Big brands have big budgets, but small businesses have something even more powerful—creativity. Small businesses that use unconventional, low-cost tactics grab attention and make people talk about their business. The best part? A massive ad spend isn't needed to make an impact.
Here are six marketing stunts you can steal, tweak, and make your own.
1. The ‘Lost Item’ Trick – Leave Your Marketing Where People Don’t Expect It
Imagine someone walking down the street and spotting a wallet on the ground. They pick it up and—surprise!—instead of cash, they find a coupon for your business with a note:
"You found this, now find your next favorite coffee at [Your Business Name]—on us!"
This works with anything that people instinctively pick up:
Faux parking tickets (for a freebie or discount)
Balloons with QR codes leading to your site
Envelopes marked “Confidential” with a special promo inside
2. The ‘Invisible’ Billboard – Street Art That Stops Traffic
People ignore ads, but they share unexpected moments. Try using chalk art or stickers in high-foot-traffic areas to create a buzz.
A fake hole in the sidewalk (printed on vinyl) with “Fall into something amazing at [Your Business Name].”
A footstep path leading straight to your door with quirky messages.
A “scan this” sticker that leads to an unexpected surprise (like a discount code).
3. The ‘Mysterious Box’ Drop-Off – Curiosity Marketing in Action
People love a mystery, especially when it’s placed in their world. Try this:
Drop small, locked boxes in local hotspots with a note:"The key to something amazing is inside. Find out at [Your Business Name]!"
Inside the box? A small gift or discount to claim in-store.
Watch as social media starts buzzing about your business.
4. The “Unexpected Employee” Stunt – Make People Do a Double-Take
People remember businesses that surprise them in real life.
Have a “statue” (a real person in costume) in front of your store suddenly come to life and hand out samples.
Set up a fake protest with signs that say “Stop Drinking Bad Coffee”—then hand out your actually good coffee.
Have employees pretend to argue over something funny—like whether pineapple belongs on pizza—and invite customers to vote.
5. The ‘Mysterious Social Media Challenge’ – Hype Before the Reveal
Start posting cryptic messages, blurred images, or half-finished sentences on your social media. No explanation. Just intrigue.
“It’s coming. And it’s ridiculous.”
A countdown with no details.
A pixelated image of your new product with the caption: “Guess what’s dropping soon.”
When you finally reveal what it is, everyone will be watching.
6. The ‘Reverse Sale’ – Customers Decide the Discount
People expect sales, but they don’t expect to control them.
Try this:
Customers roll a dice at checkout. Whatever number they get is their discount! (Example: Roll a 5, get 5% off.)
Let customers spin a (potentially) virtual wheel to determine their discount.
Offer a mystery sale where people only find out their discount at checkout.
The Secret to Guerrilla Marketing?
Be Unexpected.
Guerrilla marketing works because it makes people stop, laugh, or wonder what’s going on—and that’s when they pull out their phones to share it.
The key? Think outside the ad.
Instead of pushing your product, create an experience that makes people feel something.
Which of these ideas are you going to steal? Let me know how you make them your own!
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