Month: May 2023

Come on, Barbie, let’s go party…

Everything is so Barbie central right now and we’re here for it, maybe not in her plastic world, but certainly her marketing world.

The new Barbie movie is coming to our screens on July 21st and her marketing team have certainly got the ball rolling with the build up. So, what makes Barbie so relevant even in today’s day and age?

Consistency, adaptability, and accountability.

Barbie made her big debut in 1959 at the New York International Toy Fair as Barbie Teenage Fashion Model, with many toy buyers sceptical as she didn’t appear like any other children’s toys and dolls.

Move to 2023, and Barbie has remained a huge success where the doll continues to be the subject for cultural, sociological and psychological interest amongst many.

With the new Barbie movie directed by Greta Gerwig coming out soon, what has this taught us about successful marketing tips that we could use?

Nostalgia

What is going to make people resonate with your brand?

Maintaining a loyal identity for brands marketing themselves in front of today’s consumers can be tricky, and sometimes even unsuccessful.

If you had a vast collection of Barbie dolls (I know I did), you’ll know what the instant ‘throw back’ feeling is when you see something you once had as a child.

The clever thing that Mattel has done is create stories that can resonate with Barbie fans. Welcome the characters, Ken, Skipper and Midge, all who formed relationships with Barbie herself, through being a boyfriend, sister and best friend. Not only can you create new stories with the introduction of new characters, but Mattel even declared that Ken and Barbie had actually ‘broken up’ and then got back together. 

This amusement (and relatability!) for Barbie’s fanbase makes stories come to life. It gets people involved. Through sharing on social media, users can create new stories, much like their imagination did as a child. 

Imagination, life is your creation.

This type of nostalgia for toy owners generates trust and confident attitudes towards brands such as Barbie, which in turn influences consumer preferences when it comes to choosing toys for their children.

Barbie’s Playful UGC Content

Now, moving onto what the most exciting thing of 2023 so far… yes the new Barbie film. Alongside the release of the trailer, the next day Barbie’s marketing team released a selfie filter where mobile users could insert their face to an AI-generator which turns them into a Barbie character.

The outcome of this playful interaction is that these images are shareable! This has put meme culture in overdrive as people can’t stop capturing and sharing these AI-generated selfie images.

Interaction is key to any brand, and this is what consumers love. When they can get involved, the relationship between your brand and consumer is strengthened. By adding fun elements into the mix, it can generate conversations and through word of mouth, your brand is out there.

A key thing to note is sustaining that interaction which will maintain your relationship. Longevity should be on your list.

Playful and interactive user generated content can drive nostalgia too, helping everything work in harmony.

Anticipation

Building up a storm before the big launch, social media teasers and short insights…

It’s common knowledge that trailers for films are one of the most useful advertisement tools out there. It’s a teaser, a sneak peak about what is up and coming. 

Promotional mobile trailer advertising for your brand is an easy way of effectively reaching a high number and a variety of people in an extremely short amount of time. Social media trailers can often be more successful as unlike television advertising, viewers cannot change the channel, therefore your brand message is being looked at for longer.

Circulation about Barbie’s life in plastic began last summer. Conversations had started before we’d seen anything! Facing criticism, when the time came for the trailer release;  Barbie’s life in plastic, it’s fantastic!

Social media went crazy when Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling came to our screens for all but one minute and forty five seconds. The real ‘Dream House’ was brought to life, everything from Barbie’s waterslide (that any child begged to have as part of their Barbie play set), the car, the perfect Barbie legs and the clothes… all that PINK!

This is what is bringing people’s childhoods to life. Barbie is a timeless brand, and the reason it’s still successful is because they are considering their relevance in today’s world. We’ll never get sick of Barbie and her trends because we’re all Barbie girls, in the Barbie world.

We cannot wait until the new Barbie movie is released in cinemas!

Get in touch with Posh Cockney today to elevate your marketing campaign and stand out from the crowd.

Your May Marketing Calendar

Since our April content marketing calendar blog was a hit, here are some key dates in May to spark some marketing campaign ideas!

May is an eventful month, especially in the United Kingdom, posing fantastic content creation surrounding key dates and events; King’s Coronation, FA Cup final and Eurovision Song Contest. Plus, there are three long weekend opportunities to maximise bank holiday sales through your social media, email, blog and other marketing campaigns.

Also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, is the day that commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement.

With all the recent strikes, this one is significant this year. You could talk about your company and what you do for your workers or how you have met and overcome diversity over the years.

May 3rd: Early May Bank Holiday

With lots of bank holidays this year, Many people will be looking to try new things. Sharing ideas for how to make the most of the long weekend, such as exploring local restaurants or taking a day trip.

Why not boost social media engagement with an Instagram Stories poll that asks your audience to vote on their favourite weekend activity?

May 4th: Star Wars Day 

It sounds similar to the well-known Star Wars catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. You could do something fun and creative with this; dress up in the office, get Yoda to review a product, or get people to show you what they are up to with a chance to win a product or voucher.

May 6th: Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla

May 7th: Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle

The King’s Coronation is set for a weekend of celebrations; you could create fantastic offers that are fit for a King.

On social media, ask your followers to comment on their favourite memory of King Charles or what they would like to see from him now he is King – this will boost your engagement.

May 13th: World Cocktail Day

A global celebration of cocktails; it marks the publication date of the first definition of a cocktail on May 13th, 1806.

Cocktails have come a long way since then; create a fantastic offer on your cocktails, 2-for-1 or complimentary cocktails for customers who spend a certain amount on the rest of your menu. 

On social media, ask your followers to comment on their favourite cocktail – this will boost your engagement and give you some menu inspiration! 

Or hold a competition where people can design their own cocktail, and the winners will be added to the menu for the month.

May 13th: Eurovision Song Contest

Cover the event, including the UK’s entry and predictions for the winner.

So much can be done for this one as it is being held in Liverpool this year. From fancy dress to themed menus for food and drink, the opportunities are endless and one you should definitely be getting involved in.

May 29th: Spring Bank Holiday

Suggest fun foods for the long weekend, and showcase your place’s best offers.

You could host a family day or an afternoon lunch for the ladies.

We are ending the month just like we started — another bank holiday!

Campaign ideas:

Once again, remind your audience about your bank holiday hours and suggest fun activities for the long weekend while throwing in a shameless plug for your company’s best offers!

By tapping into the events and themes of the month, you can create engaging content that resonates with your audience.

We hope you found these May marketing dates useful and can take inspiration from our ideas. Be sure to share your results with us if you do!

Get in touch with Posh Cockney for a tailored marketing plan and content calendar to support your business goals.