We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2
A case study on goat
Understanding Negative Marketing: A Case
Study on "Goat"
1. What is Negative Marketing?
Negative marketing refers to a promotional strategy that
emphasises the shortcomings, flaws, or controversies associated with a product, service, or brand. Unlike traditional marketing, which typically focuses on positive attributes and benefits, negative marketing leverages criticism and negative perceptions to attract attention and spark conversations.
Key Aspects of Negative Marketing:
● Controversy Creation: By highlighting negative
aspects, brands create controversy and draw attention from media and the public.
● Polarising Opinions: This strategy often results
in polarised opinions, with some people criticising and others defending the brand or product.
● Increased Visibility: The controversy and
discussions generated can lead to increased visibility and engagement compared to conventional marketing methods.
Benefits:
● Increased Engagement: Negative marketing
often results in higher engagement levels, as people are more likely to discuss and share controversial topics.
● Enhanced Recall: The controversy surrounding
negative marketing can make a brand or product more memorable.
2. Why "Goat" Used Negative Marketing
The film "Goat," directed by Venkat Prabhu, employed
negative marketing as part of its promotional strategy to build anticipation and stir public interest. Here’s why:
● Initial Impressions: The movie's trailers and
promotional materials showcased de-aging scenes that received negative feedback due to their perceived poor quality.
● Generating Curiosity: By creating controversy,
the film piqued curiosity, leading people to wonder if the final product would be different from the early impressions.
● Creating Buzz: The negative reception of the
initial promotional content generated significant buzz and discussion across social media platforms and traditional media.
Outcome:
● Increased Discussion: The criticism led to
widespread discussions about the film, drawing more attention to it.
● Enhanced Anticipation: The contrast between
the negative initial feedback and the actual quality of the film heightened audience anticipation.
3. How "Goat" Used Negative Marketing
"Goat" utilised negative marketing effectively through a
strategic approach:
Strategies Employed:
● Strategic Trailer Release: The film's trailers
featured de-aging scenes that were intentionally portrayed poorly to generate controversy.
● Media Engagement: The negative feedback was
amplified through media coverage and social media discussions, drawing attention to the film.
● Positive Surprises: The final product featured
improved de-aging scenes, which surprised audiences and contradicted the initial negative impressions, leading to positive word-of-mouth.
Impact:
● Engagement from Critics and Fans: The
approach generated a mix of criticism and support, leading to increased engagement and discussions.
● Elevated Public Interest: The film’s release saw
heightened public interest due to the buzz created by the initial negative marketing.
4. Examples of Negative Marketing
Examples in Various Sectors:
● Blue Sattai Maaran: Known for his critical
reviews and controversial takes, Blue Sattai Maaran uses negative marketing by focusing on the flaws and shortcomings of films, which attracts attention and generates discussions.
● Pepsi vs. Coke: Pepsi’s comparative advertising
often highlighted Coke’s perceived weaknesses, such as taste or brand loyalty, to position itself as a superior alternative.
● "The Godfather" Controversies: The film faced
controversies regarding its content, which were leveraged to create buzz and draw attention.
● Political Campaigns: Candidates often use
negative campaigning by focusing on opponents' flaws or scandals to sway public opinion.
5. How Can a Business Owner Do Negative Marketing?
Implementing Negative Marketing for Business
Owners:
1. Identify Competitor Weaknesses: Look for
areas where your competitors fall short and highlight these flaws in your marketing strategy.
○ Example: If a competitor’s product is
known for poor customer service, use this to your advantage by emphasising your superior customer support.
2. Create Controversy: Develop marketing
campaigns that challenge industry norms or criticise established practices to spark discussions.
○ Example: Launch a campaign that
criticises common industry practices or standards, positioning your brand as a disruptor.
3. Be Bold and Transparent: Don’t shy away from
addressing criticisms or shortcomings openly. Being transparent can build credibility and trust.
○ Example: Acknowledge and address
negative reviews publicly, showcasing your commitment to improvement.
4. Engage Your Audience: Encourage
conversations and debates around the negative aspects you’ve highlighted. This engagement can drive more attention to your brand.
○ Example: Host a social media campaign
asking customers for their opinions on industry flaws and how your brand addresses them.
5. Showcase Improvements: Ensure that your
product or service exceeds the negative expectations set by your marketing efforts. The actual quality should surpass the initial negativity.
○ Example: After a critical campaign, deliver
a product or service that impresses and surprises customers, turning initial criticism into praise.
6. How Can Content Creators Do Negative Marketing?
Strategies for Content Creators:
1. Utilise Controversy: Create content around
controversial topics or opinions to spark discussion and attract viewers.
○ Example: Publish a video discussing
contentious issues within your niche or industry.
2. Highlight Criticism: Focus on criticisms or
negative feedback from your audience to create engaging content that addresses these points.
○ Example: Respond to negative comments
or reviews in your content, turning criticism into opportunities for engagement.
3. Generate Debate: Encourage debates by
presenting provocative viewpoints or challenging established beliefs within your content.
○ Example: Create content that questions
popular trends or opinions, inviting viewers to share their perspectives.
4. Respond to Criticism: Engage with both positive
and negative feedback to maintain visibility and foster a dialogue with your audience.
○ Example: Address criticisms in your
content or through direct responses to comments, showing that you value audience input.
5. Deliver Quality Content: Ensure that despite the
negativity, your content is high-quality and provides value to your audience.
○ Example: Follow up controversial content
with well-researched and insightful pieces that reinforce your credibility.
7. 5 Steps for Effective Negative Marketing
1. Find a Viral Topic:
○ Identify current trends, controversies, or
issues that have the potential to go viral and capture widespread attention.
2. Understand Majority Audience Pulse:
○ Research and analyse the sentiments and
concerns of your target audience to align your negative marketing strategy with their interests.
3. Pick the Opposite Side:
○ Take a contrarian stance or highlight
opposing views to provoke discussion and stand out from the crowd.
4. Be Ready for Hate:
○ Prepare for and embrace the negative
feedback and criticism that comes with using a negative marketing strategy.
5. Sell Your Idea/Product:
○ Once you’ve generated attention and
discussion, effectively promote your idea or product to capitalise on the buzz created.
Remember, while negative marketing can be a powerful
tool, it should be used judiciously to avoid potential pitfalls and maintain long-term brand integrity. With the right strategy and execution, negative marketing can transform criticism into a powerful asset, driving success and engagement in a crowded marketplace.
When executed thoughtfully, negative marketing can
elevate visibility, drive discussions, and ultimately enhance the reach and impact of a brand or content creator. By embracing the principles of finding viral topics, understanding audience sentiments, and being prepared for criticism, businesses and content creators can harness the power of negative marketing to their advantage.