What marketers can learn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

If you are anything like me, you sprinted to the cinema to watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

We don't often think of these kinds of films when we are looking for life lessons or career advice, but this time the Guardians have got your back. They came out with a wealth of wisdom that marketers need to know about!

media update's Alrika Möller lists all the marketing knowledge that the latest Guardians of the Galaxy film has to offer:

It's good to have friends!

Leave it to the superheroes to show us the power of a team-up.

Just like with the Guardians of the Galaxy film, everyone has a role to play and a skill to add when it comes to marketing.

Collaborating with other departments will ensure that you introduce new perspectives, assist each other and create a better campaign together.

Every department has its own focus and priorities. This does not mean that they will disagree with you, but rather that every aspect of the marketing campaign will get the attention it needs to create the best product overall.

In this movie, some of the Guardians are taught that other members have their own value to add to the group, while others show the need for other people by their side.

Just like how Rocket fixes the ship, Nebula acts as the muscle and Peter comes up with the plans, all departments have a role to play in your marketing campaign.

Learn to swim!

One of the most famous members of the Guardians is Peter Quill — also known as Starlord. Starlord is going through a bit of a crisis in his life, causing his sister to tell him to learn to swim.

Mantis is not exactly talking about literal swimming, but rather jumping into new things and figuring it out as you go. This is especially true for marketing.

The world of marketing is evolving and changing so much, making it important for marketers to keep trying new things in order to stay ahead of the curve.

A few years ago, the concept of marketing through influencers was a strange and risky move, now it is one of the most popular ways to market new brands and products. There were no rules and guidelines at the start. Someone had to jump in, swim and figure it out.

Whether it is trying a new platform, being more humorous, or creating a marketing event, don't wait for things to become easier. Try it yourself and figure it out along the way. You might start the next big marketing trend.

The power of storytelling

The third instalment of the franchise focuses mainly on the life story of Rocket Raccoon, a genetically enhanced raccoon with an eye for mechanics and a strong sense of humour.

The film jumps between the current storyline of the Guardians fighting the newest bad guy and flashbacks of our favourite raccoon's life as a young kit finding his way.

The emphasis on storytelling creates an emotional connection that draws the viewer in. When storytelling is used effectively, it will promote engagement between the brand and the public.

Stories can really humanise a brand and make the consumer trust them more, as people respond to things that they can relate to or that touch their hearts in any way.

We have all seen the Bell's ad The Reader, showing the Dad learning to read just because his son wrote a book. It will forever be memorable and heartwarming.

Don't take yourself too seriously!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 can be called many things! One of the most important aspects is the fact that it is truly a funny movie. Between all the seriousness, fight scenes and general superhero stunts and explosions, they still find a way to make you laugh.

This is something marketers need to take note of. No matter how serious the brand or uninteresting the facts may seem, there is no reason to be too serious. Play your own awesome mix of music and have a little fun.

Humour is a tool marketers need to use more. People enjoy laughing and they will remember a funny ad. If the ad is really funny, they will not just remember it but repeat the joke or tell others about it as well.

After watching the new Guardians movie, it is the funny moment that stuck with me the most. The lines that made me laugh kept playing in my head on the way home. Ads can do the same.

When we have to choose between a lot of information, or a truly funny ad, always choose funny!

Did that look cool?

There are a lot of important questions in life, and the film is asking one of the most important questions of them all … Did that look cool?

We live in an age where people are more interested in cool videos and funky visuals than they are reading an information overload. How things look is the key to getting people to pay attention — no matter the subject.

Visual marketing is a term that basically refers to all things visual. The colours, fonts and images you use for any ad campaign are incredibly important to get people’s attention, as well as giving them something to remember.

The information in the ad can be an Oscar-winning script that will make you laugh and cry all at the same time, but the visual aspect can make or break any ad.

Before you take an ad campaign to the pressers or send the commercial to the broadcaster, ask yourself: Did that look cool?

Movies can be a wealth of marketing wisdom! Do you agree? Let us know your favourite movie marketing tips in the comments section below.

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If you are looking for more tips and tricks to add some spice to your marketing, have a look at Five tips for using humour marketing.

*Image courtesy of Unsplash