Marketing doesn’t always have to be glossy, polished, or serious.

In fact, some of the most memorable campaigns are the ones that make us smile, raise an eyebrow, or even laugh out loud. Two brilliant examples have caught my eye this week – one involving cats, and the other, yes, seagull poo.

Bradford RSPCA’s Virtual Cat Show

The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, and Bradford branch are running a virtual cat show to raise funds – and it’s genius. For a small entry fee, you can put your furry friend forward in categories ranging from ‘Cutest Kitten’ to ‘Best Cat Napper’. All proceeds go directly to the charity, supporting their vital work.

It’s smart marketing because:

• It taps into the universal love of cats (the internet’s unofficial mascot).
• It’s interactive, fun, and easy to enter.
• It raises money while building community spirit.

And yes – I couldn’t resist entering Frank into a couple of categories! 🐾

IKEA’s Brighton Store Launch (aka: The Seagull Poo Posters)

Meanwhile, over on the south coast, IKEA have gone bold with their Brighton store launch campaign. Picture this: giant posters featuring brightly coloured IKEA furniture… with a very realistic-looking splatter of seagull poop on them. Why? Because Brighton is a seaside city, seagulls are everywhere, and this cheeky twist makes the campaign instantly relatable to locals.

It’s clever because:

• It’s hyper-local – playing directly into Brighton’s seaside identity.
• It stops you in your tracks (you can’t not look twice at a bird poo splat!).
• It shows IKEA doesn’t take itself too seriously, which fits perfectly with their playful brand voice.

Takeaway for Businesses

Marketing doesn’t always need to be big-budget or complex. Sometimes, the quirky, unexpected ideas are the ones that really land. Whether it’s a virtual pet show that gets a community talking or a tongue-in-cheek poster that embraces local quirks, the goal is the same: to stand out, spark conversation, and connect with your audience in a memorable way.

So next time you’re planning a campaign, ask yourself: could you inject a little humour, surprise, or playfulness? You might just find that a cat show or even some well-placed seagull poo is the secret ingredient your marketing needs.

Need some help with creative ideas?  Give Marketing Doris a call!