When it comes to grabbing attention, celebrities know exactly how to do it. Whether it’s through bold fashion statements, viral social media moments, or unexpected collaborations, celebrities are masters at creating buzz around their brands or products.
For businesses looking to cause a stir, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the marketing moves used by celebs.
We're taking a moment to consider how businesses can apply celeb marketing strategies to their own campaigns.
Katy Perry’s QR Code Tattoo at the VMAs
One of the most recent examples of celebrity-driven marketing is Katy Perry’s appearance at the 2024 VMAs, where she debuted a QR code tattoo on her back. The QR code led to the download page for her latest album, cleverly using a mix of curiosity and innovation to engage audiences both in-person and online.
Takeaway: Incorporate interactive elements like QR codes into physical or digital campaigns to create engagement. For example, you could add QR codes to your products or event materials, leading customers to exclusive content, discounts, or virtual experiences.
Think creatively about where to place QR codes or interactive elements - whether it’s on products, staff uniforms or even temporary tats!
Elon Musk’s Tesla in Space
When Elon Musk launched a Tesla Roadster into space aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket, it wasn't just about space exploration. The car was fitted with a “Starman” mannequin and live-streamed as it orbited the Earth. This cross-promotion of Tesla and SpaceX went viral and became one of the most unique marketing stunts in recent history.
Takeaway: Think about partnerships between your products or services and other areas of your business. A bold, unusual marketing move - especially one tied to an event that is highly publicised - can launch your brand to a wider audience.
Kylie Jenner’s Social Media Product Teases
Kylie Jenner has mastered the art of teasing her products on social media, often sharing sneak peeks and limited-edition releases with her massive following. Her beauty brand Kylie Cosmetics regularly sells out of products shortly after launch, thanks to her ability to build anticipation through timed, exclusive content drops.
Takeaway: Use social media to create excitement about new product launches. Share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and exclusive offers to make your audience feel like they’re getting a first look at something special.
Kanye West’s “Listening Party” for Donda
Kanye West took album promotion to a new level by hosting a series of Donda listening parties in massive stadiums, where he played unfinished tracks and turned the experience into an artistic performance, including live re-creations of his childhood home and surprise celebrity appearances. The combination of mystery, performance art, and Kanye’s larger-than-life persona generated social media hype and extended the excitement for the album launch.
Takeaway: Creating an experience around a product launch can create excitement. Hosting live events, combining product previews with entertainment, and giving your audience an exclusive first look can build anticipation for your product drop.
The next time you’re planning a marketing campaign, take a page out of the celebrity playbook and think creatively about how you can capture your audience’s attention... or work with the team at Ouma and we'll manage it for you!