The key to successfully reaching a big audience and converting them into paying customers is running marketing campaigns that have a long-lasting impact. It is important for advertisements to provide readers with something with which they can identify; without this, readers will not be motivated to form a lasting connection. 

Customer retention and connection building are complex issues that require time and experience to master. If you’re a marketing professional in need of some ideas, you should start by reviewing some of the most effective and influential digital marketing efforts of all time.

Here are some of the best marketing strategies we’ve seen and the key takeaways you should keep in mind and use in your own endeavors. Find out what made these advertisements so effective by reading on.

The Ultimate Trip: Volkswagen’s “The Last Mile”

With the premiere of their ‘The Last Mile’ campaign, Volkswagen bid a tearful farewell to the original Beetle while reiterating their support for more advanced electric vehicles. The car has played an important part in popular culture and people’s lives for decades, as depicted in this animated short film clip, which features such cultural icons as Kevin Bacon, Andy Warhol’s creations, and the Beatles. 

Nearly 2 million people saw the commercial online using the hashtag #TheLastMile, and it sparked hundreds more tweets and Instagram posts. For New Year’s Eve, the eight-decade-old automobile boldly dominated the billboards in New York City’s Times Square.

Authentic, unique content is an effective approach to enhance engagement, which is a key takeaway from successful digital marketing strategies like this one. Using the correct emotions to connect with your audience is one of the most effective methods to build brand loyalty. 

The campaign’s success is further evidence that firms need not be reluctant to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Customers not just accept but admire companies who see the need for and successfully implement change.

The “Best Men Can Be” campaign from Gillette.

One of the most memorable advertising campaigns of all time was Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” initiative, which tackled a controversial societal problem and successfully reframed it in a way that resonated with consumers. Their campaign, titled “We Believe—The Best Men Can Be,” challenged notions of toxic masculinity and argued that a sense of entitlement is not a sign of bravery. 

The firm struck a careful balance in the ad’s tone by using a phrase that has been part of their marketing for the past three decades—”The best a guy can get”—as the primary message or motivating factor. One of the most popular advertisements in recent history, it garnered over 36 million views.

The fact that this cutting-edge digital marketing campaign called out gender biases and highlighted the positive impact that men can have on society by recognizing and overcoming these biases contributed to its overwhelming popularity. 

The campaign utilized a number of different marketing channels, including Twitter and Instagram, with the hashtag #TheBestMenCanBe. 

Gillette’s advertisement has even taken on gender roles. The website featured narratives that normalized and embraced the difficulties that men face. Importantly, as part of this initiative, Gillette donated $1 million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work to empower men to reach their full potential.

Initiating this trending hashtag, Gillette reached out to people who might have never tried their goods before but could relate to the cause.

The campaign not only increased interaction but also prompted more individuals to identify with the brand, increasing the likelihood that they will make a purchase.

This advertisement exemplifies how even very small digital marketing initiatives may have far-reaching effects on society.

Digital marketing strategies that have made a positive difference in people’s lives by promoting awareness and encouraging constructive dialogue on important topics are the most successful of their kind.

 Developing marketing strategies that put people at the center is essential for connecting brands with their intended demographic in a way that seems natural and genuine through digital mediums.

Looking for the ideal digital marketing course to get you off to a good start? QCT College is committed to preparing students to become successful digital marketing professionals by imparting to them the transferable industry skills necessary for such success. Students who successfully complete the program will be well-equipped to enter a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to a digital marketing professional, communications officer, content developer, and many more.