I was driving around town the other day, when I caught a glimpse of true public spectacle through the passenger-side window. A man in a gorilla costume was standing on the sidewalk making balloon animals for passersby. A few blocks later, another man-far less jovial than the first-was dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume and trick-spinning a sign. As I drove away, it hit me; I’d just witnessed two of the most literal interpretations of Guerrilla marketing known to man.

What is Guerrilla Marketing?

Guerrilla Marketing is when a company uses creative tactics-sometimes extreme, sometimes not-to attract customers. It rarely comes in the form of a man actually dressed as a gorilla, but when it does, that’s a day worthy of celebration.

Back to the subject at hand; this marketing style is especially popular in the local business sectors that rely on a consistent amount of heavy foot traffic. You need space and an audience to interact with; even if the interaction is brief. Think of it as commerce-supported street performance. Instead of busking for spare change, you’re entertaining prospective customers.

That said; in more recent years businesses have tried their hand at this crowd-pleasing enticement. You may not recognize it as such, but they’re using incentives like gift certificates and membership cards with exclusive QR Codes to get you to purchase something and/or spread the word about their business.

Now, it’s time for the important question:

Does it work?

The answer is yes, but with a caveat. Almost everyone likes a free promotional item; especially if it’s playful, functional, or eatable. By the same token, no one likes to feel like they're being “sold” something.

Due to the rise of e-commerce and mobile marketing, businesses have had to get savvier when it comes to the tactics they use to attract either foot or web traffic. How many times have you, or someone you know, stopped to scan a Quick Response (QR) Barcode? I’ve got news for you; those little checkered boxes are chocked full of-what I like to call-Silent Guerrilla Marketing. Exclusive, buzz-worthy incentives targeted at random passersby that require interaction.

If it sounds eerily familiar, but you still have your doubts, let’s take a brief look at the evolution of the business card.

The Strategy Behind Interactive Calling Cards

These days anything can be a calling card:

• Plastic business cards
• Gift cards
• Membership cards
• Custom designed die-cuts
• Faux credit cards

I even saw a business card for a company that sold outdoor/survival gear that was made out of beef jerky! Regardless of the function, the business cards have; they are all forms of Silent Guerrilla Marketing.

What used to be a simple paper product you could tear up and throw away has evolved into something much sleeker. Now, there are funny shapes to choose from, cards that can be loaded with cash or exchanged for a product; these cards are eye-catching. They are made out of durable, high-quality, and hand-cut plastic. This isn’t a card you throw away. This is a card that makes a statement.

That is the strategy behind these pocket-sized promotional items; they are designed to make a statement. According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 94% of customers remember the logo from a promotional item they receive; 89% remember both the company name and logo. Statistics like this tell me that if you’re considering an investment in Silent Guerrilla Marketing, there’s no time like the present.

Plastic Printers have the expertise and the talent to make the investment worthwhile. They customize plastic business cards for every client, every time. A team of staff members will oversee your order from start to finish and make sure you’re fully satisfied with the result.

Silent Gorilla Marketing takes expert teamwork. Whatever your target market may be; Plastic Printers can create a calling card they’ll remember. Contact the company for a quote today.