We board an era of sequels, reboots, and memorable comebacks. We seriously doubt whether the 1990’s actually really ever ended. The same goes for the ’80s, ’70s, ’60s, or ’50s.
Movies, television shows, songs, (and more) are revolving around golden eras we just don’t want to dump. It’s no wonder we’re all holding out for Stranger Things’ fourth season.
Nostalgia Marketing is afoot, people.
The world seems to possess an irresistible taste for everything nostalgic. It’s about tapping into vintage moments and classic trends (Shoulder pads, Myspace accounts and flared jeans don’t quite count here) and re-emerging them into the trendy world.
Nostalgia can transport you back to a ‘simpler time or elicit happy memories. Bliss.
When the Caffeinate crew recently reflected on our favourite childhood toys, everyone unapologetically admitted a fond soft spot for Sea-Monkeys.
First advertised as a family-fun educational toy within the 1950s, you may find these mail-order pets inside the pages of comic books everywhere. These awesome little critters have even hung out in space and have a specially designed aquarium built by NASA.
Sea-Monkeys have always been marketed within the same way, with kids convinced they're creating ALIVE underwater creatures that board an underwater castle.
“A BOWL filled with HAPPINESS – Instant PETS!”
Unfortunately, we’re here to ruin your childhood. Presenting the heartbreaking truth – Sea-Monkeys are literally branchiopod crustacean, able to survive as eggs for long periods until added to water. For seven decades, children have believed they were real. Genius marketing, if you ask us.
Marketing shrimp to children won't have worked furthermore, but portraying them as human-like monkeys certainly has.
Deceptive? Maybe. Clever? Certainly.
But how?
Check out the live screenshot from their current website.
The cartoon designs have barely changed over time. Red dotted antennas, check. Human smiles, check. Rounded faces and light-brown tones, check. the utilization of ‘Instant Pets’ within the tagline, you bet. Amping up those nostalgic vibes, you’ll notice they even use ‘The Original’ as a part of the merchandise name. The FAQ page includes a matter asking “why not pass away, hah?” This builds trust with customers. It’s almost a shock to the system to not be sold something since we are so won't be sold to. Amazing.
Over to you, people. We’re setting you a mini-challenge. How are you able to leverage your business, using the teachings learnt from Sea-Monkeys?
We want you to induce innovation. Get creative. Get nostalgic. profit of name loyalty. Don’t hesitate to think ‘outside the aquarium.’ Meticulously plan your next move. If you’ve been around for a long time, why not revert back to your original branding for a brief period of time? Run a promotion around it. Why not pivot to supply something people haven’t seen in years?
If branchiopod crustacean can hump, you'll be able to too.
Just add water and begin growing your company.
