Looking for a way to engage your customers in an impactful way? Well, it doesn’t always take a big budget ad campaign to grab your audience’s attention. Sometimes, it’s a well-timed joke that could make all the difference in having your

message resonate.

According to a recent marketing study by the textbook rental service Chegg, almost 80 % of college-age kids remembers ads that make them laugh. And this phenomenon is not limited to just millennials, as Nielsen recently ranked some of the most memorable Super Bowls in the past four years.

The advertiser that topped the list? Doritos, a brand largely known for their absurdist commercials.

Defining what’s Funny

Since humor is a key part of any successful campaign, how do you figure out what’s funny? Comedy is mostly a matter of personal taste. Clearly, what amuses an 18-year-old may not resonate with a baby boomer. Therefore, understanding your audience is crucial for your message to be taken as you intend.

Much of this can be attributed to research. That means, paying attention to trends and cues that directly affect both your brand and your core customers. But beyond this, there are a few rules every smart marketer should consider when incorporating humor in their campaigns.

Be careful with controversial topics: Sometimes, it’s best to leave the potential edgy issues and language in the comedy clubs. While joking about such things may gain attention for your brand-it may not be the type that your company executives are looking for.

The best humor comes naturally: People generally know when humor is forced or seemed manufactured.

Be relatable: The best comedy comes from building relationships based on shared experiences. So don’t be afraid to create content around common occurrences in everyday life.

Don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself (and your fans): People respond when you show that you can let your hair down sometimes. It humanizes your brand and makes others more likely to trust you.

Keep it simple: Unless you are producing content for a very specific audience (such as doctors, lawyers, etc.), avoid using jargon or confusing set-ups. If the ad has to be explained to be funny, then it’s not as effective.

Get a PDF on the 10 Most Effective Ways to Use Humor in Social Marketing
The Dollar Shave Club was founded in 2011 when cofounders Mark Levine and Michael Dubin bonded at a party over the high prices of razor blades. After obtaining funding, they created a membership-based company aimed at making shaving more affordable. It’s a great concept, no doubt. But how can a smaller business in the roughly $13 billion shaving market attract attention? Especially without the big marketing budgets of rivals like Gillette and Bic?

They do it by producing hilarious viral videos and commercials starring their company’s CEO. Their first YouTube, entitled “Our Blades Are F***ing Great”, has been viewed over 20 million times since its original posting in 2012. Even more impressive?

The video generated 12,000 orders within two days being online. So why are the ads so effective? Mainly because the set-up premises are relatable and easy to understand. They are edgy in a way that is consistent with the brand identity. And the fact that their CEO is willing to make fun of both his industry and himself doesn’t hurt.

When Humor Fails: DiGiorno Not every attempt at incorporating comedy in marketing succeeds. One of the biggest examples of a major faux-pas was when the popular pizza brand, DiGiorno, decided to bring levity to a trending topic on twitter called #whyistayed. digorno

The original intent for the online discussion was to give a face to the millions of people worldwide who found themselves staying in abusive domestic relationships. However, perhaps not understanding why the hashtag was being shared, Digiorno decided to tweet an ill-advised response indicating that a person remained in the volatile situation because the abuser had pizza.

Unfortunately for DiGiorno, the backlash came quickly-causing them to quickly delete the offensive tweet while expressing their apologies. And while the company has come a long way in making amends, their failure to thoroughly research their message serves as a warning for all brands.f

Key Takeaway: Humor in marketing can be an effective tool if used responsibly. Marketers looking to make comedy part of their message must first understand their target audience. Businesses must also be willing to make their content relatable, fun and simple. Try to avoid controversial topics and be ready to poke fun at yourself.

Get a PDF on the 10 Most Effective Ways to Use Humor in Social Marketing