in Marketing

There are many benefits to using humor in marketing, including the ability to break through the clutter, build relationships, and create a connection with consumers. Also, it can help increase brand awareness and recall and generate leads and sales. When used effectively, humor can be a powerful tool in any marketing campaign. 

Examples of Brands That Use Humor Well in Their Marketing

Manscaped is a prime example of a brand that uses humor effectively in its marketing. The brand’s self-deprecating approach to marketing has resonated with many men who feel insecure about their body hair. By making light of the situation and poking fun at itself, Manscaped has built a strong rapport with its target audience. For example, one campaign features a billboard in the middle of the ocean in Miami. The tagline reads, “Manscaped: Got Bush?” This campaign went viral and successfully got people to Manscaped’s website and increased brand awareness. Manscaped’s funny ads help make their brand more relatable and approachable. Manscaped is just one example of a brand that uses humor well in its marketing.

Another brand that does humor well is Old Spice. The company’s commercials are often absurd and over-the-top, but they always manage to convey their point memorably. Old Spice released a series of commercials featuring the “Old Spice Guy,” played by actor Terry Crews. These commercials were funny and memorable, and they helped Old Spice achieve a significant sales increase. Old Spice has continued to use funny ads in its marketing campaigns, and the brand has become known for its sense of humor.

Types of Comedy You Can Use in Your Content Marketing

There are several different types of comedy that you can use in your content marketing.

  • One option is to use sarcasm. This involves using irony or exaggeration to make a point.
  • Another option is to use self-deprecating humor. This involves making fun of yourself or your company in a light-hearted way.
  • You can also use topical humor, which involves making jokes about current events or pop culture references.
  • Finally, you can use visual humor, using images or videos to create a funny effect.

Ultimately, the type of comedy you use should be based on your brand voice and the tone of your content. You can create engaging and memorable content by carefully considering the types of comedy that will work best for your brand.

Tips for Getting Started With Humor Marketing

Marketing with humor can be a great way to engage your audience and make your brand more memorable. However, it’s important to use jokes in a way that is appropriate for your brand and will not offend your potential customers. Here are a few tips to get started with humor marketing:

Know Your Audience

Try to understand your target market and what kind of humor they will find funny. If you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid potentially offensive jokes.

Be Consistent

Once you’ve decided to use this strategy in your marketing, it’s essential to be consistent with it. Inconsistent use of humor can confuse or even turn off your audience.

Be Original

There are a lot of brands out there using humor in their marketing, so try to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Be creative and original in your approach to ensure that you capture attention and make a lasting impression.

Test the Waters

Before you commit to using humor in all of your marketing, it’s a good idea to test the waters with a small pilot project. This will help you gauge customer reaction and ensure that using humor is the right move for your brand.

The Potential Drawbacks of Using Humor and How to Avoid Them

While humor can be an effective way to engage an audience, there are potential pitfalls that should be avoided. One common mistake is to assume that all audiences will find the same things funny. What may be appropriate for one group may be offensive to another. It’s important to know your audience and tailor your jokes accordingly.

Another problem is using humor as a way to cover up weak content. If your jokes compensate for the lack of substance, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Finally, overusing humor can come across as desperate or try-hard. A few well-placed jokes can add fun to a presentation, but too many can be tiresome.

How to Continuously Come Up With New, Fresh Ideas

Coming up with new, fresh ideas for humor in marketing can be challenging. There are a few ways to approach this, however. First, try to keep up with current trends. What is popular right now? What is everyone talking about? These can give you some ideas for how to frame your humor.

Additionally, try to think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push the envelope a bit. Be careful not to cross the line into being offensive, however. Finally, consider your audience. What type of humor will they relate to and appreciate? If you can keep all of these things in mind, you should be able to come up with some great ideas for humorous marketing content.

Conclusion

Humor can be a great way to engage an audience and make your brand more memorable. Incorporating fun into your brand can be a great way to appeal to potential customers. Still, it is important to use jokes that align with your image and won’t turn people away. Manscaped is an excellent example of how to use funny ads successfully in advertising. They have managed to create a successful business that sells millions of dollars worth of products each year. By determining the types of comedy that fit your brand identity, you can produce content that is both funny and memorable. If used correctly, humor can be highly effective in boosting sales and creating a positive image for your company. 

How to Use Humor as a Marketing Strategy was last updated October 24th, 2022 by Nick Davis