Muppets 101: Marketing Lessons from Kermit the Frog and Friends

Muppet domination is coming! Back after a long hiatus, Kermit and friends have learned a thing or two about mass marketing and are busy promoting their new movie (opens November 23, 2011). So what can we learn from Miss Piggy’s return to market?

MARKETING LESSON 1: MAKE FUN OF YOURSELF

Yes, there will be driving. If you’re looking to endear yourselves with customers and fans, the quickest way to their hearts is through the funny bone.

• Give people a glimpse into your office quirks on Facebook.
• Start a caption or funny video contest.
• Lighten up your holiday promotions with a little levity.
• Go viral with an Old Spice-like initiative.

Just remember the cardinal rules:

• Target your audience.
• Check for legal issues.
• Bring the funny.

MARKETING LESSON 2: MAKE FUN OF OTHERS

Witty parody has a long and illustrious history. And then there are the Muppets.

• Pay attention to pop culture – use it, mock it, twist it into odd-looking knots.
• Pick parody subjects your audience will recognize.
• Incorporate SEO principles – see my article on Riding the Hogwarts Express for ideas.
• Watch out for those legal issues.

MARKETING LESSON 3: USE VIDEO TO PROMOTE SOCIAL & VICE-VERSA

They’re after one bazillion Likes on Facebook. In return, you have the chance to see an advance screening.

• Make your media work together – connect YouTube to Facebook to your website and back again.
• Offer a strong incentive for Likes.
• Hire a great designer and/or videographer.

READY TO GO GREEN?

Pondering your next marketing campaign? Thinking of how you can go green? Contact me for a free marketing consultation.

Tagged: bazillion likes, funny marketing campaigns, kermit the frog, marketing lessons, marketing parodies, mass marketing, muppet domination, muppets movie, old spice, promoting social media

Posted in: Marketing Content, Online Marketing, Social Media