Experiential Marketing: Why it’s Crucial and Why it Works so Well for Us

Our Global Roadshow was an amazing success. Meeting with people on the ground, working with partner communities, attending conferences and festivals, and hosting small curated events and meet-ups have been a crucial learning and awareness tool for us over the years. It’s great validation for the effectiveness of cross-channel, experiential marketing brand programs.

We live in a world where brand-to-consumer interactions take place primarily over the internet—connections and content are primarily digital. Because of this, creating a physical, tangible experience is an incredibly powerful marketing tool.

Developing experiential marketing programs that create an in-person experience for customers with products, which are broadcasted and promoted through various digital channels, continues to be an authentic and effective way for companies to build loyalists, influencers, and happy customers. It’s the authenticity that makes it so effective.

Why does it work for Blurb?

Blurb is in a unique position: We’re not a physical retail storefront or a company that makes consumer packaged goods. We don’t sell software, or hardware, or subscriptions. We’re in the business of inspiring people to tell their story, showcase their work, promote their art or business, and capture important moments. The end result is a beautiful book or magazine. We’re a tech company that produces a physical, analog product.

Because creation happens digitally, it’s imperative for people to see examples of our books and magazines. We want people to have the opportunity to really see the product. Look at the paper, check out the cover types, see how other people are creatively using the platform. When people see our books, touch the paper, interact with the stories—there’s always a moment when we see the light bulb go off: They can imagine their story coming to life; they feel empowered and inspired to create.

Hosting experiential programs allows people to get to know a brand in a physical, personal way. How does the brand come to life? What’s the brand style? What vibe does it create? It allows customers to meet with the people behind the brand and ask questions in real time versus over email or forums. Additionally, providing customers with an opportunity to meet and greet one another really builds a sense of community.

Ultimately, we’ve found that building cohesive, cross-channel marketing campaigns with a multi-touch approach is the best strategy for an effective program and an engaged community. Having an experiential marketing program, from meet-and-greets to sponsored events anchors these campaigns, ties everything together, and gives it life.