Growth Lab

A simple song saved Wheaties. But it didn’t just rescue a cereal—it changed advertising forever. Back in the 1920s, Wheaties was failing. Sales were dismal, and the brand was on the verge of being discontinued. In a last-ditch effort, General Mills aired the first-ever commercial jingle on the radio. The impact? A surge in sales that not only saved Wheaties but also cemented jingles as a powerful marketing tool. This moment in history proves that creativity, not just budget, drives success in advertising. A catchy tune turned a near-failure into an icon. What’s your favorite ad jingle of all time? Drop it in the comments! ⬇

What if I told you someone made millions selling… rocks? In 1975, Gary Dahl turned the Pet Rock into a cultural phenomenon. His secret? Not the product itself—but brilliant marketing. ✔ He packaged the rock in a pet carrier with a hilarious training manual. ✔ He capitalized on the 1970s’ love for quirky fads. ✔ The media ate it up, giving him free publicity everywhere. The lesson? The right story can turn even the simplest idea into a sensation. What’s a product or campaign you’ve seen that proves marketing is everything? Drop it in the comments! ⬇ #MarketingStrategy #ViralMarketing #PetRock #Storytelling #Branding

Caught red-handed! Some restaurants were diluting Heinz's iconic reputation by refilling their bottles with generic ketchup. But instead of quietly addressing the issue, Heinz launched a genius campaign, calling out the fraud and rallying customers to help ensure authenticity. With the cheeky slogan, "Even when it’s in Heinz, it has to be Heinz," they turned a potential scandal into a marketing masterstroke—complete with bold billboards and community involvement. This how you turn a problem into opportunities.

Rebrands don't work. Nope! In 2010, Old Spice reinvented itself with "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" campaign. It wasn’t just hilarious—it was strategic. By targeting both men and their partners, Old Spice shifted its image from outdated to iconic, boosting sales by 125% in six months. This is proof that bold creativity and understanding your audience can completely transform a brand.

Is there such a thing as bad press? Here's an interesting example. In 1997, the creators of Grand Theft Auto faced a crowded gaming market and an uphill battle to stand out. Their solution? Controversy. PR mastermind Max Clifford planted stories highlighting the game's violent content, sparking outrage from politicians and parents. The result? Widespread media attention, skyrocketing curiosity, and over a million copies sold. This bold move turned GTA into a cultural phenomenon, proving that strategic controversy can amplify visibility and drive success. If you know how to shape the press (and in these days social) narrative, you can get a lot of free media exposure without spending lots of dollars.

Ryan Reynolds has redefined celebrity marketing. From Aviation Gin to Mint Mobile and Wrexham AFC, his humor and authentic persona are the brand. Each ad feels like a personal chat with Ryan himself—authentic, self-deprecating, and relatable. Why does it work? People connect with authenticity. Reynolds proves that founder involvement can transform brand perception.

Domino’s tackled a unique problem: potholes ruining pizza deliveries. Through their "Paving for Pizza" campaign, they repaired roads in nominated towns, ensuring smoother rides for pizzas and drivers alike. But this wasn’t just about deliveries—it was about showing they cared beyond the product, creating lasting goodwill and media buzz.

Jaguar isn’t playing it safe. They’ve taken the idea of a “rebrand” to a whole new level, tearing down their old identity to rebuild from scratch. Their bold campaign, "Copy Nothing," is less about selling cars and more about commanding attention and creating buzz. But here’s the big question: Does launching a rebrand without a product in hand make sense? It’s a high-stakes gamble that’s all about timing, anticipation, and reinventing relevance. I know a lot has been said about this, but with some distance from the buzz, I'm curious what you think now—brilliant move or risky strategy?

Ever noticed how Five Guys serves their fries? They fill your cup, then visibly add extra fries to the bag. It feels like a bonus, but the total amount likely hasn’t changed. This simple trick turns a standard transaction into a memorable experience of generosity. What’s one subtle change you could make to leave customers feeling like they’re getting more than expected?

Did you know "horsepower" began as a marketing strategy? In the 1700s, James Watt needed to explain his steam engine’s power in relatable terms. His solution? Comparing it to the strength of horses—a concept everyone understood. This simple framing transformed perceptions of mechanical power and fueled the adoption of new technology.