Rebels with a Cause: 4 Social Media Marketing Campaigns That Got it Right By Going Rogue

Social media undoubtedly changed the way that we market, but it has also turned that marketing field into a battle zone. Now more than ever, companies have to be incredibly innovative and intuitive to stay ahead of the curve. From “what the hell just happened” to even campaigns that would later become banned, here are 4 memorable social media marketing campaigns that got it right… even if Facebook said some of them got it “wrong…”

The Whopper Sacrifice

Remember that infamous tagline? “Sacrifice ten Facebook friends. Get a free Whopper.” Since the brand gave away 20,000 free whoppers in less than 10 days… it is safe to say some people had some pretty disposable friends – nevertheless, the Facebook app was a ton of fun and became infamous for not only creating a little bit of harmless drama, but also for being banned for violating terms of service.

What We Can Learn:

• Simple calls-to-action create powerful results.
• Don’t be scared to be a little out there.

Elf Yourself

This tongue-in-cheek idea by Office Depot allowed its audience to star in its marketing campaign. While today we have countless e-cards that allow users to plant their own faces on to the screen, in 2006, this was truly groundbreaking and innovative. By 2013, this viral success had reached half a billion shares and continues to grow strong. Not bad for such a simple idea that became a family tradition and an instant holiday classic. Yearly, Office Depot adds to the awesomeness of this ever-popular campaign that feels simply effortless.

What We Can Learn:

• Make sharing easy.
• Launch a yearly tradition.
• Find new, innovative ways to let your audience be a part of your marketing campaign.

The Blair Witch Project

It seems like ages ago since The Blair Witch Project hit the big screen and we can all vividly remember wondering if this was real or all one big gimmick. The answer was the latter, but Artisan Entertainment blew exposure for the “raw found footage” right out of the park. With missing persons signs, strategically buzzed online rumors about filmmakers lost in the woods and low-budget trailers… the reality-factor was on 100. The Blair Witch Project was not. That still didn’t stop it from raking in $250 million before its run was over.

What We Can Learn:

• Greatness can happen on a budget.
• Be a storyteller! The brand story is still alive and well.

The Best Job in the World

The Queensland Board of Tourism went rogue on their marketing campaign, not only posting a very clever job listing in the newspaper, but also adventuring into a clever social media excursion. This beautiful-but-barely-known island went from “What the heck is Queensland?” to “Where do I sign up?!” Offering $150,000 for a 6-month job, the campaign received 34,000 applicants from a whopping 200 different countries as well as 5000,000 votes to snag this dream job, there was an actual winner and to do this day he reigns as the Ambassador of Queensland Tourism.

What We Can Learn:

• Don’t be traditional. Be different.
• Stop thinking “small potatoes.” Even unrecognizable brands can go viral overnight. 

These highly successful campaigns are living proof that social matters, and daily, they are still making news about social media marketing across the board. Sure, the competition is stiff and that means learning how to stand out in a world full of brands that are striving to do the same. However, from humble beginnings to mega-brand giants, there is no company too small to grow into something incredibly rare and HUGE. Dapper Goat Social Media can help. Contact us today to find out how we can help you find that rogue-factor that leads to continued success.

For help with getting started on your social media marketing campaigns, contact us today!