1-2-3: Scarcity, Richard Branson and IKEA

1 framework, 2 lessons and 3 ads

Hi there, Marketing Nerd

Welcome to 1-2-3 Marketing.

Every Saturday, I share with you:

  • 1 marketing framework

  • 2 lessons from the best marketers

  • 3 ads that will blow away your mind

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🧠 1 Marketing Framework:

Scarcity

The scarcity principle suggests people value things more when they perceive them as scarce or in limited supply.

In marketing, creating a sense of urgency by emphasizing the scarcity of a product or service can drive consumer behavior and lead to increased demand.

This principle taps into the fear of missing out (FOMO) and leverages the psychological impact of rarity.

An excellent example of the scarcity principle in action is the classic marketing strategy of limited-time offers or exclusive releases.

Fashion brands often use limited editions or seasonal collections to create scarcity. When consumers believe that a particular item won't be available for an extended period or may run out soon, they are more inclined to make a purchase to secure the item before it's gone.

🧑‍🏫2 Lessons From The Best Marketers:

Lesson #1: Unconventional Branding from Richard Branson

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, is known for his unconventional and bold approach to branding.

Branson believes in the power of breaking the mold and daring to be different.

A prime example is Virgin Atlantic's cheeky marketing stunts.

When British Airways faced operational challenges in 1991, Branson seized the opportunity. Virgin placed a billboard near Heathrow Airport with the slogan "BA Can't Get It Up."

This audacious move not only grabbed attention but also showcased Branson's knack for turning challenges into marketing triumphs.

Lesson #2: Experiential Marketing from Walt Disney

Experiential marketing means creating immersive and unforgettable experiences for customers.

Disneyland isn’t just an amusement park; it’s a magical realm where visitors can step into the stories and characters they love.

Their attention to detail and emphasis on storytelling transformed Disney's parks into places where guests weren't just spectators but active participants in the magic.

The lesson here is that providing an experience, rather than just a product or service, can elevate a brand and build a long-lasting connection with consumers.

📱3 Ads That Will Blow Your Mind:

Ad #1: Dollar Shave Club's – Our Blades Are F*ing Great

Dollar Shave Club disrupted the razor industry with a straightforward message.

This campaign was launched in 2012, featuring the company's founder, Michael Dubin, in a humorous and irreverent video introducing Dollar Shave Club's subscription-based razor service.

Their marketing strategy was simple – a no-nonsense solution to a common problem.

Ad #2: Old SpiceThe Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Humor is a universal language, and when done right, it can make your brand memorable and relatable to consumers.

By using humor, Old Spice was able to tap into a broad audience range, from young to old, male and female.

The video got over 40 million views and increased the sales of the products by 107% in a short amount of time.

This campaign became a benchmark for brands seeking to leverage social media for brand-building.

Ad #3: IKEABookbook

This campaign, launched in 2014, was a clever and humorous parody of Apple product launches.

The Bookbook is introduced as a revolutionary device that comes with no cables, no lag, and eternal battery life – only to reveal that it's an ordinary printed IKEA catalog.

The lesson here is that through clever parody, brands can emphasize the unique qualities of their products, making them memorable and distinguishing them from the competition

Thank you for reading…

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Please forward this newsletter to a friend.

It took me more than 6 hours to write, edit and post this, so that’s a fair trade I can ask from you 😉

See you next Saturday,

Armaan.