Game of Thrones has exploded in popularity because of its dynamic characters and enthralling storylines, but it can also teach us a few things about marketing.
Set in a world of warring kingdoms, ancient magic, and a hell of a lot of major character deaths, Game of Thrones has quickly escalated to become one of the most popular television series around. While the intense violence and unscrupulous sexual encounters of the main characters are not something you should bring to your business, there are a handful of lessons the show actively demonstrates.
Check out these five marketing tips you can learn from the show (and book series):
1. Reputation is Everything. That man over there is a Lannister. You can tell from the lion on his chest. Before you even meet him, you can guess what kind of a person he is. You want your brand to convey an immediate and positive message about your business.
2. Don’t Get Too Attached. George R. R. Martin isn’t afraid to kill off his characters, even beloved ones, in an effort to maintain a better story. Don’t become too attached to specific channels in your marketing campaign—if they don’t work, make them pay the iron price.
3. Know Your Enemy. Maybe some of the less-than-pleasant wedding kerfuffle could have been avoided had the main characters understood their competition a little better. Always be on the lookout for new twists and turns in your competitive landscape.
4. Be in the Right Place at the Right Time. The most manipulative characters in Game of Thrones are generally the most successful, and they always seem to be in the right place at the right time. It’s no accident. Read the situation, know your surroundings, and plant yourself where you’re likely to gain the most and have the most opportunity.
5. Build Your Influence. The key to winning power is winning influence, which you’ll have to build slowly. Like Daenerys Targaryen or Petyr Baelish, you’ll have to gradually climb the ranks with a consistent voice and an increasing significance.
If you liked this entry in our “marketing tips to learn from _____” series, be sure to check out our entries on Iron Man, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Terminator, and Lex Luthor, too!
