Omnichannel Marketing Part 5: Types of Campaigns

Lauren Ackerman
Lauren Ackerman, VP Client Strategy

As part of our deep-dive series into omnichannel marketing, we’ve discussed preparation and planning, but what about the message? Today, we’ll explore three distinct types of ad campaigns that dominate the industry: the captivating “Big Idea” campaign, the promotional powerhouse, and the ever-engaging brand campaign.

The “Big Idea” Campaign: Unleashing Creativity

At the heart of every memorable advertising campaign lies “The Big Idea.” These campaigns transcend the mere promotion of a product or service, spark conversations and can stick in the collective memory of a culture for decades.

From Apple’s iconic “Think Different” campaign to Nike’s empowering “Just Do It,” these campaigns are more than the product being advertised. They aim to inspire, evoke emotions, and create a lasting impact on the audience. And they do that by finding a central concept or theme that uses storytelling to evoke emotion, capture the imagination or challenge convention.

The Promotional Powerhouse: Drumming Up Excitement

When generating excitement and urgency, there’s nothing better than a promotional campaign. This type of campaign aims to create awareness and drive immediate action by emphasizing time-sensitive offers, discounts, and exclusive deals. These campaigns revolve around creating awareness, generating buzz, and enticing customers to take immediate action.

Promotional campaigns are everywhere, from big retail displays to eye-catching website banners. Need proof of concept? Look no further than how Black Friday or Cyber Monday takes the world by storm each year.

The Brand Campaign: Connecting with Hearts and Minds

Building a strong brand identity isn’t just about logos and taglines; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Brand campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” and REI’s “OptOutside” exemplify this approach. They focus on core values, social issues, or lifestyle choices that align with their target audience.

A brand campaign creates an emotional bond, positioning the brand as a friend, an ally, or a champion of important causes. It’s about fostering engagement, loyalty, and a sense of shared values. By leveraging storytelling, authenticity, and purpose-driven messaging, brands can become integral to their customers’ lives.

Harnessing the power of the different types of campaigns drives true engagement. Each type has its role to play, and by leaning on the strengths and nuances of these, marketers can unlock the full potential of their marketing efforts.


Need help creating your next campaign? We know how to blend creativity with strategic thinking to craft campaigns that captivate, drive action, and forge lasting connections with your audience. Get in touch!

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