Marketing campaigns spread the word about businesses using a variety of media, including print, radio, television, and internet platforms. Companies operating in highly competitive markets often run marketing campaigns and invest significant sums to increase sales and brand awareness.

Successful marketing campaigns may assist increase brand recognition, whether you’re targeting existing or new consumers. 

Marketers now have access to a growing variety of cutting-edge platforms and technology, and as a result, today’s campaigns are usually very creative and effective. Big businesses primarily communicate with their markets through marketing campaigns to strengthen their positioning.

What are marketing campaigns?

Marketing campaigns are well-organised and planned sequences of activities designed to achieve a company’s marketing objective. 

Marketing campaigns can be created with a diverse range of objectives, such as building a brand’s reputation, launching a new product, boosting sales of an existing product, or even mitigating the impact of unfavourable news.

The purpose may be to introduce the target audience to the new or current product, to reinforce the brand promise and positioning, or to attract more consumers to increase the company’s sales.

Why do brands need marketing campaigns?

The benefits of marketing campaigns include acquiring new consumers and raising brand awareness. Additionally, they engage customers, establish a reputation, and update the target market about your brand’s new and updated offerings. 

Marketing campaigns help companies generate more revenue and profit, enabling them to expand and perhaps even reach new markets.

Highlighting the features of products, describing the company’s message and its history to consumers, and drawing in and engaging new customers while keeping the old ones intact are some of the benefits of marketing campaigns. 

Top 30 marketing campaigns for all time

Effective marketing campaigns could be game changers. Here are the 30 best marketing campaigns by big companies of all time:

1. #ShareTheLoad- Ariel Matic

Since 2015, Ariel’s multi-award-winning #ShareTheLoad marketing campaign has been exposing the realities of inequality in Indian homes. 

This marketing campaign moved away from these conventional advertisements and highlighted the idea that women are not the only ones in charge of household duties. The advertisement makes a progressive stance for the generation of today, which seeks equality. 

2. #ShopForShopless- Cadbury 

During Diwali, Cadbury Celebrations launched the #ShopsForShopless marketing campaign highlighting the ability of technologically enabled community-building initiatives.

Anybody who has registered may make purchases after contacting the company via phone, SMS, or even video call. With the help of their online store, street vendors can carry on with their operations without having to search for a new location every day.

3. #WeMissYouToo- Maggi

The slogan for Maggi’s 2-minute noodles has made it a popular go-to meal for several people. After a setback in 2015 that saw the brand temporarily banned in India, it quickly gained popularity there again after being revived.

Nestle upped its advertising and promotional budget and broadened its digital media mix to launch the “We Miss You Too” campaign, which put the focus on a group of Maggi enthusiasts sharing stories of their devotion to the noodle in a Maggi-less world.

4. #ItsJustAPeriod- Stayfree 

On the daughter’s day, Stayfree launched the #ItsJustAPeriod campaign to encourage parents to talk to their sons about periods. The campaign’s purpose is to include boys in the discussion about menstruation.

These initiatives include collaborations with educational institutions, the promotion of best practices for menstrual hygiene management, and encouraging candid discussions about the issue by the people who matter most to the young girl and her family.

5. #TodoNaiJodo- Fevikwik

Fevikwik, an instant adhesive brand from Pidilite Industries debuted its new TVC campaign, Fevikwik “Todo Nahin, Jodo.” Launched in conjunction with the much anticipated India vs. Pakistan World Cup 2015 match, the campaign uses comedy to spread the idea of unity and peace. 

The advertisement, titled “Parade TVC,” carefully incorporates Fevikwik’s brand features as an instant glue while conveying a more general concept of fostering interpersonal bonds.

 6. “Daag Ache hai”- Surf Exel

When all other companies were talking about getting rid of “Ziddi Daag,” Surf Excel and Lowe Lintas came up with the innovative idea of “Daag Acche Hain.” The initial advertisement featured two adorable siblings, one of whom trips over a puddle and the other of whom punishes the puddle for harming his sister.

The benefits of marketing campaign of Surf Exel included reminding us that human beings are flawed and forcing us to accept our imperfections. 

7. ZooZoos By Vodafone

ZooZoos are white creatures with inflated bodies and egg-shaped heads that are used by Vodafone to advertise a variety of value-added services. 

Not only did Zoozoos communicate the various value-added services Vodafone offers, but they also aided in building their brand’s visibility. The additional benefits of marketing campaigns were that the expense of creating Zoozoo advertisements was far lower than obtaining a celebrity to endorse their services.

8. Amul’s Butter Girl Marketing Campaign

The advertising team behind it is renowned for capitalizing on the day’s headlines by releasing fresh, funny commercials with the well-known Amul Moppet, also known as the “utterly butterly girl,” that captures the general mood in a single pithy statement.

The adored Amul girl was created in 1966 by art director Eustace Fernandes of Mumbai’s ad firm daCunha Communications while Verghese Kurien was looking to develop an ad campaign for Amul Butter, which he had started approximately ten years earlier.

9. “Ghar Ka Khana”- Fortune Oil

The idea that eating home-cooked food, or “Ghar ka Khana,” is the purest kind of happiness is expressed by Fortune Oil. This is accomplished by focusing on a lovely bond between a tenacious grandma and her devotion to her sick grandson.

Akshay Kumar appears in Fortune Oil’s newest television ad, “Ghar Ka Khana, Ghar Ka Khana Hota Hain,” which demonstrates how superior home-cooked cuisine is. Especially for Indian soldiers who are away from home for extended periods, the notion of home-cooked ‘poori chole’ brings a smile to their faces.

10. “Sabun Slow Hai Kya?”- Lifebuoy

When the phrase “Bunty tera Sabun slow hai kya?” appears, many people immediately think of Lifebuoy. Bunty, the protagonist, is washing his hands with soap for at least a minute when a girl enters and asks, “Bunty tera sabun slow hai kya?”

Customers respond well to Lifebuoy’s child-focused advertising efforts; while not very creative, the campaign is a terrific illustration of how straightforward ideas can be powerful and how well you can market your company.

11. “Jaago Re”- Marketing Campaigns of Tata Tea

When Tata Tea initially introduced its trademark “Jaago Re!” in 2008, it made a strong impression on viewers. Tata Tea started its “Badi Duty, Choti Duty” campaign in 2012. It discusses the value of carrying out one’s obligations, no matter how minor or significant they may be.

The Jaago Re! ideology served as inspiration for the TVC, which highlights the idea that to have a significant influence, people must do more than only the ‘big essential’ things, like voting and fighting corruption, and that even seemingly little actions, like obeying traffic laws, have equal value and consequences.

12. “Dimag Ki Batti Jala De”- Mentos

Mentos’ well-known ad “Dimag Ki Battii Jala De!” gave the nation an injection of smart thinking. “Dimaag ki batti jala de” has embedded itself into the brand’s physicality, playing back right away whenever Mentos are addressed. 

The plan was to establish two parallel universes and demonstrate how Mentos helps individuals deal with similar circumstances cleverly. For some Indians, in the recent and prior decade, the idea of “Aam Zindagi v/s Mentos Zindagi” has become familiar.

13. “Start A Little Good”- HUL Campaign

As part of its CSR program, Hindustan Unilever produced the thought-provoking water conservation video Start A Little Good. The purpose of “Start A Little Good” is to bring attention to the urgent environmental concerns that the nation is now experiencing and to encourage action. 

Additionally, it educates viewers about the “little good” that HUL has started as a corporate citizen and encourages them to make little, everyday improvements that will have a significant impact.

14. Smiling Face Packaging- Lays India

The aim of Lays India’s “smiling face” advertising campaign was to get consumers to try various potato chip flavours. So they came up with a brilliant marketing scheme by stuffing the Lays packaging with real people’s smiles, and each flavour of chips had a unique sort of grin.

They announced the contest and invited participants to take selfies while purchasing the flavour of chips that best suited their preferred grin. To participate and eventually help the brand in getting more people to sample certain flavours, many people encouraged their friends to buy the Lays as well, even though they are not typical consumers.

15. Flipkart Kids and “Kids Are Back” Campaign

The goal of this Flipkart Kids campaign was to increase consumer trust. It sought to develop India’s online retail market. Three aspects of Flipkart were intended to do this: cash-on-delivery, a 30-day replacement policy, and original items with warranties.

The Flipkart Kids campaign, dubbed “No Kidding No Worries,” created advertising history. Funny and enduring commercials. They struck up a dialogue. And when it came to brand recall, they completed the deal.

16. #MyFevicolAd Contest- Fevicol

Fevicol organised a contest across digital platforms where participants are asked to design their very own Fevicol Ad to inspire internet users to showcase their creativity. The firm, which prides itself on its creativity, is constantly looking for fresh methods to sell its goods. For this reason, they created the “Stuck By Fevicol” ad competition.

Contestants must submit ideas for short clips that properly communicate the brand’s message to compete. This is a smart move since it engages the audience and, at the same time, frees up advertising budgets for the brand.

17. #KanyaMaan Campaign- Manyavar Mohey

Manyavar Mohey has developed an advertising campaign #KanyaMaan for its social media marketing. Weddings are unions of two families, and rituals are an essential component of weddings, particularly Kanyadaan, which has an emotional undertone. These social media campaign advocates for gender equality.

Alia Bhatt discusses a developed mental process as well as the ritual that unites the family. The media trolls asked for a brand boycott and for the advertisement to end. This advertisement, however, alters how we view traditions and rituals.

18. #ShareACoke Marketing Campaigns- Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola debuted their extensive digital media campaign called “Share a Coke.” The major success was credited to the digital platform, where each bottle had the hashtag #shareacoke.

With relationships as the central idea, it has been recreated to appeal to Indian customers. The story explores the importance of relationships for Indians through its subject, “Har Rishta Bola, Mere Naam Ki Coca-Cola.”

19. #FaithNotForce- Bournvita

The campaign #FaithNotForce served as yet another powerful reminder for society to acknowledge and foster each child’s unique potential. Its goal was to advance the narrative on progressive parenting and preparedness. Bournvita sought to remind people not to push children since they are a legacy brand.

The campaign’s foundation is the straightforward principle of not underestimating a child’s full potential, and they are certain that the packaging’s uniqueness will draw parents’ attention to it and the #FaithNotForce commitment on www.thebournvitastore.in.

20. “Voice of Hunger” Campaign- Swiggy

Swiggy’s “Voice of Hunger,” a one-of-a-kind Instagram Voice Hack in which users were requested to mimic food shapes in amusing ways to win food vouchers for a year. The stakes will keep going up as “Voice of Hunger” asks the food to make voice note waveforms that are more challenging every day.

The campaign consisted of five tasks. The leading meal delivery service in India, Swiggy, offered a chance to win a year’s worth of food coupons to those who finished all five.

21. “Not Everyone Gets It” Campaign- CRED

The campaign used surprise to draw in viewers, tricking them into thinking they were going to see an old narrative before being shocked with a fresh twist. It included Bollywood singers and actors traditionally promoting CRED: via dance, music, and theatre.

The goal of this campaign was to stir up nostalgia by using the most well-known Bollywood stars of the 1990s, but it also aimed to surprise audiences with its unexpected conclusion. Instead, they aimed to break up the congestion and evoke nostalgia by showing celebrities from the past engaging in behaviours utterly at odds with their public image.

22. “Flag Without Colour” Campaign- MP Birla Cement

Children who are visually impaired sadly cannot see the stunning colours of our flag. MP Birla Cement developed the idea of a “Flag without Colors” to help people understand the meaning of the national flag. A flag constructed of cement with Braille markings that describe the flag’s colour and significance.

The Braille flag was delivered to several blind schools in India. This was done to help children celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day. Students of Seva Mandir School in Indore, which was given the “Flag Without Colors,” are seen in the marketing film as they go through their daily lives.

23. “There’s a Playlist for That” Campaign- Spotify India

Spotify offers media services and an international audio streaming platform. “There’s a Playlist for That” was introduced by Spotify India in 2019. Despite being predominantly OOH, the ad received more than 72,000 internet shares. 

All of these initiatives are directed toward Spotify’s objective of profoundly localizing its brand and enhancing user interactions. The campaign’s creators were aware that cultural variations vary every few kilometres in India. This implies that even people who reside in neighbouring cities might have diverse interpretations of the same music.

24. #MallAtACliQ Campaign- Tata CLiQ

Tata CLiQ launched the #MallAtACLiQ marketing campaign. During the lockdown, Tata CLiQ built a four-story virtual mall on its Instagram feed, complete with the typical shops, eateries, and gaming businesses. The mall was now in the market’s hands as a result.

In collaboration with the brand, four influencers gave their followers advice on what footwear, apparel, or jewellery to choose from. The concept of an online mall with lots of visuals was a new way to adjust to internet purchasing during the epidemic. The concept was ideal for the societal climate at the time of its introduction.

25. #DontLetYourDreamsWait Campaign- P&G Siksha

Since 2005, P&G Shiksha, the company’s flagship CSR initiative in India, has worked to increase underprivileged children’s access to high-quality education. Bittu’s story served as the inspiration for the #DontLetYourDreamsWait marketing campaign. 

The campaign highlights Bittu’s school life and how he had to wait until he was 75 years old to go to school.

26. #BolneSeSabHoga Campaign- Google India

The usefulness of the Mic button and the “Okay Google” command enabling users to access voice search services are highlighted in a new Google India campaign. An Indian actor, Gajraj Rao, is featured in the advertisement. The advertisement emphasizes the app’s simple functioning.

With the video campaign #BolneSeSabHoga, Google India is inviting users to use voice search to ask queries and improve their lives. Google developed their campaign on the appropriate Indian behaviour of asking for assistance.

27. #StopTheBeautyTest Campaign- Dove

Leading personal care company Dove developed a marketing campaign called “Stop The Beauty Test” to draw attention to arranged marriage and matrimonial statistics in India. In this social media campaign, the world is made aware of the terrible reality of how Indian women are rejected because of their beauty.

Dove appeals to women to respect beauty by looking past the physical characteristics of the body and colour schemes. In comparison to Dove’s previous social media initiatives, this marketing initiative is the strongest.

28. “More Together” Campaign- Facebook

A film celebrating Diwali in 2021 was released by Facebook India as part of the company’s More Together initiative. This social media campaign gained a lot of attention because it demonstrates how resilient individuals can be in the face of adversity.

Facebook’s “More Together” campaign tries to highlight how users can do more as a group by utilizing the platform’s connections and mutual support.

29. #AbHarDinHuaAasan Campaign- Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay launched a digitally-led campaign #AbHarDinHuaAasan. It emphasizes how simple and secure digital payments are on the platform and how millions of Indian consumers would benefit from them.

A digital video that highlights the transformation of money and other business practices from cash to digital across generations has been released as part of the campaign. It describes how Amazon Pay has made it simple for small company owners, including street vendors, to start accepting electronic payments.

30. #SmileOutLoud- Colgate Visible White

#SmileOutLoud campaign was launched by Colgate. It featured several social media influencers discussing self-love and self-confidence. The “Smile Out Loud” marketing campaign for Colgate Visible White O2, a new whitening toothpaste, was started by Colgate-Palmolive (India).

The campaign shares inspiring anecdotes of real women who convey how confident they are in being their true, authentic selves, reiterating the notion that beauty cannot be defined or judged by impractical standards.

Takeaways

Marketing campaigns by big companies are developed with a specific goal in mind. The benefits of marketing campaigns include enhancing brand recognition, boosting product sales, imposing positioning or repositioning strategy, etc. 

Campaigns target consumers in unique and engaging ways and distinguish specific deliverables from generic promotional efforts. There will undoubtedly be a lot of favourable attention given to successful marketing campaigns that engage leads across several media.