I’m curious what you think about Guerilla marketing? It’s not exactly new, but I’ve been noticing some more lately and it’s been making me wonder. Generally it’s used by smaller groups, but I think the recent Burger King campaign fits well too. With the Whopper virgin advertisements and of course the “Delete 10 Facebook friends and get a free whopper” campaign would seem to fit the bill too.
Would Jesus like Guerilla marketing? On some of it’s major premises, it would probably be ok. Why would Jesus be against companies presenting themselves in unusual ways in unusual places with small budgets. Good use of resources. Of course there’s also the shocking element that’s a big part of such marketing. Does that push it too far?
And would about churches? Should they get in on the guerilla marketing phenomenon? I remember talking with some staff about a billboard I saw in St. Louis that said, “Satan Sucks!” It then included the name of the church. They wanted to shock people and see if they could attract some attention. I guess the statement in and of itself was true, but how does this come across to people? Does this help people see the church as “real” or does it make them think the church is just trying to be “real” and instead coming across as a little crass.
Right now there’s a big campaign in Dallas being put forward called, “I am Second” (I reviewed the website here recently). It’s good stuff and intriguing because they’re putting their advertisements all over- on billboards, in the middle of Sports Talk radio shows, tv, etc. They’re getting their message out there and using some edgy people to do so. This is a little more toned down version but I find it intriguing.
Tell me what you think. Where could the church use it well and where should it be cautious. You may even want to check out this web article for some more information on this phenomenon and the church. I may review the website, Church Marketing Sucks, soon. Almost a guerilla advertisement just in their name.
