5 Weird Marketing Strategies That Worked [2025]
The marketing world is no stranger to innovation, with companies constantly seeking new ways to stand out in a saturated market. Marketing strategies that break the mold often capture public attention and spark discussions, leading to memorable campaigns that resonate with consumers.
This blog examines the effectiveness of unconventional marketing strategies that have not only caught the eye of consumers but also achieved remarkable success. The following case studies reveal how thinking outside the traditional advertising playbook can engage audiences, create buzz, and, ultimately, drive significant results for brands willing to take the risk.
5 Weird Marketing Strategies That Worked [2025]
Case Study 1: Squatty Potty’s Humorous Approach
About the Company
Squatty Potty, a family business based in Saint George, Utah, was established to address common bathroom issues by promoting a natural squatting posture. The company gained fame through innovative toilet stools designed to aid in more effective and comfortable bowel movements.
Objective of the Campaign
The primary objective of Squatty Potty’s marketing campaign was to increase brand awareness and drive sales through a unique and engaging approach. The company sought to transform the mundane topic of bowel health into something entertaining and memorable, thereby normalizing the conversation around it.
Strategy & Execution
Squatty Potty’s strategy was to create a fun, quirky, and unique brand image. The centerpiece of this approach was a viral video featuring a unicorn pooping rainbow-colored ice cream, which illustrated the benefits of using the product in a humorous and light-hearted manner. This campaign, which included appearances on “Shark Tank,” aimed to make the product a household name by using comedy to address a typically uncomfortable subject.
Result Obtained
The campaign was a tremendous success, resulting in a 600% increase in online sales and a 400% boost in Bed Bath & Beyond retail sales. The engaging and unconventional video not only elevated Squatty Potty to a new level of brand recognition but also significantly exceeded the company’s sales goals for the year, with CEO Bobby Edwards forecasting over $15 million in total sales for 2015.
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Case Study 2: Old Spice’s Viral Sensation: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
About the Company
Old Spice, a brand with a history spanning over 75 years, is known for its range of male grooming products. Initially perceived as outdated, the brand sought to rejuvenate its image and appeal to a younger demographic.
Campaign Objective
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign aimed to refresh the brand’s image, making it more appealing to both men and women, particularly younger audiences. The campaign transformed Old Spice’s traditional image into a hip, modern, and desirable.
Strategy & Execution
Developed by Wieden+Kennedy, the campaign featured Isaiah Mustafa as a hyper-masculine, charming character who directly engaged the audience with humor and wit. The campaign started with a 30-second commercial during the 2010 Super Bowl, where Mustafa, in a single continuous shot, transitioned through various fantastical scenarios while promoting Old Spice products. This commercial quickly went viral, leading to a series of follow-up ads and a real-time social media response campaign where Mustafa interacted with fans and celebrities.
Result Obtained
The campaign was a resounding success, garnering over 40 million views on YouTube and significantly boosting sales. Old Spice experienced a 107% increase in body wash sales in just three months. The campaign successfully revamped Old Spice’s image, making it popular with the younger demographic and securing its place as one of the era’s most celebrated marketing successes.
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Case Study 3: Burger King’s Whopper Sacrifice Campaign
About the Company
Burger King, recognized worldwide for its signature flame-grilled burgers, especially the Whopper, stands out in the fast-food industry. As a major player, Burger King has consistently employed innovative marketing strategies to engage with its customers and promote its products.
Campaign Objective
The Whopper Sacrifice campaign aimed to generate excitement and interaction with the brand distinctively and boldly. Burger King aimed to increase brand visibility and customer interaction on social media while reinforcing the love that its customers have for the Whopper.
Strategy & Execution of the Campaign
The Whopper Sacrifice campaign, developed by the advertising agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, was launched on Facebook. In a bid for a free Whopper, individuals were prompted to unfriend 10 people on Facebook. Each time a friend was deleted, the act was broadcast on the user’s news feed with the message “X sacrificed Y for a free Whopper.”
The campaign utilized a dedicated Facebook application where users could participate and track their progress toward earning a free Whopper. This approach capitalized on social media’s growing popularity and tested users’ brand loyalty in a playful yet controversial manner.
Result Obtained
The Whopper Sacrifice campaign quickly gained widespread positive and negative attention for its innovative use of social media and the bold nature of the challenge. In just 10 days, approximately 234,000 friendships were “sacrificed” on Facebook, demonstrating the campaign’s viral potential and high level of engagement.
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Case Study 4: IKEA’s Sleepover Event
About the Company
IKEA, originating from Sweden and known globally, specializes in flat-pack furniture, home accessories, and kitchen products. Its reputation for minimalist design spans a variety of appliances and furniture, and its contributions to interior design have established a strong international presence. IKEA offers many home items that merge aesthetic design with practical functionality and value.
Campaign Objective
The objective of the IKEA Sleepover Event was to engage with customers innovatively and memorably, responding to a unique consumer desire expressed through social media. The campaign aimed to generate positive media coverage, increase customer loyalty, and strengthen the brand’s image as a fun and customer-centric company.
Strategy & Execution of the Campaign
The initiative began when a Facebook group named ‘I wanna have a sleepover in IKEA’ rapidly gained traction. Seeing an opportunity to engage with their customers, IKEA invited 100 people to participate in a sleepover event at their store in Essex, UK.
Participants were offered a range of activities, including movies, manicures, and massages, along with the chance to sleep in IKEA’s signature beds. The event was designed to create a fun and memorable experience for participants, allowing them to see IKEA products in a new light. Experts also provided tips on getting a good night’s sleep and choosing the right mattress and bedroom furniture.
Result Obtained
The IKEA Sleepover Event was a resounding success, garnering extensive media coverage and generating buzz on social media platforms. Participants shared their experiences online, posting photos and updates that amplified the campaign’s reach. The event met its objective of creating a unique and engaging customer experience and demonstrated IKEA’s innovative approach to marketing and customer engagement.
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Case Study 5: Taco Bell’s Black Taco Campaign in Japan
About the Company
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast-food restaurants originating in California, known for its Mexican-inspired menu items such as tacos, burritos, and nachos. As a global brand, Taco Bell has experimented with unique marketing strategies to appeal to diverse international markets.
Campaign Objective
The objective of Taco Bell’s Black Taco campaign was to create a unique and buzz-worthy product that would stand out in the competitive fast-food market in Japan. The campaign aimed to attract attention, stimulate conversation, and drive traffic to Taco Bell outlets by offering a novel and visually striking product.
Strategy & Execution of the Campaign
Taco Bell introduced a limited-time offering of the Black Taco in Japan, featuring a taco shell colored with natural squid ink to achieve its distinctive black hue. The campaign was designed to pique curiosity and offer a unique culinary experience, leveraging the novelty of the product to generate media coverage and social media buzz.
The launch of the Black Taco was supported by a targeted marketing campaign that included in-store promotions, social media engagement, and collaborations with local influencers to amplify the message. The campaign capitalized on the visual contrast between the black shell and the traditional taco fillings, making it a photogenic item that encouraged sharing on social media platforms.
Result Obtained
The Black Taco campaign was a success, generating significant media attention and public interest both within Japan and internationally. The unusual color and limited availability of the product created a sense of urgency, prompting customers to visit Taco Bell to try the unique taco before it disappeared from the menu.
The launch of the Black Taco saw social media inundated with photos and critiques, aiding in the rapid, viral promotion of the campaign. The buzz around the product helped to increase foot traffic to Taco Bell restaurants and boosted sales during the campaign period. Additionally, the campaign reinforced Taco Bell’s image as an innovative and adventurous brand willing to explore creative culinary concepts.
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Conclusion
These campaigns highlight the endless possibilities within the world of marketing when brands are willing to challenge conventional tactics and embrace the unconventional. As the marketing world progresses, these examples serve as a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring impact of thinking differently.
