In the realm of interactive marketing, innovation is key to captivating audiences. We’ve gathered insights from digital marketing managers to CEOs, detailing their most inventive campaigns. From hosting a client-driven photo contest to developing a custom connector configurator, explore the diverse and impactful strategies that have shaped their success.
Host a Client-Driven Photo Contest
Recently, I worked for an event-planning agency. They had limited sales from their local region using paid ads. To get more organic reach, I suggested we leverage their clients’ creativity.
My idea was simple: a photo competition for our next event. Participants would share their best event photos on Instagram, tagging our agency. Over a week, the photos with the most likes and comments would win. We’d choose three winners, offering discounts on future bookings as prizes—70% off for first place, down to 30% for third.
When we implemented this strategy, the results were impressive. During the event, guests eagerly snapped and shared photos. Our Instagram feed came alive with vibrant images showcasing the fun everyone was having.
The best part? We reached a large audience without spending money on ads. Within a month, we generated 47 referral leads. This approach turned our clients into brand ambassadors, their shared memories serving as powerful, organic marketing.
This success showed us that sometimes, the most effective marketing isn’t about spending more on ads but about engaging our audience and letting them spread the word for us.
Rakesh Bisht, Digital Marketing Manager, Gleexa
Engage With Interactive Print Media
In my experience, interactive print media has proven to be surprisingly effective! Not all interactive advertisements need to be digital. We explored this with interactive magazine and outdoor ads. For our tech productivity company, we created a one-page interactive print ad that really stood out.
This ad featured a peel-off layer that revealed hidden messages about the benefits of our products, simulating the experience of uncovering hidden productivity features in our software. We also incorporated QR codes that, once scanned, took users to a demonstration video of our tech in action. This allowed potential customers to see the immediate impact of our solutions in real-time scenarios.
Additionally, the ad included a scratch-off area similar to a lottery ticket, where readers could scratch to reveal discount codes. This not only increased engagement but also drove direct sales. We placed these ads in business and tech magazines, targeting professionals who were likely to be interested in productivity tools.
The results were fantastic. Engagement rates soared, and the QR codes were scanned more than any other campaign we had run. It showed that even in our digital age, creative print solutions could captivate an audience and deliver tangible business results. This campaign reinforced the value of integrating traditional media with interactive elements to create a memorable marketing experience.
Precious Abacan, Marketing Director, Softlist
Launch a Virtual Try-On Feature
One innovative interactive marketing idea we implemented with an optician was a “Virtual Try-On” feature for their eyewear products. Customers could upload a photo and virtually try on different styles of glasses to see how they suited their face shape. We also introduced a feature to share their photos on social media with a branded hashtag for a chance to win a free second pair of glasses. This was not only an innovative web development but also a very effective marketing campaign.
Results so far this year: over 8,000 customers have tried the “Virtual Try-On” feature and went on to share their photos on social media.
Ben Hilton, Founder & Managing Director, Switch Jam Digital
Create Personalized Co-Branded Pages
We’ve implemented an innovative approach to interactive marketing by developing co-branded, personalized landing pages. This strategy has significantly transformed and rewritten the traditional narrative of word-of-mouth marketing. We’ve built a platform that enables brands to run comprehensive affiliate, influencer, and referral programs. Every link shared by a creator or customer automatically generates a co-branded landing page.
From our experience, these co-branded landing pages offer a personalized shopping experience. Each page features unique content, curated products, and reviews from the creator, which has led to a significant increase in conversion rates—by more than 20-30%. This approach not only boosts sales but also strengthens the relationship between the brand and the creator.
Anders Bill, Co-Founder/CPO, Superfiliate
Introduce Immersive VR Property Tours
An exciting initiative was the creation of a virtual reality (VR) experience for a real estate client. We designed a VR tour that allowed potential buyers to explore properties from the comfort of their homes. This immersive experience was launched at a time when physical property tours were limited due to social restrictions, providing an innovative solution that set our client apart from competitors. The VR tours dramatically increased the time spent on listings and led to a 40% increase in inquiries, significantly boosting the client’s market presence during a challenging period.
Marc Bishop, Director, Wytlabs
Personalize With a Style Discovery Quiz
As a digital marketing expert with a decade of experience, one innovative and interactive marketing idea I implemented was a personalized quiz campaign for a client in the fashion industry.
We created an engaging quiz that helped users discover their personal style and recommended products based on their answers. The quiz was integrated with a dynamic email follow-up system, so users received tailored product suggestions and exclusive offers based on their quiz results.
The results were remarkable. Not only did the campaign see a 40% increase in engagement compared to previous promotions, but it also drove a 28% uplift in conversions. By providing a personalized experience, we effectively captured the audience’s interest and turned it into tangible sales, demonstrating the power of interactive content in boosting both engagement and revenue.
Kate Dzhevaga, CMO, Head of Growth, SYMVOLT
Offer an Interactive MVP Cost Calculator
We implemented an innovative, interactive marketing idea by creating an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) calculator on our website. This tool allows potential customers to input the specific features they want in their future projects, helping them get a detailed estimate of cost and timing.
The interactive MVP calculator asks users to select various options for their project, such as functionalities, design complexity, and platforms. Once they input their preferences, the request comes to us for a manual calculation. This manual approach ensures that customers receive the most accurate and detailed estimate, tailored to their unique needs.
The results of this initiative were impressive. First, it significantly increased user engagement on our website. Potential clients spent more time exploring the tool and inputting their project details. This interactive element also helped us capture high-quality leads, as users who took the time to use the calculator were genuinely interested in our services.
Secondly, the detailed estimates provided through this process helped build trust with potential clients. They appreciated the transparency and the effort we put into giving them a customized estimate. This led to more meaningful conversations and higher conversion rates, as prospects felt more confident in our ability to deliver their project within their budget and timeline.
Nikita Baksheev, Manager, Marketing, Ronas IT
Implement AR With Digital Passport Rewards
For a boutique coffee roaster, we launched a “Coffee Explorer” augmented reality (AR) campaign. QR codes on in-store menus activated AR tasting notes and pairing suggestions, plus a digital passport system. Using a custom mobile app, customers could scan their coffee bags to unlock an immersive experience showcasing the bean’s origin.
The AR feature transported users to virtual coffee farms, where they could explore the terrain and learn about local farming practices. We incorporated mini-games like bean sorting and roasting simulations, making the educational content engaging and interactive.
To encourage repeat purchases, we implemented a digital passport system. Each new coffee unlocked a stamp, and completing the passport earned customers exclusive rewards, like a private tasting session with our head roaster.
We partnered with local cafes to extend the experience beyond home brewing. QR codes on in-store menus activated AR tasting notes and pairing suggestions, enhancing the customer’s decision-making process and overall experience.
The campaign sparked a “gotta catch ’em all” mentality among coffee enthusiasts. Sales of our premium single-origin beans increased as customers eagerly collected passport stamps. Moreover, the educational component deepened customer appreciation for ethically sourced coffee, aligning perfectly with our brand values.
Tristan Harris, Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Blend Literature With Themed Dining Events
As the CEO of an interactive marketing agency, we pioneered an innovative brand-awareness campaign for a steakhouse client. We combined their monthly wine club and book club into one experience, with each month featuring a new novel and a menu inspired by the book’s theme.
For example, one month we featured Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” and created a Cuban-themed menu with mojitos and fish dishes. The next month featured “Like Water for Chocolate” with a spicy Mexican menu.
The cross-promotional events drove traffic to both the wine and book clubs. Membership in each club rose, and restaurant traffic on event nights increased dramatically. The interactive, experiential nature of blending literature and cuisine in unexpected ways resonated strongly with customers and created buzz.
Word-of-mouth spread, and soon people were coming in just for the special menus, even if they didn’t join the official clubs. The campaign’s success showed that innovative, experience-based marketing ideas can achieve exponential results compared to traditional strategies. I highly recommend exploring interactive concepts that blend multiple interests or activities to boost brand engagement and word-of-mouth.
Brian Kratt, Founder and CEO, Plumb Development, Inc
Drive Engagement With SMS Incentives
We’ve implemented many innovative, interactive campaigns over the years. One successful campaign was for a local restaurant client.
We created an SMS messaging program offering a free appetizer for new customers who texted in. Within a week, over 500 people had signed up. To keep them engaged, we sent personalized recommendations and coupons based on their past orders.
Over 60% of the new SMS subscribers came into the restaurant within a month. The campaign cost almost nothing to implement but drove a huge influx of new diners and revenue for our client. Personalization and offering an incentive for people to take action were keys to its success.
For another client, a home services company, we created an interactive digital billboard campaign. Using geofencing, the billboards displayed targeted ads and calls-to-action based on the locations and demographics of people passing by. The ads generated over 2,000 clicks to their website and hundreds of new customer calls within a month.
Interactive marketing, especially leveraging mobile and digital channels, is crucial today. Personalization, incentives, and customized content are what make these campaigns successful. When done right, they can drive real business impact at scale.
Kevin Watts, President & Founder, Raincross
Share Donor Stories for Fundraising
At Donorbox, we launched an interactive fundraising campaign called “Donor Stories.” We created a platform where donors could share their motivations for supporting a cause. We turned these stories into engaging videos and shared them across social media. This amplified the impact of donations and inspired others to contribute. Humanizing the donation process increased donor acquisition by 25% and average donation size by 15%. This interactive approach transformed donors into advocates, fostering a deeper connection with our platform.
Raviraj Hegde, SVP of Growth & Sales, Donorbox
Organize a Virtual Scavenger Hunt
We once ran an interactive marketing campaign where we created a virtual scavenger hunt on our website. Visitors were invited to find hidden clues scattered across different pages. Each clue revealed part of a larger puzzle, and completing the puzzle entered them into a prize draw.
The engagement was incredible. Not only did it increase the time visitors spent on our site, but it also boosted page views significantly. The excitement around the scavenger hunt led to a spike in social media shares and user-generated content, as people shared their progress and invited friends to join the fun.
By the end of the campaign, we saw a noticeable increase in our mailing list sign-ups and a higher conversion rate from the traffic driven by the scavenger hunt. It was a fantastic way to engage our audience, create buzz, and drive meaningful interactions with our brand.
Anup Kayastha, Founder, Serpnest
Gamify Customer Loyalty Programs
One innovative, interactive marketing idea we implemented was gamified loyalty programs, which turned out to be incredibly effective for our e-commerce platform. Traditionally, loyalty programs are a common strategy for retaining customers, but they can become monotonous and less engaging over time. By integrating gamification elements into our loyalty programs, we were able to revitalize customer engagement.
We introduced elements like points, badges, and various reward systems, which not only motivated our customers to stay actively engaged with our brand but also fostered a sense of achievement and exclusivity. This approach not only encouraged repeat purchases but also helped in building stronger brand advocacy among our customers. The result was a significant boost in customer engagement and retention, proving that adding an element of fun and competition to the shopping experience can lead to great outcomes.
Amir Elaguizy, CEO and Co-Founder, Cratejoy, Inc
Host a Customer Video Testimonial Contest
I’m always looking for innovative ways to engage our target customers and build brand awareness. One of our most successful interactive marketing campaigns was an online contest where customers submitted 60-second video testimonials about how they use our product. We offered cash prizes for the top three entries, as voted on by the community.
The results were fantastic. We received a lot of submissions, which gave us a library of authentic customer stories to share on social media and our website. The contest spurred a lot of interest and discussion in our online communities. And the prize money was a small investment compared to the brand exposure and goodwill we gained.
Interactive campaigns like this are a win-win. Customers have an opportunity to actively participate with the brand, and we get to highlight our biggest advocates while strengthening relationships. It’s a prime example of how creativity and a willingness to experiment can lead to outsized rewards. Overall, it was a very successful initiative that I’d recommend to any software company looking to boost engagement.
Gauri Manglik, CEO and Co-Founder, Instrumentl
Live-Stream Q&A Sessions for Engagement
As the CEO of an interactive marketing strategy, we implemented live-streaming Q&A sessions on Facebook for our clients. Lawyers and firms were able to connect directly with potential clients and address their legal questions in real time.
The live streams generated high engagement, with thousands of views and hundreds of comments per session. Many viewers followed up with the featured lawyers for consultations, and some even retained their services. The live streams created personal connections between lawyers and viewers that simple social media posts could not.
An employment lawyer gained over 50 new clients from two live-stream Q&A’s, generating a significant boost in revenue. The success of this interactive strategy has led us to explore additional options like Instagram Live, podcasts, and webcasts to connect lawyers with audiences in innovative ways.
Other firms can apply this strategy by identifying their ideal clients, the questions and concerns they have, and addressing them through live, interactive online events. Build awareness for the live streams through email campaigns, social media posts, and influencer collaborations. Keep the sessions casual and conversational to make authentic connections with viewers. With the right topics and personalities, live streaming can be a powerful client acquisition tool.
Nicole Farber, CEO, ENX2 Legal Marketing
Develop a Custom Connector Configurator
An innovative, interactive marketing idea we implemented on our website involved creating a personalized connector-configurator tool.
As a provider of custom connectors, this tool allows website visitors to input specific requirements for their electronic connectors, such as size, material, and environmental resistance. The configurator offers real-time 3D visualizations and downloadable CAD files for their custom designs. This significantly reduces the time needed to nurture leads by jump-starting the sales process.
Evan Freemon, Sales and Account Manager, iCONN Systems
Brett Farmiloe is the founder of Featured, a Q&A platform that connects brands with expert insights.
Brand marketing stock image by wee dezign/Shutterstock
