Next up in our Brand Marketing Spotlight Series — the board game that taught us about finance, money, and life skills before we even knew we needed them – Hasbro’s Monopoly.
In this series, GLM will continue to highlight a well-known brand and from a marketing standpoint dive into how they achieved their level of success. In addition, we’ll offer tips on how to utilize their methodology for your own strategy! Here are three ways to increase your brand awareness, community, and bottom line:
The game was originally designed in 1903, by Lizzie Magie who aimed to expose a capitalistic economy and dubbed it “The Landlord’s Game.” What started as a unique form of protest took on a life of its own. It became popular early on, with people creating their own versions of the game using different names, rules, and designs. The most recognizable version of the game was introduced by Quakers in Atlantic City, or so the story goes. They are the masterminds behind the black-lined boxes and names like Oriental Avenue and Park Place, and most importantly, they named it “Monopoly!” The rest was history.
Film
It was announced almost a decade ago that a film adaptation of the board game was in the works – exciting news for fans. Updates on the film have been dormant recently, leaving people wondering whether or not it was still moving forward – that is until August 2023 when Hasbro announced that Lionsgate purchased the rights to make the live-action film.
After the Barbie film achieved record-breaking numbers (and counting), the demand for toy adaptation films has been made very clear – and toy companies have taken note. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves also premiered in 2023.
Back to Monopoly… An official plot synopsis read: “The story centers on a boy from Baltic Avenue who uses both Chance and Community in a quest to make his fortune, taking him on a fun, adventure-filled journey. It’s about making your own luck, what makes you truly rich, and, of course, avoiding Jail time!”
No official release date or even a set cast but we’re excited to see what comes of it!
Producing a movie is out of most budgets, so consider investing in smaller cinematography clips and videos across social media platforms including your own website, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to get your brand message across in a compelling visual way. Let us explain further.
Videos are eye-catching and engaging. They’re like the flashy neon sign that makes people turn their heads. With a snazzy combo of visuals, music, and storytelling, you’re guaranteed to stand out in the crowded social media arena. When your brand story is wrapped up in a video, it’s easier for your audience to connect on a deeper level and remember you amid the digital chaos. They let YOU show your audience what your brand is all about. Whether it’s showcasing your products in action or giving a behind-the-scenes peek into your company culture, videos put your message into motion. Actions speak louder than words, right?
Videos on social media platforms are your brand’s secret weapon for getting noticed, making a lasting impression, and telling your story in a way that leaves everyone wanting more. Lights, camera, brand-tastic action!
Product Assortment
There have been more than a thousand versions of the game since its inception. Variations include Star Wars Monopoly, Millennial Monopoly, and Monopoly Prizm: NBA Edition Game. Impactful films, celebrities, sports teams, video games, and more, are what inspire the niche editions.
Hasbro didn’t have to reinvent the wheel, just tweak it, et voilà — an immortal board game. By offering a range of styles for a single product, you’re casting a wider net to catch different customer segments. People are more likely to buy when they find something that aligns with their personal style.
Identify your top-selling products or services and build off those. Your audience loves them for a reason so double down on them and feed the demand while introducing adjusted-enough varieties to appeal to new audiences at the same time.
Live Activation
Taking engagement up a notch, the brand launched “Monopoly Lifesized,” an immersive version of the game played on a 15m x 15m life-sized Monopoly board in London. Fans can compete in one-of-a-kind challenges for a chance to buy properties and win it all.
Perhaps it’s time for your brand to host an event or interactive installation and connect with your community IRL.
Events create a face-to-face connection that online interactions can’t fully replace. Meeting people in person allows for genuine interactions that build trust and make your brand feel more relatable.
Not to mention, branded events are content goldmines. You get photos, videos, testimonials, and social media buzz, all of which can be repurposed for marketing strategies, extending the event’s impact long after it’s over. Just look at the amount of “buzz” that the Monopoly live-activation has gotten!
Not all brands host events, so doing so can set you apart. It shows you’re invested in your audience’s experience and willing to go the extra mile.
Producing a strong brand story, mapping out a growth plan, and proposing ways to expand your digital footprint are all within GLM Custom’s capabilities. You define the goals, we’ll build the roadmap. Together we make connections.