Business

Ambient Advertising: 3 Examples of Ambient Advertising

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Mar 14, 2022 • 1 min read

Ambient advertising is a marketing technique that places ads and unusual objects in unusual locations to catch consumers' attention.

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What Is Ambient Advertising?

Ambient advertising, also known as ambient marketing, aims to affect people using surprise, interactivity, and emotional connection elements. Companies and brands place ambient ads in unusual places to encourage engagement and make a strong impression. Unlike traditional advertising, like billboard advertising, ambient advertisements appear in public places where people are unlikely to anticipate them. Ambient marketing is a type of guerrilla marketing.

Ambient marketing examples include placing stickers at bus stops, installing large displays in public areas, or creating experiential marketing campaigns with interactive elements. When the consumer does not expect to encounter the advertisement in a particular place, they can have a lengthier and more impactful experience with the ad.

What Is the Purpose of Ambient Advertising?

The main goal of ambient marketing strategies is to surprise a target audience of potential customers. In a media-saturated environment, advertising can feel ubiquitous, and people eventually begin tuning it out. Ambient advertising can offer a marketing department or advertising agency new possibilities to grab consumers’ attention and sell products.

4 Advantages of Ambient Advertising

This creative advertising technique has distinct advantages over a more traditional form of advertising. Sometimes, ambient advertising can be one of the most effective ways to raise brand awareness.

  1. 1. Low-cost: One of the best reasons to consider ambient media advertising is the relatively low costs of this technique. Large-scale traditional ad campaigns can be expensive, and the cost of airtime and ad space is continuously increasing. Strategically placing ambient ads can be strikingly cost-effective.
  2. 2. Attention-getting: Ambient ads can be a form of creative advertising, offering novel experiences for consumers that stand out among traditional ads.
  3. 3. Virality: When people encounter a successful ambient marketing ad, they might share it on social media. A chain reaction of sharing can be a significant windfall of free advertising for the brand.
  4. 4. Memorable: When people have a positive and surprising experience viewing an ad, they are more likely to remember it. It is possible to create a lasting impact with an ambient marketing campaign.

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