The Cool History of NYE Promotions
The end of one year and the beginning of another is a special time, and savvy marketers know how to leverage the spirit of the New Year to captivate their audiences. Over the years, there have been some famous New Year’s marketing stunts that not only left a lasting impression but also set the stage for innovative and memorable campaigns. In this blog, we’ll take a look at a few of these iconic New Year’s marketing moments.
1. The Times Square Ball Drop (1907)
One of the most famous New Year’s marketing stunts is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City. This tradition began in 1907 when the New York Times organized a fireworks display to celebrate the opening of their new headquarters. Over the years, the event has evolved into a massive marketing spectacle, featuring a sparkling crystal ball that descends as the countdown to midnight begins. Countless brands pay top dollar for advertising space in Times Square, making this a prime opportunity to reach a global audience.
2. Coca-Cola’s Polar Bears (1993)
Coca-Cola is renowned for its iconic Christmas campaigns, but in 1993, they cleverly extended their holiday marketing into the New Year. They introduced the beloved Coca-Cola polar bears, who were seen celebrating the New Year by watching the Northern Lights. This heartwarming ad not only promoted the brand but also became a symbol of the holiday season.
3. Google’s “Year in Search” (2012 – Present)
Since 2012, Google has been celebrating the New Year with its “Year in Search” campaign. This powerful marketing stunt takes a reflective look back at the year, using real search data to highlight the events and moments that shaped the past 12 months. The campaign has become an annual tradition, reflecting the power of data and storytelling in marketing.
4. Airbnb’s Floating House (2016)
In 2016, Airbnb unveiled an extraordinary New Year’s marketing stunt by offering a one-night stay in a floating house with stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbor and its iconic fireworks display. This stunt combined luxury, adventure, and an incredible New Year’s celebration. Although it was available for just one night, the attention it garnered showcased Airbnb’s innovative approach to marketing.
5. Spotify’s “Thanks 2016, It’s Been Weird” (2016)
In 2016, Spotify took a lighthearted and relatable approach to New Year’s marketing. The music streaming platform created playful billboards using user data that highlighted amusing and peculiar listening habits throughout the year. This witty campaign not only resonated with users but also demonstrated Spotify’s deep understanding of its audience.
6. REI’s #OptOutside (2015 – Present)
For several years now, outdoor retailer REI has made a bold statement by closing its stores on Black Friday and encouraging employees and customers to #OptOutside instead. This innovative marketing stunt taps into the desire for meaningful experiences and aligns the brand with a sense of adventure and the great outdoors. It’s a unique approach to holiday marketing that has garnered significant attention and respect.
7. Snapchat’s New Year’s Eve Lenses (2015 – Present)
Snapchat’s New Year’s Eve marketing stunt takes advantage of the platform’s interactive features. Every year, Snapchat offers special New Year’s Eve filters and lenses that users can use to enhance their photos and videos as they celebrate. This not only engages users but also creates a sense of community as people share their celebrations with friends and followers.
In conclusion, these famous New Year’s marketing stunts demonstrate the power of creativity, innovation, and an understanding of the audience. As a new year approaches, businesses can draw inspiration from these remarkable campaigns to create their own memorable and impactful marketing moments, all while embracing the spirit of new beginnings and the excitement of the holiday season.
