April Fools' Day has always been a day when brands get to flex their creative muscles and conjure up innovative new ways to trick their customers and convert belly laughs into clicks. This year was no exception, with brands across the globe taking to social media to showcase their ingenious April Fools' Day stunts.
It’s a great opportunity for businesses to show off their playful side and connect with their customers. While some may view it as a frivolous occasion, it can actually be a powerful marketing tool if executed correctly.
With that in mind, here's how to create the perfect April Fools' Day advertising stunt that will grab attention, generate buzz, and maybe even go viral.
Step 1: Know your audience
The first step to creating a successful April Fools' Day advertising stunt is to know your audience. Think about what your customers enjoy and what type of humour they appreciate. Consider your brand identity and how your stunt can tie into it. Your April Fools' Day prank should be funny and memorable, but it also needs to align with your brand values and the likes and dislikes of your core audience.
A great example of a brand knowing its audience came this year from language app Duolingo, which spoke directly to its largely Gen Z audience by royally taking the piss out of Love Island. The company ‘promoted’ a co-branded series with the streaming network Peacock called “Love Language,” a reality dating show where ten of the “hottest singles in the world” meet up in paradise to find true love. The catch: none of them speak the same language. What makes it so great is how plausible it all is.
Step 2: Plan your execution
Decide how you'll reveal your prank, how you'll promote it and on what platforms as the platform will often dictate the kind of prank you pull. You can use social media, email marketing, or even traditional advertising channels like billboards or TV commercials to get the word out. You should also prepare for any potential backlash or negative feedback that may come with your prank. Make sure you have a plan in place to address any concerns or issues that arise.
Step 3: Choose your prank
Once you have a good understanding of your audience and brand identity, it's time to brainstorm ideas for your April Fools' Day prank. The key is to come up with a creative and unexpected idea that will grab people's attention. Some ideas could be launching a new product that doesn't exist or creating a fake promotion or offer that's too good to be true. However, always make sure your prank is harmless and won't offend anyone.
A great example from this year came from McDonald’s and their McNugget Boots made entirely out of chicken nuggets. According to reports, the boots were a limited-edition item that could only be purchased on April Fools' Day. The ad generated a lot of buzz on social media and received widespread coverage from major news outlets. Then there’s TrueCar’s “CarGPT” app which uses technology to “peer into your soul” and find the car that’s perfect for you.
Step 4: Launch and monitor
Finally, it's time to launch your April Fools' Day advertising stunt. Monitor the response and engagement from your audience and be ready to adapt if needed. If your prank goes viral, make sure you're prepared to handle the increased attention and interest in your brand. Because being reactive is how you can transform a viral joke into genuine sales.
With a little creativity and planning, you can create a memorable and shareable prank that will get people talking about your brand. Just make sure your prank is harmless and aligns with your brand identity, and you'll be on your way to a successful April Fools' Day campaign next year.
