It was my birthday yesterday, and what a beautiful day it was!  I was whisked away on a mystery trip, the weather was unseasonably warm and there was a day of surprises planned — including dinner on Federal Hill. Delightful all the way around!

When I travel and am in relaxation mode, I can’t help but notice – and perhaps you do too – marketing messages that are simple, clever and well placed… and sometimes surprising. (Can you tell I like surprises?)

Kudos to the Marriot Courtyard in downtown Providence for setting an outstanding example. I’ve traveled all over the country (and many parts of the world) and haven’t seen an elevator pitch like this (yet).  Unexpected marketing and PR that made me smile. A full door ad for ‘Game On’ which featured the hotel’s football events at the bar – not to be seen till the door closed. Now that’s an elevator pitch!

There’s a learning lessons here. Wasted space is a matter of opinion and any marketer can take advantage of this opportunity. One printing company I was particularly fond of had advertising on the roofs of their delivery vehicles, so clients in tall buildings could be reminded of their brand. Heinz Ketchup uses space on their labels for cause related marketing and to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Pockets of space in the right place can have promotional value, but we have to be willing to go beyond what we first see as possibilities.

There are hundreds of examples of clever and functional promotional space opportunities that go unnoticed every day. Up next, branded tissues with ads for cough drops? Something to sneeze at?

YOUR TURN

What have you seen as clever places for advertising?

Are you using non-traditional branding opportunities that work for your niche service or product?

Do you feel invaded by ‘spot promotional advertising’ or enjoy the clever approach?

Love that we can express ourselves through creativity.  In my world there’s no such thing as crazy. Sometimes a variation of that works!

Wishing you the best, and thanks for all the Birthday love,

Robin