Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Report.
This paper will explore the key elements of guerilla marketing, how it differs from
traditional marketing, and the various techniques and tactics employed in guerilla
marketing campaigns. Furthermore, we will examine the psychological and
behavioural impact of these campaigns on consumers, exploring how they influence
attitudes, perceptions, and purchasing decisions. Ultimately, guerilla marketing
represents a dynamic and exciting aspect of the marketing landscape that demands
close scrutiny in an ever-changing consumer-driven world.
Guerilla marketing encompasses a wide array of techniques and tactics that surprise,
delight, and engage the audience. Some of the most popular tactics include:
Street Art and Graffiti: Using public spaces to create art or messages that tie in with a
product or brand, sparking curiosity and conversations.
Flash Mobs: Organizing spontaneous gatherings of people to perform an unusual,
attention-grabbing act related to a product or campaign.
Ambient Advertising: Placing advertising messages or objects in unexpected
locations, such as elevators, restrooms, or park benches.
Viral Videos: Creating captivating video content that has the potential to go viral on
social media platforms.
Stunts and Pranks: Organizing public stunts or pranks that generate buzz and media
coverage.
Interactive Installations: Designing physical installations or experiences that
encourage the audience to participate and interact with the brand.
Guerrilla Social Media Campaigns: Leveraging social media platforms to create buzz
through contests, challenges, or engaging content.
Product Placement: Placing products or branding elements in movies or TV shows in
a way that captures the audience's attention.
Each of these tactics aims to create memorable experiences that resonate with
consumers, leaving a lasting impression that traditional advertising often fails to
achieve.
This extended analysis will delve into guerilla marketing practices and their profound
impact on consumer behaviour. We will explore the key elements of guerilla
marketing, how it differs from traditional marketing, and the various techniques and
tactics employed in guerilla marketing campaigns. Furthermore, we will examine the
psychological and behavioural impact of these campaigns on consumers, exploring
how they influence attitudes, perceptions, and purchasing decisions. Ultimately,
guerilla marketing represents a dynamic and exciting aspect of the marketing
landscape that demands close scrutiny in an ever-changing consumer-driven world.
Guerilla marketing encompasses a wide array of techniques and tactics that surprise,
delight, and engage the audience. Some of the most popular tactics include:
Street Art and Graffiti: Using public spaces to create art or messages that tie in with a
product or brand, sparking curiosity and conversations.
Flash Mobs: Organizing spontaneous gatherings of people to perform an unusual,
attention-grabbing act related to a product or campaign.
Ambient Advertising: Placing advertising messages or objects in unexpected
locations, such as elevators, restrooms, or park benches.
Viral Videos: Creating captivating video content that has the potential to go viral on
social media platforms.
Stunts and Pranks: Organizing public stunts or pranks that generate buzz and media
coverage.
Interactive Installations: Designing physical installations or experiences that
encourage the audience to participate and interact with the brand.
Guerrilla Social Media Campaigns: Leveraging social media platforms to create buzz
through contests, challenges, or engaging content.
Product Placement: Placing products or branding elements in movies or TV shows in
a way that captures the audience's attention.
Each of these tactics aims to create memorable experiences that resonate with
consumers, leaving a lasting impression that traditional advertising often fails to
achieve.
Digital Integration: The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
into guerilla marketing campaigns can create immersive experiences that bridge the
gap between the physical and digital worlds.
Personalization: Data-driven personalization allows guerilla marketing campaigns to
target individuals with tailored experiences, maximizing their impact.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly and sustainable guerilla marketing practices are becoming
more important to align with consumers' growing environmental consciousness.
Blockchain and Transparency: The use of blockchain technology can enhance
transparency in guerilla marketing campaigns, providing proof of authenticity and
ethical practices.
Neuro-marketing: Advancements in neuroscience and psychology can inform guerilla
marketing strategies by deepening the understanding of how the human brain
responds to different stimuli.
Niche Communities: Targeting niche online communities and subcultures can create
highly engaged audiences that are more receptive to guerilla marketing tactics.
The future of guerilla marketing lies in its ability to adapt to changing technologies,
social norms, and consumer preferences.
Body :
Word of Mouth is one of the most significant tactics of guerrilla marketing. WoM is
defined as “oral, person-to-person communication between a receiver and a
communicator whom the receiver perceives as non-commercial, concerning a brand,
a product or a service” (Kirby & Marsden, 2006, p.164). The idea behind this
marketing approach is to implement sensational, thrilling and unexpected marketing
projects, aiming for consumers to be talking about the brand or the company
(Feguson, 2008). WoM is the process of when around 10 consumers start sharing the
word to their family members, friends or colleagues, etc about the brand after they
have become aware of it (Feguson, 2008). It is a very efficient phenomenon for small
businesses and companies to spread awareness among potential consumers by
sharing their experience of the product or the services promoted (Kirby & Marsden,
2006). To do so, marketers need to consider the consumers’ full journal experience
very carefully to build sustainable customer loyalty towards the brand or the
company (Ferguson, 2008). Nevertheless, marketers should emphasize the impact
that WoM may have on potential consumers as communication issues may occur
(Kirby & Marsden, 2006). What people say to the ones they know such as friends or
family about certain products may have a significant effect on potential consumers
pursuing that good or service provided (Kirby & Marsden, 2006). This implies that the
brand image has an important role in getting potential consumers to be aware of the
brand’s existence and beneficial factors (Ferguson, 2008). So, WoM is one of the
essential forces of guerrilla marketing and the following part will be outlining the
theory of buzz marketing to fulfil the effect of WoM.
The second element, buzz marketing is a technique where an event is organized to
create a buzz, meaning getting people to talk and spread rumours (Marsden & Kirby,
2006). To create a buzz and spread awareness, companies are advised to use different
strategies (Henry, 2003). For instance, collaborating with celebrities or known
influencers to promote the products or services is beneficial to spread the word
about the brand, consequently, making a buzz out of it (ibid), especially for younger
generations of consumers (Johnstone & Lindh, 2018). In addition to that, considering
that buzz marketing is an oral communication concept and the changes that are
occurring daily, the consumers are heavily dependent on technology (ibid). This
implies that a wider platform is available and easily accessed to create a further buzz
on all social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube
(Mohr, 2017). The usage of these online channels makes it easier for any potential
consumer to get to know whatever is needed from their friends and families (ibid).
Therefore, it is vital to be careful with the message that the company wants the
consumer to receive and send.
Brand attitude depends mainly on a consumer’s perception towards a brand; this
perception also affects the behaviour a consumer has towards that brand (Liu, Li,
Mizerski & Soh, 2012). It is also worth mentioning that the consumer’s opinion of an
advertisement might become their opinion of the brand as a whole. For instance, an
advertising campaign that looks cheap, from a consumer’s perspective, will much
likely give off a cheap image of the brand (Praxmarer & Gierl, 2009). It is safe to
conclude that brand attitude plays a huge role in how consumers choose to purchase
or avoid a specific brand (Park et al., 2010).
Brand image is the association that consumers have of a certain brand. Consumers
usually base their perception of this image either rationally or emotionally (Koubaa,
2008). This means that a product belonging to a brand might have a positive image
because it is of high quality which is a rational perception, while a brand that gives off
a high-status image is mainly seen from an emotional perception (ibid). Even though
brands are intangible unlike physical products, they are still “as real as the product”,
according to (Meenaghan, 1995, p. 24). Since it is common for products in the same
industry to look similar, the brand image that is shaped by advertising, for instance,
plays an important role in helping these products be distinguished from each other
(Meenaghan, 1995). Therefore, it is argued that the brand image has an important
role in affecting consumers’ behaviour when guerrilla campaigns are present.
What makes purchase intention interesting for marketers is because it helps
companies have a clue about what consumers want as well as the qualities of the
products that need to be produced. Sufficient information about a brand or a product
and how satisfied consumers have been with previous purchases from the same
brand as well as the product influence consumers’ purchasing intention (Tuu & Olsen,
2012). Moreover, positive thoughts towards an advertisement can influence the
consumers’ desire to purchase a product, according to Levy and Gendel-Guterman
(2012, p. 90). The latter authors also assume it is not the advertising that consumers
responded to, rather it is their emotions, attitudes and beliefs which controls their
purchasing behaviour.
Effects of guerrilla marketing
As Levinson mentioned in his book “If you're an entrepreneur, you need guerrilla
marketing more than ever because the competition is smarter, more sophisticated,
and even more aggressive than it was in the past. That is not a problem for guerrillas”
(Levinson, 2007, p.23). Guerrilla marketing as mentioned previously in this paper is
known for being unconventional and innovative as well as it contains certain effects
that make this marketing method different from traditional marketing.
The surprise effect is one of the known traits of guerrilla marketing. This element is
used by creating a creative advertisement and placing it in unusual locations (Hutter
& Hoffmann, 2011). The guerrilla advertisement could be, for instance in the shape of
a popular meal that people associate with a certain restaurant, placed in unexpected
but visible locations where people usually pass by (ibid). Seeing this ad will make
passers-by associate this meal with a certain restaurant and much likely crave it if the
advertisement is placed strategically and obvious enough (ibid). One of the elements
that make the surprise effect so effective is that it triggers the diffusion effect, which
is another effect of guerrilla marketing that will be discussed in the next paragraph
(ibid). When people experience something fun and surprising, they tend to want to
mention it to other people, this will help the campaign spread through “word of
mouth” for instance, which is a type of guerrilla marketing. A surprising ad is more
likely to be remembered than a typical ad (Sandberg, Stierna, 2006). If the ad is
interesting and surprising enough, its publicity might even spread to newspapers,
magazines and social media (Sandberg, Stierna, 2006). In other words, having the
surprise element increases the rates of success of the advertisement campaign, not
to forget adding some humour sometimes which is a fun and modern way to reach
perhaps, a more aware crown (Ives, 2004).
One of the unique traits of guerrilla marketing, compared to traditional marketing is
the advantage of the diffusion effect. Diffusion effect, in this context, is when an
advertisement is spread further from one consumer to another, through talking or
sharing through social media for instance, which increases the number of people that
this advertisement is exposed to (Hutter & Hoffmann, 2011). This effect saves money
since the company does not need to spend extra money on distributing it to
individuals, it spreads when the individuals themselves choose to share it because
they might find it intriguing. There are a few types of guerrilla marketing that trigger
this effect such as, WoM (word of mouth), Buzz marketing and guerrilla PR (ibid).
The low-cost effect is an additional element of guerrilla marketing that may be seen
as a result of the impact of both the surprise and the diffusion effects (ibid). When an
advertisement spreads through people talking about it and sharing it due to surprise
or interest for instance, it keeps the marketing costs low for companies (ibid). The
main idea behind guerrilla marketing is not to create as many copies as possible of an
ad and distribute it to as many consumers as possible, rather create an ad which
stands out enough to stay on consumers’ minds after seeing it perhaps once (ibid).
This way helps companies shrink their marketing costs from copying and distributing
traditional advertisements for instance, to placing one or a few unconventional
advertisements in strategic places. An example of this type of marketing is Ambush
marketing, which means that a company or a brand is visible at an event, such as
festivals and sports events without paying for being there (ibid).
Strategies of guerilla marketing
Guerrilla promoting will in general be less expensive than customary advertising,
depending on more modest, more restricted physical procedures like:
• Graffiti: Graffiti advertising utilizes city roads and back streets as a goliath material.
While more modest, more secret activities will make their imprint any place they
need, for most organizations it's prescribed to get authorization from a land owner
prior to going Monet on the dividers of their foundation.
Stencil Graffiti: Stencil spray painting utilizes stencils to make rehashed works of road
craftsmanship. The upside of stencils is that you can make numerous occurrences of
your craft across various spaces in a brief timeframe. Stencils will in general be little
in size (instead of a full wall painting) and comprise of basic plans.
• Reverse Graffiti: Reverse spray painting is when, rather than adding to a surface,
advertisers eliminate soil and grime from a road or divider to make an all-normal
checking message. Just put a stencil on a walkway and afterward wash the revealed
spaces!
• Stickers: Creative utilization of stickers is another extraordinary guerrilla advertising
strategy that can be fruitful when executed well.
• Undercover Marketing: Also known as "secrecy showcasing," advertisers
camouflage themselves as friends among their intended interest group. One model is
Sony's mission in 2002, in which entertainers were recruited to meander about urban
communities, requesting aliens to snap a picture from them. During the
communication, entertainers would rave of their cool new telephone, bragging its
highlights and abilities.
• Flash Mobs: Flash crowds include sorting out a gathering of people to play out a
particular activity or assignment at a pre-decided area and time. At times members
are employed entertainers, different occasions they are basically individuals from the
local area who appreciate the haphazardness of glimmer crowds!
• Publicity Stunts: Publicity stunts include explicit accomplishments of wonderment
and astonishment, normally supported or in band together with a brand. Red Bull is
exceptionally skilled at this training, exemplified by their 2012 skydiving record as a
feature of their Stratos project. Red Bull sent Austrian extreme sports competitor
Felix Baumgartner over the stratosphere, overwhelming the world record for most
elevated skydive, dispatching himself from more than 128,000 feet above earth.
Apparently substantially more than a simple trick, the Red Bull Stratos project set
various world precedents and was seen live on YouTube by over 9.5 million clients
(establishing one more precedent).
• Treasure Hunts: Creating custom, excellent expeditions are another cool guerrilla
advertising strategy that can stimulate crowds. Guerrilla promoting expeditions
frequently include presenting on the web signs on shrouded things dissipated across
a solitary or a few urban communities. Victors are remunerated with computerized
codes, prizes, or a clue for the following level of the expedition.
The exploration led by (Raju, 2013) shows that publicizing assumes vital part among
the clients in their buy choices. If there should be an occurrence of the greater part
of the clients publicizing goes about as a main consideration for them. Since the vast
majority of the clients purchase item dependent on the incomplete information they
accomplish with respect to the item. The vast majority of the purchasers search for
items which fulfil a large portion of their necessities and they have faith in notices
which coordinate their assumptions. (Hafiz Muhammad Arshad, 2014) did an
investigation on buy conduct and expectation of clients towards cell phones, were
the examination expresses that clients were profoundly affected by ads and it reflects
in their buy conduct. Enthusiastic reactions assume a critical part among the clients
in purchasing their items, where these passionate reactions fulfil a client in
purchasing an item.
(Fazal Ur Rehman, 2014) through his investigations inferred that commercials are
quite possibly the best and effective strategies applied by any organization to
advertise their item towards their clients. Notice consistently had a high impact over
the clients independent of their geographic zone and it is a piece of limited time
blend methodology. The primary point of promotion is to make mindfulness among
the clients and make interest with respect to the item. According to the investigation
directed by (Achamad yannu, 2014) brand picture of an item higherly affects the
clients and profoundly impacts them in expanding the recurrence of procurement.
The investigation additionally shows that it isn't just about as basic as that to make a
brand picture on the item, brand picture is constructed dependent on the brand trust
individuals having on the item and promotions causes an item to make these sorts of
trust.
Pros of guerrilla marketing
Cheap to execute: Whether using a simple stencil or a giant sticker, guerrilla
marketing tends to be much cheaper than classic advertising.
Allows for creative thinking: With guerrilla marketing, imagination is more
important than budget.
Grows with word-of-mouth: Guerrilla marketing relies heavily on word-of-mouth
marketing, considered by many one of the most powerful weapons in a marketer’s
arsenal. There’s nothing better than getting people to talk about your campaign on
their own accord.
Publicity can snowball: Some especially noteworthy or unique guerrilla marketing
campaigns will get picked up by local (and even national) news sources, resulting in a
publicity powerhouse affect that marketers drool over.
Cons of guerrilla marketing
Mysterious messages can be misunderstood: There’s often an air of mystery to
guerrilla marketing campaigns, and while it’s this sense of mystery that can often
propel a campaign’s attention and notice, the lack of clarity can also skew audience
interpretation.
Authority intervention: Some forms of guerrilla marketing, such as non-permissioned
street graffiti, can result in tension with authorities.
Unpredicted obstacles: Many guerrilla marketing tactics are susceptible to bad
weather, thrown timing, and other small instances that could easily threaten to
undermine an entire campaign.
Potential backlash: Savvy audiences may call out businesses who are implementing
guerrilla marketing campaigns they don’t approve of. This is especially true of
undercover marketing campaigns – if you’re caught, prepare to face the wrath.
Conclusion :
The world of marketing is in constant flux, driven by changes in consumer behaviour,
technology, and societal norms. In this dynamic landscape, traditional marketing
methods, while still valuable, are increasingly facing challenges in capturing the
attention and interest of today's discerning consumers. This shift has given rise to
guerrilla marketing, a strategy that has redefined how brands engage with their
target audiences. In our exploration of guerrilla marketing, we've discovered its
innovative approach, the psychology that underlies its effectiveness, and its profound
impact on consumer behaviour.
Our journey through the realm of guerrilla marketing has revealed several crucial
insights:
Guerrilla marketing is not merely a marketing strategy; it's a powerful tool for shaping
consumer behaviour. Through the innovative techniques it employs, guerrilla
marketing captures the imagination of consumers and leaves a lasting impact on their
attitudes and actions.
One of the most notable features of guerrilla marketing is its ability to create
emotional resonance. By tapping into the human psyche and evoking strong
emotions, guerrilla marketing campaigns foster memorable experiences. These
experiences are not easily forgotten and often lead to word-of-mouth sharing and
viral content creation. In a world where consumers are bombarded with marketing
messages daily, guerrilla marketing succeeds in creating an emotional connection,
which is the cornerstone of influencing consumer behaviour.
The mere exposure effect, which suggests that people tend to develop a preference
for things they are exposed to frequently, is leveraged by guerrilla marketing
campaigns. These campaigns aim to create repeated exposures to the brand or
message, reinforcing it in the consumer's mind. Over time, the brand becomes
familiar and preferred, leading to positive consumer behaviour.
The influence of guerrilla marketing extends into the realm of social behaviour.
Through surprise, interactivity, and participation, guerrilla marketing encourages
individuals to actively engage with a brand or campaign. This active involvement
creates a sense of ownership and belonging, making consumers feel like they are part
of a community or movement rather than just passive receivers of advertising. Such
participation not only drives a deeper connection with the brand but also encourages
continued engagement.
The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) provides insights into how guerrilla marketing
can influence behavioural intentions by shaping attitudes, subjective norms, and
perceived behavioural control. Guerrilla marketing excels in creating favourable
attitudes toward a brand or message, influencing subjective norms by leveraging
social influence, and enhancing perceived behavioural control by making desired
actions more accessible and appealing.
The AIDA model (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) aligns well with guerrilla
marketing's approach. It excels at capturing attention and generating interest, often
leading to desire and action. The surprising and engaging nature of guerrilla
campaigns fits seamlessly into the AIDA model, driving consumers through the stages
of engagement and action.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory, which posits that consumers experience discomfort
when their beliefs and behaviours are in conflict, is effectively utilized by guerrilla
marketing campaigns that challenge existing perceptions or encourage behaviour
change. The tension created by cognitive dissonance prompts consumers to resolve
the conflict by adopting new beliefs or behaviours, thus impacting their actions.
Looking ahead, the future of guerrilla marketing promises to be even more exciting
and dynamic. Emerging trends and technologies, such as digital integration,
personalization through big data, sustainability, blockchain transparency, neuro-
marketing, and niche community engagement, will shape the next generation of
guerrilla marketing campaigns.
Digital integration, involving the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality
(VR), will provide opportunities for creating immersive experiences that bridge the
gap between the physical and digital worlds. This integration allows for a deeper level
of engagement and interactivity.
In conclusion, guerrilla marketing is not just a marketing tactic; it's an art form that
harnesses creativity, psychology, and innovation to transform consumer behaviour. Its
power to create unique and emotional experiences, foster lasting connections, and
influence attitudes and actions is a testament to its enduring appeal in the ever-
evolving world of marketing.
As we move forward, brands and marketers that embrace the principles of guerrilla
marketing, while maintaining ethical standards, will have a competitive advantage in
an increasingly crowded and competitive marketplace. The future of guerrilla
marketing holds exciting possibilities as it continues to adapt to changing
technologies, social norms, and consumer preferences.
The ability to surprise, engage, and influence consumers through guerrilla marketing
is a testament to the enduring creativity and ingenuity of the marketing industry.
Guerrilla marketing's potential to disrupt traditional advertising paradigms and make
brands stand out is a testament to its lasting impact on the world of marketing.
Recommendations :
I. Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, guerrilla marketing has emerged as a
dynamic and unconventional approach that captivates consumers through creativity,
emotion, and memorable experiences. This methodology has the potential to
reshape consumer behaviour, driving brand engagement, loyalty, and action. To
harness the power of guerrilla marketing in a strategic and ethical manner,
businesses and marketers can benefit from a set of recommendations.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Incorporate AR and VR experiences
into your guerrilla marketing campaigns. These technologies can create immersive
and interactive experiences that bridge the physical and digital realms.
Personalization Through Big Data: Utilize big data analytics to personalize guerrilla
marketing campaigns. Leverage consumer data to tailor experiences and messages to
individual preferences, increasing engagement and relevance.
Blockchain Transparency: Employ blockchain technology to provide transparency and
authenticity to your campaigns. This can help verify the legitimacy of guerrilla
marketing efforts and build trust with consumers.
Mobile Apps and QR Codes: Create mobile apps or use QR codes to enhance
interactivity and participation in your campaigns. Consumers can engage with your
brand and campaign through their smartphones, leading to increased involvement.
Social Media Integration: Harness the power of social media platforms to amplify
your guerrilla marketing efforts. Encourage users to share their experiences on social
media, leading to word-of-mouth marketing and viral sharing.
Data-Driven Insights: Continuously collect and analyse data from your campaigns.
Use data-driven insights to refine your guerrilla marketing strategies and measure the
impact on consumer behaviour.
VI. Measuring and Analysing Impact
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define clear KPIs to measure the impact of
guerrilla marketing on consumer behaviour. These could include increased brand
awareness, engagement rates, social media shares, website traffic, and conversion
rates.
Surveys and Feedback: Collect direct feedback from participants and consumers who
interacted with your guerrilla marketing campaigns. Surveys and focus groups can
provide valuable qualitative insights.
Behavioural Analysis: Analyse changes in consumer behaviour, such as purchase
intent, actual purchases, and shifts in brand loyalty. Compare these behavioural
changes to baseline metrics before the campaign to measure its effectiveness.
Social Media Analytics: Monitor the social media impact of your guerrilla marketing
efforts. Track the number of shares, likes, comments, and mentions related to your
campaign. Analyse sentiment and engagement levels to gauge consumer reactions.
Web Analytics: Examine web traffic data, including changes in website visits, bounce
rates, and conversions during and after the guerrilla marketing campaign. Determine
if the campaign led to increased online engagement or sales.
Attribution Models: Implement attribution models to understand the role of the
guerrilla marketing campaign in the consumer's journey. Analyse whether the
campaign contributed to the decision-making process and, if so, at what stage.
Long-Term Tracking: Don't limit your analysis to the immediate impact of guerrilla
marketing. Track consumer behaviour over the long term to understand if the
campaign has a lasting effect on brand perception and loyalty.
VII. Long-Term Brand Building
Consistency and Continuity: Guerrilla marketing campaigns should align with your
brand's long-term strategy. Ensure that the creative and emotional elements of your
guerrilla efforts are consistent with your brand's image and messaging.
Maintain Engagement: Guerrilla marketing is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing
process. Stay engaged with your audience through consistent communication, even
when you're not running campaigns. Maintain a presence on social media and other
relevant channels.
Community Building: Build a community around your brand. Encourage consumers to
become advocates and loyal brand ambassadors. Engage with them regularly and
make them feel like part of a larger movement or community.
Storytelling Continuity: Continue to tell compelling stories that resonate with your
audience. Regularly revisit and update your brand's narrative to stay relevant and
emotionally engaging.
Brand Trust and Credibility: Prioritize trust and credibility in all your brand
interactions. Be transparent, honest, and reliable. This long-term commitment to
ethical practices builds consumer trust and fosters loyalty.
VIII. Adapting to Changing Consumer Behaviour