With everyone staying at home and life at a standstill due to Covid-19, spending priorities changed. Companies could have sat back and not spent a cent of their digital marketing budget but a few key players did the exact opposite. These brands kept their customers interested and engaged through creative campaigns while others placed an emphasis on supporting charities or healthcare workers.
Now that restrictions are easing and we prepare for the new ‘normal’, these companies will be remembered for their ingenious digital marketing campaigns that brought some joy into our lives when the whole World was at a standstill.
Here are Evolution Digital’s top 10 creative Digital Marketing campaigns during Covid-19…
1.McDonalds
With all McDonald’s across Ireland and the UK closed from March 23rd people were beginning to crave their favourite takeaway. McDonald’s released their sausage and egg McMuffin recipe on April 6th to the delight of fans. Although this seems counterintuitive as it provides a replacement for McDonald’s at home – McDonald’s know that no home recipe will compete with their taste and so it actually creates a greater buzz for when they re-add their breakfast option. Ba Da Ba Ba Ba… I’m craving it!
2.Guinness
Even though St. Patrick’s Day was cancelled, it is no surprise that Guinness didn’t stay quiet. Their social media pages put out a video message that was heartfelt and inspirational when the World needed it most! This video focused on the past – Guinness’ legacy, the present – Covid 19 and the future. Looking forward to what is to come and really made us all proud to be Irish!
3. Nike
Nike masterfully struck a balance between creating a new campaign and highlighting its purpose through inspiring people through the power of sport. Their ‘Play for the World’ campaign highlighted how we must all do our bit and ‘play inside’.
4. L’Oreal Paris
With hairdressers closed and roots beginning to show, L’Oreal Paris enlisted the help of their brand ambassador Eva Longoria who made a homemade video using their Excellence Crème hair dye. This campaign was effective as often we can be skeptical if celebrities in ads for home dye kits really use the product or not! This was living-proof that indeed they do, increasing trust in L’Oreal Paris and inspiring others to cover up their greys – if its good enough for Eva then its good enough for us!
5. Three
Three Mobile launched its latest campaign to highlight its removal of usage limits on all you can eat data! This message combined with the innocent Facetime dialogue between a grandson and grandfather which is all too real for people during this current time really hit the nail on the head between being informative and striking a chord with customers.
6. YouTube
During lockdown, who wasn’t watching some type of ‘how-to’ video or “at-home” workout? Well, YouTube decided to remind us of the importance of staying home to save lives and how this time can be spent on their platform doing things you didn’t have time for before! Using the hashtags #StayHome #WithMe. Smart right?!
7. Dove
Dove is well known for its campaigns focused on beauty. Their recent campaign entitled ‘Courage is Beautiful’ featured front-line staff showing the marks PPE equipment was leaving on their faces. A truly poignant digital campaign. Dove also donated to Direct Relief and established themselves as a brand concerned with more than just traditional beauty.
8. Tik Tok
With extra time on our hands, many of us turned to Tik Tok in an attempt to pass the time and maybe even become a viral sensation!
Tik Tok released their ‘A little brighter inside’ campaign to signify the power the app has to make you feel better during these difficult times. This idea of escapism was exactly what we needed when things were tough in the real world.
9. Tourism Ireland
This stunning campaign entitled ‘I will return’ captures some of Ireland’s treasures and focuses on the future and the day that visitors can ‘return into her arms.’ The perfect inspiration for an Irish holiday.
10. Cadbury
Cadbury’s Covid-19 campaign focused on the positive spirit that endured during the pandemic. Entitled ‘This doesn’t need to end’ it focuses on all the positives we can take from our time in lockdown and the kindness we showed one another. Celebrating the many acts of kindness that happened during the pandemic resonates with Cadbury’s revitalised brand message, which focuses on this sentiment. Finishing with ‘There’s a glass and a half in everyone’ beautifully sums up the kindness seen during this pandemic.
Digital Marketing with Evolution Digital
If you are looking to kickstart your digital marketing again in the second half of 2020, make sure to contact our team at Evolution Digital. Our team of creative marketers would be happy to discuss where we can take your company using varying digital marketing channels. Get in touch with us now on 01 288 5118 or email info@evolutiondigital.ie.
