Setting It Off for San Francisco!

H&M knows how to attract customers without them even knowing it. This video starts off with what seems like a simple dance battle between two children, but erupts into a stylish sea of 55 dancing kids. Onlookers in the park didn’t expect it to be as grand and entertaining as it was (hence the numerous cameras and camera phones being used).I’m sure plenty of parents stopped in the store after this fascinating fashion show. It really worked out in H&M’s favor. They didn’t have to print up promotional posters of their hot spring styles for kids. Basically, they had 55 human mannequins wearing promotional apparel, while “setting it off” for a live audience in Union Square.

Real Talk for Real Kids

Underage drinking is an issue that never be taken lightly; especially by parents. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association is addressing the issue of talking to your children about drinking at an early age in their new PSA’s. I think these ads will surely get the message out. Real kids (all kids) are curious about everything, especially drinking. Parents who think talking to their kids about such things isn’t a priority should drive around with a customized bumper sticker that reads “I’m Living in a Bubble”. For all of the parents out there, the next time your child goes to a party with friends please don’t think they’re going for the promotional pens.

Wow!

Staples is known for their low-priced office supplies....and the annoying “Wow!” guy. Honestly, I think this is guerrilla marketing at it’s finest; it’s unforgettable. The wow will always stick out in your head (and ears) when you see the Staples logo. What if Staples had a promotional clock that said “Wow!” when the alarm went off? That would be pretty annoying, but funny. Or what about a customized stress ball with a “Wow!” that stretches as you squeeze it? Either way it goes, Staples has succeeded at creating another memorable moment with their low price ads.

I Don't Have A Minute Mr. Postman

Personally, I hate the speed of postal mail. It takes days to receive and send letters or important messages that might be detrimental to life. FedEx goes “guerrilla” in this ad for their Express mail. John receives a letter (no customized notepad?) about a fire in the shop and ultimately shows how quick FedEx can deliver your most important messages. Even though we all know that this is unreal we get the point. If you want something delivered as soon as possible then FedEx is who you need to use.

I've Fallen and Can't Get Back to Work

Injury in the workplace is a tricky situation for both the employee and the employer. The employee doesn’t want to accept fault for the accident and the employer doesn’t want to shell out workman’s compensation. This commercial from the WSIB Ontario portrays an almost deadly accident that the employee describes before it happens and how it could have been avoided. Maybe restaurant kitchens should have customized floor mats in high spill areas (near the stove, sink, etc.) reminding staff to clean up anything potentially harmful. A few logoed cold packs should also be on hand just in case something likes this happens.

Get a Whiff of This

Being the fast food giant that it is, McDonald's knows the motto "go hard or go home” better than anyone out there. Hence, the video of this campaign for their Angus Steak burger in Puerto Rico. Not only did they place a larger than life size burger on the roof, but they released the grill smoke into the air. Did they smell what was McDonald’s was cooking? I’m quite sure they had no choice. I feel sorry for those who would rather the smell of custom incense than a grilled burger. Talk about in your face. I wonder if this tactic worked for them better than a free sample would have.

Denver Water on Denver Water

So check out this cool piece of guerrilla marketing from Denver Water. In an effort to get the general public to be more environmentally friendly, they put up a huge billboard attached to a giant model hose with a phrase urging Denver residents to not waste water. Personally, I am a big fan of anything that tries to help out our planet so I can definitely get behind this sentiment. There are many ways in which we can save water, but there are also many ways in which water can save energy. For instance, some nice custom water-powered products such as hydro-calculators will save a lot of energy while being very eco-friendly! So get on board the green train and help save our planet!

Mini Trooper

Don't you just hate it when a cop just comes out of nowhere and nails people with tickets…I know I do, and apparently so does Mini Cooper. In an excellent guerilla marketing promotion, Mini Copper doesn't just make use of its promotional automotive products…it also saves people from getting unwanted tickets. This is certainly one billboard that you won't see people taking their custom billboard pens to! And so on this fine St. Paddy's day, here's to you Mini Cooper.

Bubble Gum Balloon

For it's 50th anniversary, Chilean bubblegum brand Dos en Uno decided to take to the skies with a high-flying guerrilla marketing campaign. Blowing big bubbles has always been one of the brand's biggest selling points, and what better way to communicate this than with a 50-foot promotional balloon! The massive bubblegum balloon flew over major Chilean cities dragging a (fake) child along, grabbing the attention of thousands of citizens going about their normal routines.

Tambour Paint: Free Parking

Using color to capture attention is a common trick in the guerrilla marketing arsenal. Here's a campaign put together by an Israeli paint company that takes eye catching color to the next level! The Tambour paint company wanted to put together a street promotion for their "Color Month" event. To promote brand awareness, they decided to sponsor free parking in Eilat, Israel's largest tourist city. Free parking areas were designated by colorful patterns painted on the curbs and Free Parking signs with Tambour's logo and the message "Look what color can do." It's nearly impossible to drive down these streets without noticing the painted curbs, so I'd say Tambour's guerrilla effort succeeded with flying colors!

Subway Turnstile Lashes

When you can't find the right media space to promote your product, it's time to go guerrilla! That's exactly what CoverGirl did with their latest mascara. Instead of choosing the traditional print or TV route, they decided to turn an ordinary subway turnstile into the "long lashes" their product creates. This beauty promotion is creative, but it wouldn't get me to stop in New York City subways (don't want to be run over by an angry mob trying to catch their trains).