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Marketers get a bad rep, but really we’re just like everyone else and the majority of us hate bad marketing and advertising. Maybe even more so than the average Joe because we’re in it every day. Which is why it makes many of us so angry we go on big time rants when we see someone being a marketing douche an shoveling their garbage all over the place.
Honestly this post could go on for days, and you’re probably all too familiar with the pet peeves listed below, and what I really want to know is what yours are and what you call them. So feel free to skip the article and go straight to airing your grievances in the comments below if you’re feeling so inclined. Otherwise, here’s a list of things marketing douches do that you should avoid.
Putting Yourself In Places You Don’t Belong: Being a positive disruption is one thing, but when you’re interrupting, being a nuisance, or are just completely irrelevant to the people, place, or discussion you’re trying to shove your message onto you’re doing more harm than good. Don’t get me wrong, people will remember you, but not for the reasons you want.
Using A Megaphone Instead Of A Hearing Aid: Ever gone to a party and met someone who is so full of himself (or herself) and all you could think is “what a douche” and found yourself having a hard time believing anything they were saying? If you have then you might also remember that same person had a nasty talent for pulling every single conversation back around to themselves and how awesome THEY are and the cool things THEY do without a thought, an ear or a word for anyone else. Don’t be that guy (or brand). Build up others and you’ll reap the rewards.
Leading The Blind When You Can See: Purposely misleading people just to get them into your sales funnel is not only sleazy, but immediately breaks the trust long lasting brands build with their community. Don’t be a slimy jerk and be upfront about pricing, warranty, operating costs, etc. Be open, honest and transparent and you’ll be someone people WANT to do business with.
Crop Dusting Is For People Who’re Full Of Crap: If you don’t know what crop dusting is click this link. If you do then you should be able to see what I’m saying here. The people who breeze in, drop links and basically spam up the joint only do it because they know their product is crap and not really worth anyone’s time or money and they’re just fishing for suckers. If you want to build a real company and brand then you won’t do this.
Smile Nod Wink Yup Repeat: I once talked to a guy who greeted every single comment, question, etc. with a smile, a nod, a wink and a “yup”. Even if he was listening I didn’t feel like he was (neither did anyone else who was there) and even began finding it a bit creepy. Phoning it in is not appealing.
Assumptions Make An Ass Out Of You Not Me: Ever had someone make an incorrect assumption about you and you were offended? It sucks. In this day of knowledge and technology there is zero reason to not do your research. Info by the 10-ton bucket load is available online, often for free, and you can find out just about everything you need about the people you want to reach.
What are your tips to avoid becoming a marketing douche or do you have examples of recent marketing douchery? Put it in the comments below because we’d love to hear it!