How to Use Humor in Marketing

Humor is a forerunner in effective methods of communication in several situations including, difficult conversations, employer-employee relations, marketing and sales, and all forms of social interactions. Humor opens closed doors of human hearts to consider ideas that would otherwise not be entertained at all. The reason is that humor interacts at the emotional level, paving the way for intellectual stimulation.

Humor also has an uncanny ability to lead to associated remembrance - a convenient method to introduce a new company name or cloth an obscure name with novelty.

Gauging Ears

People with the gift of humor have a knack of making friends in no time. The shared laughter that creates a bond between people can do the same through the media of advertisements, direct mail, telemarketing, brochures, or web sites for a new product or business. The key is, not in the liberal use of humor rather, to apply it in a sensitive and respectful way, ensuring that the receiver is not offended but tickled and the main theme remains the main theme - without being pushed into the background.

It is also important to understand that successful marketing involves the communication of truth in a fascinating way, or creating a need for a product or service. The objective is to increase the relationship base of your business. When applying humor in marketing, keep in mind the following aspects.

The audience: Men and Women react to the same situations in different ways. Marketing surveys have revealed that while men loved it women moved away from a product because they were put off by the tone of the ad. Does the line of humor lend a mean or bully image to your company? Do you think that ethnic minorities or certain groups of people would be offended by the intended humor?

Suitability to your desired end: Always keep before you the goal of your marketing campaign when selecting a humorous theme. If the theme deviates from the company image that you desire, then you should reconsider.

Type: Choose the method of introducing humor - A catchy line, cartoon theme, color or black and white, or situational humor. Keep it simple and at the level of an undercurrent. Overpowering humor can mask the purpose of the whole campaign. Sometimes people remember the funny parts while forgetting all relevant details.

Media: Choose your media of marketing according to your budget. While print and television is classic and expensive, for a small business, internet marketing through web sites and e-mail, viral marketing, and social networking are more affordable and recommended.

Humor can take your business from non-existence to becoming a household name; however humor has to be woven into the fabric of your marketing campaign, with caution and prudence. Humor for the sake of being funny can fall flat and drag your business prospects down. Also remember, repetition of funny scenes grate on the senses after a while. The best way to check effectiveness is via gauging the number of enquiries you register. In that sense try out two different campaigns and see which is received better. Only experience can gain you the right angle of approach.

How to Use Humor in Marketing

Carrie Langstroth is an Internet Marketing Success Coach. She is a retired CFO in the Corporate Business world so brings strong leadership skills in owning and operating businesses. She coaches and mentors people to empower themselves improving quality of life, personal development and financial position. Learn more about this revolutionary business that can change your life.