Most people have heard of the movie Toy Story, but did you know that Pixar hs released the fifth part of the saga? Whether this was something that you already knew or are finding out while reading this article, I think it is safe to say that there are some crucial marketing strategies that Pixar is utilizing in order to promote a fifth part to the 1995 box office hit, that you easily can too!
Think Back to 1995…
Let’s time travel back to the year 1995; the kids are outside playing until dark, mom’s ordering that pizza with the stuffed crust, twirling her fingers around the cord of the landline and the song “Waterfalls” by TLC is playing through the family’s boom box. There’s a commercial playing on the TV that shows Buzz Lightyear and Woody ready to take on their first adventure, coming to theaters soon, and dad’s getting home from work, finally able to loosen his tie after a long day. Something about all of this sounds so comforting, like a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup on a brisk, fall evening. And that my friends, is the main marketing strategy that can potentially change your business model forever.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
Nostalgia is a tool that has been used by companies for decades that has repeatedly proven its success across generation and generation. It has a knack for knocking on the people’s doorsteps that need a moment to take a seat with the past once more for whatever reason that may be. Many people enjoy looking back and enjoying their previous interests as it can feel like a reignition or spark of something that hasn’t been felt in a while. For each generation it is different, but that is why treating brands/businesses like a time capsule can be a strategic move that can have your revenue increasing quite extensively.
What Are Some Ways to Implement Nostalgia Into Marketing?
Using the past as a marketing strategy may seem cheesy, but that cheesy aspect is what actually will bring in more business. A great way to start thinking of how to implement nostalgia into your current business model is to think about what comfort means to you and how you can lean into comfort. Maybe you’re a bookstore, and in order to gain more foot traffic, you offer one free lemonade per purchase over the course of a weekend. That way, your business is making money, whether it’s on impulse purchases of lemonade or larger purchases of books, it is a win win!
Something else that your business could do would be creating an advertisement that is centered around nostalgia. For example, a car commercial that features a young girl riding her bike down a cul de sac as fast as she can, decked out in total ‘90’s style. Fast forward to her driving down a similar street, with her daughter dressed in a slightly modern take on the clothes. This same type of advertisement could be used for any type of clothing line, accessories or even for music. A great platform for this type of media would be TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook and/or YouTube.
Something Else Worth Considering Is…
Having a sale, but design it as a Yard Sale! Whether it actually be in-store or online, cater to the idea of the iconic Yard/Garage Sales that we know and love from the past. Showcase some older items that have been in storage from never quite selling out or bring back a limited edition of something that was once very popular. Set the stage in a retro fashion, and utilize the Yard Sale aesthetic to catch the eye of a niche, alternative crowd from your typical client while also intriguing regular buyers at the same time.
If That Doesn’t Seem Like It’d Work, Try…
Engaging followers/customers in a giveaway that prompts them to share their greatest childhood memory. The giveaway can be something limited, retro or of some sort of cash value that is determined by each participant following the account and purchasing something specific or making a donation. Whether it be a $5 raffle entry, a childhood memory and a new follower, this in itself builds your brand, promotes future engagement and creates something fun for your customers to feel seen. Maybe in order for each of these people to be entered, they have to post a video on their own personal profile and tag the brand as well. This also now reaches their following, and is impossible to ignore.
If All Else Fails…
Play around with some nostalgic ideas and create something based off of them! For example, if your business is a restaurant/bar, launch a Buzz Lightyear and Woody themed cocktail competition, and engage the guests in which drink they like better! Not only will you get more sales, get through some inventory that may need help moving, but you will also get more engagement on social media, reviews on Google, Yelp and perhaps even OpenTable! However, if your business is not a restaurant, utilize Buzz and Woody’s characters as personalities in deciding between two items, and host a competition that way! Once again, bringing more engagement toward multiple products, with more reviews and more fun to be had from everyone involved!
Final Thoughts
Going back in time and using nostalgia as a marketing strategy will enhance your business model easily! Not only is it a great way to bring back old customers, keep current ones and grab new attention, it is a way to make people smile, engage and feel connected to your company in a way that they probably hadn’t before!
FAQ
Who are the main characters in Toy Story?
The main characters are a cowboy named Woody and a space astronaut known as Buzz Lightyear.
Is utilizing the past as a marketing strategy worth it?
Absolutely! Everybody loves to go back to their roots, and it can feel quite comforting to think back to childhood/early adolescence. Perhaps even your child’s childhood could bring some nostalgia, too. It’s an easy hook for customers and business strategies will consistently surmise utilizing this.
How can giveaways enhance revenue?
Giveaways are a great way to enhance revenue by targeting your current customers as well as potential future consumers. It can get your name out there farther than it has reached previously as well as give that little nudge that some of your prospects may need in following through on making that purchase.
