Humor can be an effective tool for businesses, but should small businesses embrace it in their marketing? Let’s explore some examples and strategies to help you decide.
Funny & Quick Media Gets Attention
One standout example of a company that uses humor in marketing is TopDog Law. Known for their quirky radio ads and eye-catching yellow billboards in the Greater Philadelphia area, they’ve created a buzz. Even when their ads confuse people, it gets them talking.
Even when their ads confuse listeners, it gets people talking. With nearly 50 employees, they’re considered a small-to-mid-sized business, yet their marketing style gives them a much larger presence. The key to their success? They know exactly what their message and mission are. A simple, distilled message wrapped in humor, delivered in 30 seconds.
Could you pitch your small business in 30 seconds?
What Style of Humor Should You Use?
There’s a lot of different types of humor to pick from. The easiest way to answer this question is to consider your audience: what do they find funny?
For instance, this ad from Loomly grabbed my attention recently. The humor made me pause a second and read the ad. Making someone laugh can help break through the monotony of scrolling and can create a connection with your audience.
But it’s essential to strike the right balance. While humor works well for some brands, it may not suit others depending on the target market. The key is to consider what kind of humor aligns with your brand personality and audience preferences.
Do Funny Ads Result in More Sales?
The impact of humor on sales can be tricky to measure, but data from The Happiness Report by Oracle and Gretchen Rubin suggests that 91% of people prefer brands that use humor. This indicates that humor builds positive associations with brands, potentially increasing awareness and customer loyalty.
Incorporating humor might not always immediately boost sales, but it can make your brand more memorable. People are more likely to recall funny, engaging content, which in turn could keep your business top of mind when they’re ready to buy.
How Can I Get Started?
Incorporating humor into your marketing doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Start with simple, light-hearted content.
For example, Laser-View Technologies integrates their office dog, Valerie, into their LinkedIn posts. These posts, often showcasing Valerie’s antics alongside product information, see significantly higher engagement compared to standard product-focused posts (on average they get 13 likes per post but when they share Valerie’s content they get 32 likes on average).
This shows that humor can be as simple as sharing fun office moments or pet photos—anything that puts a smile on your audience’s face. You don’t need to create a library of funny content before getting started!
Final Thoughts
Using humor in your marketing can set your business apart and build stronger connections with your audience. It doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, a small touch of personalization is all it takes.
Want to explore how humor can fit into your content strategy? Sweet Rose Studios can help identify the gaps in your marketing approach and uncover opportunities for growth. Contact us for a free consultation today!

