(Or Five Ways to Not Upset Your Prospective
Clients Because You’re Not Very Funny)
So you think you’re funny AND you want to use it in your marketing campaign. That’s all well and good BUT I think I might have a little check off list just to make sure that all will end relatively well.
1. Are you really funny? Is it your Mom telling you that you are? Is it your Uncle Phil? OR is it your friend the stand up comedian who headlines every week at The Improv? If you answered yes to Mom or Uncle Phil, you may not be funny. In that case, we recommend finding someone who is and let them write/ create/ design said funny campaign strategy/ graphic/ idea.
2. What platform are you planning to use? Not every platform is the right one for humor. If you’re on a more conservative site like LinkedIn, I say no. If you’re blogging, sure! Facebook? Absolutely! Press release? Depends. Think about what people expect on the site or avenue that you’re using and make sure to present accordingly. It’s kind of like using your “inside” voice when you’re inside.
3. What is the brand message you want to convey? If you’re a law firm and you want people to take you seriously, you may want to think about keeping humor to a minimum. If you’re a traveling improvisational group (or even a non traveling one) you may want to put as many jokes into your message as you can clowns in a VW Bug! Bottom line is to make sure that your image isn’t adversely affected by your humor.
4. Who is your target? Do they want you to be funny? Are they looking forward to seeing you let your hair down? Do they think less of you because you rapped your financial planning strategy to them? Maybe so. Take a look at your message and the way you present it. If your target audience has not purchased a ticket to Amateur Night at the local Elks Club, then do not perform for them. They may want someone who cuts out all the cute crap and gives them what they are looking for, sound advice, information, etc.
5. What is the personality of your business? If your business has a personality that lends itself to light heartedness or is comfortable with the “social” part of social media then let your clients get to know you, good jokes, bad jokes, humor, you name it. If people can relate to you, they might be more inclined to work with you. Don’t be afraid to let that happen. No right or wrong- it’s just what you’re comfortable with.
6. BONUS Note! DO NOT and I mean DO NOT push the envelope of taste, respect, ethics and all those other words that people say when they’re getting serious. IF YOU DO, be prepared to deal with the backlash, repercussions and in some cases, financial disability you can bring on your self. Unless you’re a shock jock and that’s your business, don’t do it.
If you’re still wondering what to do and you feel even more concerned about your marketing formula than ever, then my mission has been accomplished! Just kidding; we’re here to help. Just call 813-867-0017 or email us at
