Advertising Ideas for April: Two Opportunities for Fun

April has two opportunities to inject a little fun into ads. Taking the Super Bowl as a recent example, consumers can find enjoyment in ads, even seeking them out and talking about them.

The first opportunity is Sunday, April 1, also known as April Fool’s Day. Local businesses can easily do a promotion along the lines of “No Fooling/Joke Deals.” But with a little creativity, they can use humor and a prank of sorts to generate some buzz. Target businesses known for having a fun personality. Those with a more serious tone but whose target audience isn't likely to be easily offended or confused can pull out a surprise win. Others not willing to “fool” their customers can promote items that would help in pulling off a prank or novelty items like whoopee cushions.

2012 is a special year with three Friday the 13ths—the most any year can have. April 13 is the second one and gives advertisers an excuse to play up superstition-driven ads. Simple promotions could include giving people a little extra luck for the day in the form of lucky pennies, four leaf clovers or $1 in every wallet sold (unlucky to give one without money).

Business owners who live for Halloween fun may be thrilled to bust out some black cats and related imagery in April. Businesses with delivery services can play into fear by encouraging people to stay safe at home and let them do the driving (and cooking). On the flip side, daring advertisers can create sales where everything is 13% off (more cautious ones can mark down all items that are $13, etc.). It’s also simply an opportunity to play up any superstition. Creating a special section on the history and folklore behind all things lucky and unlucky is sure to attract curious readers.

For both opportunities, it’s best to contact advertisers who have a sense of humor or at least target an audience who does. Big brands like Google, Kodak and the U.S. Army, among others, had some prank fun last year, but companies do run the risk of customers taking offense or being angered by false information.