Publicity Stunts Consumer Insights

Implications - The Dark Knight brought in a billion dollars in revenue just months after its launch. Never before have we seen products launch that can so quickly generate so much revenue. The billion dollar success will change the way big movies are launched and introduce comprehensive launch strategies.

Implications - In today’s star-studded media, celebrities have to do a whole lot more than just act or sing to maintain their credentials. While most stars stick to the tried and true media scandals, like drugs and sex, others are engaging in innovative publicity stunts, deviating from the Hollywood norm.

Implications - With the world facing uncertain economic times, companies and charities alike are reaching for the viral potential that comes with shockvertising. Shockvertising was already on the rise, but the credit crunch has given rise to even more clever and peculiar ads. Shock wins against a faltering economy.

Implications - Flash mobs have become favored attention-grabbers as they not only attract attention from passersby but also generate indefinite publicity when videos are posted and promoted online. Leveraging the power of connection and low-cost of self-promotion lends itself well to the creation of viral, budget-friendly marketing efforts that draw attention locally and globally.

Implications - Viral attention is being awarded to those who utilize power in numbers. The idea of a huge mob and belonging to a large group is desirable for consumers so, as a result, many popular ad campaigns, contests and viral videos focus on the spectacle of large crowds rather than the individual.

Implications - As products come and go and business partnerships form and dissolve, forming a non-permanent real-life presence has become a logical, effective way to create awareness. Temporary methods that 'pop up' without notice attract costumers with the appeal of exclusivity, newness, and an enticing element of surprise.

Implications - As interests in extreme sports grow, so too does the mass market appeal of using adrenaline-pumping activities for promotion. Real events where death-defying stunts are performed and recorded are increasingly being used to create hype for brands, social causes and personal publicity.

Implications - Honesty in advertising might describe your product, but using fake shockvertising drives awareness. If an advertisement can evoke shock, or is considered controversial, there is a greater chance that people will remember it and talk about it, often launching it into a pandemic state.

Description - It’s just not as fun to create a spectacle when you’re all by yourself, which is probably why public spectacles are becoming so popular and have even been turned into sporting events encouraging public interaction. Spectacles include pillow fights, racing tricycles in the street, water gun fights, racing the streets in high heels and, in cities like Toronto, costume parties on subways.

Implications - As much as we’ve all embraced the virtual worlds we create via the web, we still have a basic human need to interact with real people. These public spectacles answer that basic need (plus it’s fun to watch people make fools of themselves). For marketers, there’s an opportunity to sponsor such events, especially if they align well with your brand.

Implications - Video dance tributes have boomed in popularity due largely to the notion that anyone can partake. Whether for sheer amusement or for promotion, dance tributes foster positive connections in a universally upbeat language. They're a way to have fun, show off and bond with strangers -- without actual communication.