When you say the words, ‘Harry Potter’ to anyone, they know exactly what you are talking about. Whether you know him from the New York Times best-selling book series or the successful film franchise, people are aware of the boy who lived. J.K Rowling wrote seven books over the course of a decade, co-wrote a Harry Potter-themed play, and has brought together one of the strongest and largest fandoms in the 21st century. Many fans have stated that Harry Potter has taught them valuable life lessons and has shaped their moral compass. But, what does Harry Potter have to do with a marketing plan for a small business? How is a book series about witchcraft and wizardry going to help my overall marketing strategy? Here is how the Harry Potter series can help your small business’s marketing strategy:
Finding a Support System
“Books! and cleverness? There are more important things — friendship and bravery.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
Loyalty and friendship paved the way for Harry Potter’s triumph over Lord Voldemort, along with the support of his best friends, Ron and Hermione. Ron provided Harry tireless support while Hermione’s intelligence saved him on a number of occasions. Without the overall support and guidance of his best friends, Harry Potter’s fate may have changed by the end of the series.
If you want your business to succeed as Harry Potter did at the end of the series then you would want a team of SEO experts, social media gurus, and content marketing wizards. Their knowledge and expertise could save you and support you when you are in need it. Just how Ron and Hermione helped Harry Potter fulfill his destiny, a team of marketing experts can help you reach your full potential.
There is Always a Choice
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
―J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter had a choice to make, to either join Voldemort or use his power for good. He made this choice when he was being sorted into the houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on his first day. The Sorting Hat is used to decide which house you are ultimately placed into based on your personality and skills. When the Sorting Hat was placed on Harry’s head, it was torn between sorting him with the cunning Slytherins and the valiant Gryffindors. Since the Sorting Hat was undecided, it was up to Harry to choose which house he wanted to go into. He ultimately chose to be placed in Gryffindor house, and the Sorting Hat respected Harry’s choice. In marketing, you always have a choice to modify your business’ destiny.
The most important lesson to take is to not commit to a certain course of marketing action just because it says to do so in this month’s marketing calendar. Listen to your gut and consult with your marketing team to help shape the best decision for your business.
Don’t Be Afraid of a Challenge
“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter had to deal with some very big challenges throughout the series. He had to learn how to defend himself against Dementors, werewolves, mermaids, dragons, Death Eaters, Voldemort, and from the Dursleys. Considering what Harry had to endure, don’t your marketing goals seem less daunting?
The reality is that every marketing strategy big or small can fall a tad short from time to time. That SEO goal you may have set for the month may have been off slightly, or a piece of content you worked hard to perfect may not get the type of virtual attention you desperately desired. Marketing can be difficult to master, but if you learn from all the challenges that come your way in the world of business, you will become a marketing wizard.
Cockiness Will Lead to Failure
“You’re a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose everything!”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Lord Voldemort was powerful and determined in what he wanted, but his own cockiness and stubbornness caused his downfall. He self-proclaimed that he was the world’s most powerful wizard and became overconfident in his power and created a poor strategy to execute his plan to dominate the wizarding world. He had a strong following that could have helped him but he did not want their help and attempted to destroy Harry Potter himself.
As a small business, it is important to play on your strengths but it is equally important to realize your faults. Once you understand your business’s faults and address them sooner rather than later, your marketing campaign will prevail. Campaigns are never perfect and it is best to prepare for any bump in the road your campaign may hit in the future. It is always better to hope for the best and expect the worst than to believe everything will turn out perfectly the first time. It is also never a bad idea to speak to others for advice or help. Maybe Voldemort should have followed this piece of advice!
Creative Click Media specializes in creating unique marketing strategies to generate interest in your business from social media, web design, to SEO. Contact us today to see how we can help your business attract new attention and generate new leads.
