Marketing lessons we learned from ‘Stranger Things’

Marketing lessons we learned from ‘Stranger Things’

by Maverick on 10/30/2017 | 2 Minute Read

Advertising , Amazing , Brand , Brand Awareness , Brand Identity , Brand Knowledge , Branding , Brands , Campaign , Commercials , Creative , Creativity , Cult-Brand , Design , Design Life , Innovation , Inspiration , Inspiring , Instagram , Interactive , Motivation , Motivational , Product Design , Real Life , Rebrand , Rebranding , Social , Social Media , Social Media Marketing , Something Cool

Stranger Things is one of Netflix’s most marketable original shows, so it comes as no surprise that its impending return for season two birthed a slew of unique partnerships with brand partners. One thing that is very apparent that much like its predecessor, season two will be highly referential to the works that inspired it. This is most notable with the crew of kids shown wearing Ghostbusters outfits, reaping the seeds of 80s nostalgia that helped bring it to prominence in the first place. Below we’ve outlined a few winning marketing tips n tricks.

Nowhere is the success of the show more noticeable than on social media. It is worth noting that during the extensive Super Bowl ad window, the show walked away with more mentions than anything else it was up against. This popularity can, of course, be leveraged when it comes to getting brands aboard. So which brands are acting a little ‘strange?’ Most notably – Reebok, Topshop, Spotify, Lyft, Eggo Waffles (of course), Transportation for London, and PlayStation UK.  

So what can we learn from Netflix and their marketing prowess?

  1. Make it interactive – Teaming up with Lyft, Netflix gave users an ability to opt into a ‘spooky’ mode which featured  a change of the map (including waffles, Christmas lights, trucker hats etc) and a themed ride filled with flickering lights, radio static, malfunctioning seats, a driver that vomits a slug in front of you, a pulsating ceiling, and an Eggo reward at the end. By making marketing stunts interactive, consumers can take part in the action and are more likely to share their experiences with others online and offline.
  2. Give consumers something a little extra – Netflix offered a game t6hrougth the App Store and Google Play. The more “extras” you can give consumers, the greater the likelihood of making your customers happy and creating brand loyalists.
  3.  Take advantage of lucky moments – Kellogg has benefited from a “Stranger Things” character’s penchant for its waffles. The brand claims they had no idea about the product placement and we’re happy to connect with Netflix regarding the Super Bowl commercial that teased the show’s second season. So, you might not be featured in a hit series, but a mention from a social media influencer might give your organization a welcome boost.
  4. Embrace trends – Topshop will transform its flagship store from tomorrow to be themed around the Stranger Things world, which features supernatural events unfolding in 1980s Indiana. Get creative to turn your whole campaign upside down.