Inspiration often comes from unexpected places. The best ideas don’t always emerge from marketing textbooks or industry case studies—they’re found in real-life events, cultural shifts, and the unique ways brands connect with their audiences.
When you step back and take a wider view, you’ll notice opportunities for creativity everywhere you look. It’s not about following a formula—it’s about finding inspiration in the stories, values, and experiences that resonate with people.
Here are a few campaigns that broke through the noise and delivered memorable connections. These examples show that great marketing isn’t just about the “what”— it’s about the “how.”
Alice Mushrooms: A Road Trip Like No Other
Alice Mushrooms hit the road in April 2023 with a vintage 1969 Chevrolet ice cream truck, turning it into a mobile brand experience. From Venice Beach to downtown LA and Coachella, they met customers face-to-face, sharing their story and the science behind their chocolates.
The results were impressive:
- Sales increased by 48%.
- Orders surged by 57%.
- Web traffic spiked by 33%.
- Two viral TikToks generated around $100,000 in organic sales.
This campaign proved that meeting customers where they are—literally—can create a deep, lasting impact.
Force of Nature Meats: Grounded in Purpose
Force of Nature Meats has carved a unique space as the first national brand rooted in regenerative agriculture. Their simple yet powerful message, “The best meat on the planet, for the planet,” captures their commitment to sustainability and health.
Rather than just selling products, they educate consumers about how their practices restore land health, nourish people, and combat climate change. This purpose-driven approach doesn’t just attract eco-conscious buyers; it builds a loyal following by aligning with values that matter.
Maple Hill Creamery: An Immersive Media Day
Maple Hill Creamery took their story to the fields—literally. At their farm in Cobleskill, NY, they hosted a media day where guests enjoyed brunch surrounded by cows and rolling hills, experiencing firsthand the values of 100% grass-fed organic dairy.
This wasn’t just a media event; it was a way to immerse attendees in the heart of their brand. Instead of telling their story, Maple Hill let their audience live it, creating a powerful connection that words alone couldn’t achieve.
Opportunities Are Everywhere
These campaigns remind us that great marketing doesn’t have to follow a script. Whether it’s a road trip with a retro ice cream truck, a commitment to sustainability, or a farm-to-table experience, the best ideas often come from leaning into what makes a brand unique and authentic.
Inspiration is everywhere—on the road, in the fields, and in the values that drive a brand’s mission. As marketers, our job is to look beyond the obvious and find the stories waiting to be told.
So, what’s your next big idea?