Isn’t it crazy how we’re all so plugged into our gadgets these days? It’s like you can’t even grab a coffee without seeing everyone around you scrolling through their phones or tapping away on their tablets. And don’t get me started on how we’re all obsessed with our smartwatches, especially when we hit the gym. So, here’s the thing for us marketers trying to make a splash in this tech-crazy, digital age: how do we make sure people don’t just scroll past our brand? Even better, how can we create experiences that stick with them, that they’ll actually remember?
Here are my top five tips for leveraging experiential marketing, in this digital playground age, to give our marketing that real, unforgettable edge.
- Engage in virtual reality
Design experiences that allow individuals to take an adventure in the middle of a crowded room. Think taking a wild safari to the Serengeti National Park while visiting a booth at CES. Or climbing the Eiffel Tower at sunset in the middle of Times Square. VR is awesome because it lets us really get into the stories we want to share, and the best part? The possibilities are endless and we still get to feel that warm, fuzzy feeling of connecting with others.
- Create interactive online experiences
Experiential marketing is all about getting people involved in a fun and creative way, so why not try casting a wider net with online experiences. How about mixing in some virtual activities like trivia, interactive games, or maybe even a scavenger hunt? It’s a great way to get the conversation flowing and ensure everyone is fully immersed in your brand, in a familiar territory – aka on their phones or tablets.
- Always use social media
If you’re hosting a live event, take advantage of and make some noise on social media. One easy way to do this is by encouraging everyone to post their experience on Instagram or TikTok using a special hashtag that’s all about your activation. It’s like getting your friends to help spread the word, and it gets more people talking about what you’re doing – even if they’re not at the event. Plus, it’s a great way to build not only user generated content, but an entire community vibe around your brand. Everyone loves to see their posts being part of something bigger!
- Integrate digital and real-world touchpoints
Create seamless experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds. Think about using QR codes to connect the dots between the stuff consumers see in the real world and the cool things you’ve got waiting for them online. It’s like giving them a secret key to more interactions or exclusive deals after the activation ends, just by scanning a code with their phone.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay agile and open to experimenting with new technologies and approaches. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try out innovative ideas to see what resonates best with your audience.
Even in this digital age, experiential marketing hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to brands making a real connection with consumers. It’s all about getting creative with the latest tech to create moments that people will remember and that resonate with them on a personal level. As we keep figuring out this constantly changing digital world, there’s no end to the cool ways brands can reach out and create genuine experiences that stick with us, whether we’re face-to-face or screen-to-screen.