When Pumpkin Spice Has Gone Too Far

I should start this post with a disclaimer. I love pumpkin spice a lot. In fact, I keep canned pumpkin on hand in case I feel the need for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I probably like pumpkin more than the average person. But that doesn't negate the fact that...

Pumpkin Spice Has Gone Too Far

The point of picking on the fall gourd is this: just because a marketing strategy works for one company doesn't mean it will work for everyone.

Think about it, Starbucks introduced a fall drink that in recent years has signaled the beginning of autumn. Memes have been made depicting this phenomena.

Other companies have taken notice and decided to jump on the pumpkin spice express. For some it works, for others it fails miserably.

Prime example - Pumpkin Spice Kale Chips. That's right, a kale chip company attempted to capitalize on the success of the humble coffee drink. I don't know about you, but when I think about health foods like kale, I certainly don't think about a pumpkin spice version.

From a marketing perspective, putting out a pumpkin spiced version of this health food feels forced.

Success Doesn't Beget Success

Just because other companies have executed a strategy well, doesn't mean it will work for all companies.

Marketing your company well involves a lot of strategy, often times from a team of professionals who have taken the time to learn how your particular business works. Use caution if they try to fit your business into a slot that just doesn't fit. Just because the campaign they created was a home run for another client doesn't mean it will turn into a grand slam for you.

Forced Marketing Isn't Successful Marketing

If you have to force your marketing idea to work, it likely won't benefit your company.

Here at The Squad, we can tell when an idea is going to be a winner. The initial reaction from your potential clients should be a positive one, not one of confusion.

A perfect example is when I was grocery shopping the other night, I noticed a pumpkin spice ravioli. My initial reaction to this product was not one of intrigue or interest but rather, I thought "woah that sounds gross." Your marketing strategy should never leave your clients (current or potential) wondering what you were thinking when you gave the go ahead for a campaign.

If you think that it is time to start a conversation regarding your current marketing strategy, we'd love to chat! You can get the conversation started here. Or maybe you'd like to schedule a free 1-hour consultation, we'd love to sit down and discuss marketing strategy that isn't pumpkin spice obsessed.