On Sunday night, actors, directors and producers weren’t the only winners in Sunday night’s Oscar ceremonies. Marketers and causes alike came out on top.
Here are a few lessons we can learn from the Oscars and their surrounding hype:
- You can get in the game – if you’re willing to pay. ABC was expected to command upwards of $2.2 million per 30-second spot during the Oscars. (Compare that to $5 million for a Super Bowl spot.)
- Get mileage with freebies. Each Oscar nominee received a swag bag worth about $200,000. Gifts include everything from personalized M&Ms to a $55,000 VIP all-access trip to Israel.
- A little product placement goes a long way. Fashion and jewelry designers rule the red carpet. Stylists and makeup artists get (hair?) plugs, too.
- Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Have a cause to promote? Take it to social media. #OscarsSoWhite is still trending after the big event. Also, take a lesson from emcee Chris Rock on how to handle controversy (not to mention the use of humor).
- Get your facts straight. Sam Smith won an Academy Award for best original song, “Writing’s on the Wall,” for the 2015 James Bond thriller “Spectre.” In his acceptance speech, he said “no openly gay man had ever won an Oscar,” which was incorrect. What should have resulted in positive publicity for the singer turned into negative PR from the backlash that ensued (see No. 4 above).
- Thank your supporters. Businesses, like actors and actresses, should not forget to show appreciation for the people who helped them get where they are today. For businesses, this is your customers. How can you show your customers that they are valued? By delivering quality products and services, providing exemplary customer service and offering relevant content.
And the winner is… marketing and public relations professionals!
By Darcy Grabenstein, senior copywriter at Annodyne
