Your Guide to Going Big with Campaigns – 80s Style!
The 1980s was an era of excess, electrifying energy, and unforgettable branding. (and I personally loved it) From neon-soaked visuals to larger-than-life personalities, companies that dared to go bold made a lasting impact. If you want to channel that 80s spirit into your marketing campaigns here’s how you can make your brand stand out with BIG moves!
- Go Loud or Go Home: Eye-Catching Visuals
Back in the 80s, subtlety wasn’t in style. The same should go for your marketing! Use bright colours, bold fonts, and high-contrast imagery that demands attention. Whether it’s a billboard, social media ad, or packaging, make sure your visuals turn heads. Think neon pinks, electric blues, and dramatic compositions.80s-Inspired Tip: Incorporate retro aesthetics like pixel art, VHS glitches, or synthwave colour palettes to create a nostalgic yet modern twist on eye-catching designs.
- Make It a Spectacle: Guerilla Marketing
The 80s were all about making a statement, and so should your marketing. Think outside the box with immersive experiences, flash mobs, or eye-catching stunts that get people talking. The more outrageous and unexpected, the better!80s-Inspired Tip: Host an 80s-themed pop-up event with arcade games, breakdancers, and boombox beats. Make it Instagram-worthy, and people will spread the word for you.
- Catchy Slogans & Jingles That Stick
If your brand’s message isn’t stuck in your audience’s head like an 80s hit song, you’re doing it wrong. The best campaigns of the decade had catchy slogans that people still remember today. “Just Do It” (Nike), and “I Want My MTV” (MTV) weren’t just ads; they became part of pop culture.80s-Inspired Tip: Create a short, rhythmic, and memorable tagline or jingle that captures the essence of your brand in a fun and engaging way.
- Bigger is Better: Over-the-Top Ads
The 80s were all about extravagant, high-budget, cinematic commercials. Whether it was Apple’s legendary “1984” ad or Coca-Cola’s grand storytelling, brands weren’t afraid to go all out. Your marketing should aim for that same larger-than-life feeling—whether it’s through humour, drama, or pure spectacle. (and you don’t need a big budget to do it)80s-Inspired Tip: Go for an exaggerated, fun, and almost theatrical approach in your video marketing. Think synth-heavy music, slo-mo, and bold voiceovers.
- Interactive & Engaging Promotions
Remember those classic sweepstakes and mail-in promotions? Consumers loved feeling involved in brand experiences. Today, this translates to interactive digital campaigns—polls, challenges, and contests that make audiences feel like part of the brand.80s-Inspired Tip: Launch a social media contest where participants have to recreate an 80s-themed look or moment using your product. Reward the best entries with exclusive prizes!
Be Fearless, Be Fun, Be Unforgettable!
These are just a few thought starters. The 80s were all about making a statement and having fun doing it. If you want your marketing to stand out, you need to embrace the same fearless attitude. The bigger the idea, the bigger the impact!
So, crank up the volume, embrace the neon, and make your next campaign totally radical!
