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September 08.2025
1 Minute Read

Don’t Miss These Winning Video Marketing Strategies

Did you know that using video marketing strategies can boost audience engagement by up to 80% compared to text-based content? In today’s fast-moving property services landscape, smart local businesses are embracing video to stand out, build trust, and win more clients. If you’re not leveraging video marketing yet—or want to up your game—this essential guide shares actionable insights, practical tips, and proven strategies that will transform the way your business connects with your audience.

Startling Insights: The Power of Video Marketing Strategies

Video marketing strategies are reshaping how local property services reach and influence their communities. Research shows that 90% of people say videos help them decide to make a purchase, and property service businesses who use video marketing often see higher brand awareness, more leads, and faster growth. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, harnessing the power of video can be the secret difference between being noticed or being ignored.

In this guide, you’ll discover why a tailored video marketing strategy matters for property services, how social media and video content drive incredible results, and the step-by-step blueprint to create, distribute, and measure your own winning campaigns. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your tactics, these insights will make sure your marketing efforts work smarter, not harder.

Why Video Marketing Strategy Matters for Property Services

For local property services, standing out among fierce competition is crucial. A thoughtful video marketing strategy transforms your brand presence, humanises your team, and clearly demonstrates what makes your services unique. Videos like explainer videos, property walkthroughs, and client testimonials offer a great way to make your services more relatable and trustworthy. In fact, a recent study showed that properties marketed with professional video content receive up to 403% more inquiries than those with photos alone.

Effective video marketing also lets you showcase your expertise in bite-sized, engaging formats. Instead of relying on traditional, text-heavy marketing campaigns, using video quickly communicates your message and gives your audience a reason to care. When you post your video on the right media platform, you’re not just reaching more viewers—you’re connecting with the right people who are more likely to become real clients.

Confident real estate agent showcasing video marketing strategies in modern property office
“Video marketing strategies increase audience engagement rates by up to 80% compared to text-based content.” — Marketing Week

A Shocking Statistic: How Social Media and Video Content Drive Results

The impact of social media and high-quality video content cannot be underestimated for property businesses. Did you know that over 70% of property buyers and renters look at video tours and agent videos before contacting a business? Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok now serve as search engines for many potential clients who want to visualise their next move.

By strategically using video marketing strategies on these platforms, local property businesses report increases in both direct inquiries and overall brand recognition. Smart use of explainer videos and market updates lets you tap into trending topics, keep your business top-of-mind, and build local authority. This is the digital advantage you can’t afford to ignore—those who embrace video marketing strategy today, lead their market tomorrow.

As you refine your approach, it’s worth exploring specific tactics that can accelerate your results. For a deeper dive into actionable methods that drive rapid growth, check out these video marketing strategies proven to skyrocket sales—they offer practical steps you can implement right away.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide to Video Marketing Strategies

This comprehensive guide is packed with practical, easy-to-apply tips specifically for local property service businesses looking to grow using video. Here’s what you’ll master by the end:

  • Principles of video marketing strategy for small & local businesses
  • How to craft a winning video marketing campaign
  • Optimising video content for different social media platforms
  • Practical tips for producing high-quality videos
  • Real-world examples relevant to Property Services

Understanding Video Marketing Strategies: Definitions and Core Concepts

To unlock the full potential of video marketing strategies, it’s important to start with the basics: what they are, why they matter, and how they drive results in modern marketing. Let’s break it down.

A video marketing strategy is more than just recording and posting video content. It’s a planned, goal-driven approach involving the creation, distribution, and ongoing optimisation of videos to attract, inform, and convert your target audience. The most effective strategies are tailored to your specific market, audience, and business goals—whether that’s brand awareness, lead generation, or boosting local engagement.

What is a Video Marketing Strategy?

In simple terms, a video marketing strategy is a step-by-step plan that guides how you use video to reach your marketing goals. This involves identifying your target audience, choosing the right types of video (like explainer or testimonial), selecting the best media platform (such as social media, YouTube, or your website), and establishing core metrics for measuring success.

Keep in mind: the most successful video marketing strategies are built on thoughtful planning, clear messaging, and regular analysis. This not only makes your marketing efforts more effective but also ensures your investment in video pays off over the long term.

Animated flowchart illustrating steps of video marketing from planning to analytics

Defining Video Marketing and Its Role in a Modern Marketing Strategy

Video marketing in property services means using targeted video content to promote listings, explain services, introduce your team, and answer commonly asked questions. It’s now a primary driver of successful marketing campaigns because it quickly builds trust and triggers emotional connection—turning viewers into customers.

As part of your broader marketing strategy, video content amplifies your brand’s voice across all digital channels—especially on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where audiences expect engaging video as part of their search experience.

Video Content as a Primary Driver of Marketing Campaign Success

Unlike traditional marketing efforts, using video content can simplify complex messages, highlight key features, and maintain attention better than text or still images. When you use video to humanise your property business, you show instead of just telling, which boosts credibility and builds lasting relationships with potential clients.

The key is choosing the right types of videos to support each stage of your customer’s journey—from discovery (brand awareness) to conversion (inquiries or bookings). This data-driven approach helps you stand out on any media platform and adapt your video marketing to what works best for your audience.

Comparison: Traditional Marketing vs. Video Marketing Strategies
Aspect Traditional Marketing Video Marketing Strategies
Format Text, images, print ads, flyers Engaging video content across digital media platforms
Audience Interaction Mostly passive High engagement & interactivity
Reach Locally limited (print/radio) or broad (TV) Targeted, scalable to both local & global
Measurability Hard to track effectiveness Detailed analytics and feedback
Cost Often high, recurring Flexible; scalable—from low-budget to premium
Conversion Rate Lower, less predictable Higher, especially for property & service markets

The Pillars of a Successful Video Marketing Strategy

Every victorious video marketing strategy is built on strong, actionable pillars. For property services, this means setting clear goals, understanding your target audience, matching video types with the right media platform, and meticulous planning. Let’s explore how to put the foundations in place for tangible results.

By focusing on these key elements, you ensure every marketing video works harder for your brand—improving your reach, customer interactions, and ultimately, driving more business growth.

Setting Goals for Your Marketing Campaign

Before launching any video marketing campaign, define your core objectives. Are you aiming to boost brand awareness, generate new leads, deepen customer engagement, or make a bigger impact in your local area? Setting clear goals makes it easier to tailor your video content and measure the success of your strategy.

  • Brand Awareness
  • Lead Generation
  • Customer Engagement
  • Local Impact

Remember, your marketing goal should guide every creative decision—from scriptwriting to the social media platforms you select. This keeps your marketing efforts focused and results-driven.

Marketing team discussing strategy for a video marketing campaign in a creative office environment

Identifying Your Target Audience for Video Content

Knowing your target audience is essential for any video marketing strategy. Create detailed buyer personas based on your local market, typical property needs, and the questions buyers or renters often ask. This ensures each video—whether an explainer video or a property walkthrough—speaks directly to viewers’ interests and pain points.

Customising your approach helps your marketing video cut through the noise. You’ll engage viewers with content that solves their problems, boosting both reach and retention on every media platform. Don’t forget to track audience feedback to fine-tune each campaign for even greater impact.

Choosing the Right Types of Video and Social Media Platform

Not all videos or platforms are created equal for property marketing. Match your message to the best types of videos and social media platform for your audience:

  • Explainer Video
  • Testimonials
  • How-To Tutorials
  • Property Walkthroughs

For example, quick property tours perform well on Instagram Stories, while in-depth market analyses are better suited for YouTube or LinkedIn. Always think about where your audience spends time—and the type of content they enjoy most—to maximise your marketing efforts.

Best Types of Videos for Each Social Media Platform
Platform Recommended Video Type Key Audience
Facebook Explainer videos, property spotlights Widest demographic, community focused
Instagram Short Reels, property walkthroughs, testimonials Younger users, visual-focused
YouTube How-to tutorials, market updates, long-form content DIY homeowners, investors
LinkedIn B2B case studies, professional testimonials Business professionals, agents
TikTok Quick tips, eye-catching teasers 18–34, trend seekers

Diverse viewers engaged with property videos on different devices, showing engagement through social media and video content

Planning Out Your Video Production and Marketing Campaign

Don’t rush straight into filming. A successful video marketing strategy starts with careful pre-production. Here’s your essential process:

  1. Pre-production planning
  2. Scripting and storyboarding
  3. Filming and editing quality video
  4. Scheduling releases

Each step makes sure your video content is well-structured, professional, and aligned with your marketing goal. Think of your plan as a roadmap—avoiding costly mistakes and steering every video towards local impact and business results.

Top 7 Video Marketing Strategies for Property Services

If you’re ready to put video marketing into action, these proven approaches will set you apart in your local property market.

Utilise Social Media Platforms to Maximise Reach

Posting engaging marketing videos on the right social media platforms is a great way to expand your audience. Here’s where to focus your efforts:

  • Facebook Video Ads
  • Instagram Stories & Reels
  • LinkedIn for B2B Property Services

Different platforms suit different audiences, so make sure you adapt your content for each one. For example, animated explainer videos may gain more traction on Facebook, while Instagram is ideal for property highlights and quick Q&As. Track engagement and keep refining your approach.

Property video ad with engaging graphics featured on social media feed, maximizing reach for property services

Leverage Explainer Videos for Customer Trust

A compelling explainer video builds instant credibility for your property business. Use these videos to answer common client questions, debut new services, or clarify your unique approach. Customers are more likely to trust your expertise—and choose your business—once you’ve solved a problem or educated them through video.

Explainer videos also provide a flexible format for sharing across multiple media platforms, helping you reinforce your brand awareness and keep your marketing efforts consistent and credible.

Make Sure Your Video Content is Mobile-Friendly

Most viewers now watch videos from their phones or tablets, so make sure your video content is mobile-ready. Use vertical video formats for Stories and keep intros brief and attention-grabbing. Add captions so users can understand your message even if their sound is off—a common viewing habit on social media.

Making your content easy to watch on-the-go doesn’t just widen your reach; it shows your property services understand the needs of modern, busy audiences and builds lasting trust.

Young couple enjoying property video tour on smartphone, demonstrating mobile-friendly video marketing for property services

Boost Local SEO With Optimised Marketing Videos

Crafting marketing videos that are optimised for local search results can skyrocket your online presence. Add local keywords to your video titles, descriptions, and tags, and embed videos on your business website for added SEO benefits. Search engines like Google often rank video-rich pages higher—driving more local traffic straight to your listings or services.

Make sure your video metadata includes location details and that your content is shared in local groups or community pages. This not only improves search engine visibility but positions your property services as a go-to source in your area.

Work with Influencers and Local Experts on Social Media

Partnering with local influencers gives your marketing campaign an authentic voice and wider reach. Work with area realtors, property bloggers, or even satisfied customers willing to share stories on video. Their endorsement can help establish credibility and boost repeat business.

By using video to highlight collaborations and community ties, you demonstrate your investment in local success—a powerful signal to both search engines and future clients.

“A personalised approach with video increases customer retention and boosts repeat business in local markets.” — Content Marketing Institute

Creating High-Quality Video Content on a Budget

Think you need a Hollywood budget for quality video? Think again! Today, even DIY productions can make your property services look polished and professional. Let’s explore cost-effective strategies that don’t sacrifice quality or results.

The Essentials of Cost-Effective Video Production

  • DIY filming tips
  • Affordable editing tools
  • Using smartphones for quality video

Start by recording with a modern smartphone, using natural lighting by windows, and keeping your settings tidy. Free or inexpensive apps like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve help create a professional finish. The key is to keep your message clear and ensure clean visuals and sound.

Aspiring content creator filming a professional video for property services using a smartphone in a bright home studio

Tips for Editing, Sound, and Lighting

Good lighting and crisp sound can make even basic footage shine. Position your subject near a light source, use a simple backdrop, and invest in a clip-on microphone if possible. When editing, cut out fillers and keep the video’s pacing lively. Consistent branding and concise messaging always work in your favour.

Don’t forget to preview your video on multiple devices before release, ensuring your video content displays clearly and sounds great on any screen or speaker. These best practices apply to all types of videos, from property tours to client testimonials.

Video editor refining marketing video content with professional audio and lighting for property services

Outsourcing vs. In-House Production for Property Services

Both options have their benefits. DIY (in-house) production means quicker turnaround and potentially lower costs, while outsourcing to professional videographers brings premium quality and creative expertise. For local property services, a smart mix works best—film quick, personal content yourself and hire experts for key promotional campaigns.

Always keep in mind the importance of brand consistency, clear messaging, and reliable technical quality, regardless of production method. Whichever route you choose, make sure every marketing video supports your broader marketing strategy and enhances your business reputation.

Strategies for Distributing Your Marketing Video

You’ve created a quality video—now get it seen! Effective distribution is crucial to any video marketing strategy. Use a mix of media platforms to maximise your reach among local property buyers, sellers, and service seekers.

Leveraging Multiple Media Platforms

  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Property listing sites

Don’t rely on just one platform. Post your video everywhere your audience spends time. Platforms like YouTube offer broad exposure, Facebook and Instagram are best for community engagement, and listing sites target hot leads. Monitor results and adapt your strategy for each media platform to get the most out of every video.

Social media strategist managing property videos across multiple media platforms for maximum marketing impact

How to Use Video Content in Email Marketing Campaigns

Embedding video in your email newsletters is a great way to boost click-through rates and keep clients engaged. Introduce new properties, share helpful tips, or feature short testimonials. Always use a compelling thumbnail and a clear call-to-action. Including video content in your email campaigns can transform passive subscribers into active prospects.

Make sure your video is short, direct, and relevant to the reader’s interests; this approach drives higher interaction and sales inquiries for your property services.

Promoting Videos Through Social Media Advertising

Paid advertising helps your top marketing videos break through the clutter, especially on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Narrow targeting options allow you to reach only the most qualified leads in your area. Boost posts for important listings or create ad campaigns for seasonal promos.

Periodically analyse your ad performance. Focus future marketing efforts on the videos, platforms, and messages that bring the highest return from your investment.

Measuring the Success of Your Video Marketing Campaign

Tracking results is an essential step in any video marketing strategy. Analysing data from every campaign helps you pinpoint what’s working, tweak your content, and maximise marketing impact for local property services.

Key Metrics for Video Marketing Strategies

Focus on these important metrics:

Video Marketing Metrics and What They Reveal
Metric What It Reveals
View Count Overall reach and audience interest
Watch Time Engagement—how long viewers stay with your content
Click-Through Rate (CTR) Effectiveness of your call to action
Conversion Rate Number of viewers taking desired action (inquiries or signups)
Social Shares & Comments Quality of community interaction and content relevance

Use these metrics to refine future videos, choose the right media platforms, and double down on what your target audience loves most.

Using Feedback to Improve Future Video Content

Pay close attention to viewer comments and direct feedback. Insights from your audience reveal what types of video work best, which topics spark the most interest, and where you can improve clarity or production value.

By engaging with feedback and regularly updating your video marketing strategy, you build stronger local connections and stay ahead of competitors in the property services space.

Real-World Examples: Local Property Services Succeeding with Video Marketing Strategies

Nothing proves the power of video marketing strategies like local success stories. Here’s how top-performing property services are winning with video:

Case Study #1: Boosting Engagement with Social Media Video

A Leeds-based lettings agency launched a weekly series of property walkthroughs on Facebook and Instagram. When they switched from photos to video content, their social engagement (comments, likes, and shares) soared by 120% in just eight weeks, leading to more booking requests and a surge in local followers.

Property services team celebrating improved engagement statistics from a successful video marketing campaign

Case Study #2: Increasing Inquiries Through Marketing Videos

A Glasgow property management company used short explainer videos to highlight their tenant support services. By embedding these marketing videos on their site and sharing on Linkedin and YouTube, they saw a 55% increase in new client inquiries, while their Google search rankings improved thanks to better SEO practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Video Marketing Strategies

What is a Video Marketing Strategy?

A video marketing strategy is a step-by-step plan for creating, sharing, and measuring videos designed to reach your marketing goals—like brand awareness, lead generation, or customer engagement. It covers the types of video, your target audience, the best media platforms, and how to measure success so you get the best return on your video marketing efforts.

What are the 4 Marketing Strategies?

The “4 Ps” or four main marketing strategies are: Product (what you sell), Price (how much you charge), Place (where you sell or promote it), and Promotion (how you get the word out via advertising, video marketing, or other means).

What are the Top 7 Types of Digital Marketing Strategies?

The top seven digital marketing strategies include: Social media marketing, content marketing (like blogs and video), SEO (search engine optimisation), email marketing, pay-per-click ads, affiliate marketing, and influencer marketing—of which video marketing strategies are a key component.

What is the 1% Rule in Marketing?

The 1% Rule says that only about 1% of an online community actively creates content (like videos), while the rest mostly watch or share. This highlights the advantage of using video marketing—the more you create, the more likely you’ll stand out and attract attention in your market.

Watch our step-by-step walkthrough video to see the entire process of creating a winning property services video marketing campaign: from initial strategy and scriptwriting, through filming and editing, to launching on social media. It’s packed with real-life examples and professional tips to help you start strong.

Key Takeaways for Winning Video Marketing Strategies in Property Services

  • Focus video content on local relevance and customer needs
  • Quality video trumps quantity for reputation building
  • Choose the right media platform for each video type
  • Measure and refine each marketing campaign for ongoing success

Conclusion: Elevate Your Local Property Services with Strategic Video Marketing

Make video marketing strategies a core part of your business—connect with your local audience, build trust, and grow your property services faster and smarter.

If you’re eager to stay ahead of the curve and future-proof your marketing, it’s essential to keep an eye on the latest industry shifts. Discover what’s next in the world of video by exploring emerging video marketing trends for 2025. This forward-looking resource will help you anticipate changes, adapt your strategy, and ensure your property services remain at the forefront of digital engagement. Take your expertise to the next level and position your business for long-term success by embracing tomorrow’s most impactful video tactics today.

Need Help? For Help With Your Video Marketing & Local Engagement, Email SmartMarketing@dylbo.com

To enhance your understanding of effective video marketing strategies, consider exploring the following resources:

  • “16 Video Marketing Strategies for 2025”: This article outlines innovative approaches, including authentic storytelling and user-generated content, to elevate your video marketing efforts. (designrush.com)

  • “How to Develop and Launch a Successful Video Marketing Strategy”: This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for creating and implementing a successful video marketing plan, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and user-generated content. (outgrow.co)

By delving into these resources, you’ll gain actionable insights to craft compelling video content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement.

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Can embracing illogical business strategy unlock unseen competitive advantages? In a world obsessed with logic and rational decision-making, what if the true growth and innovation—but also the secret to sustained business success—lies in deliberately thinking outside the box? This article delves into why illogical business strategy can provide a competitive edge that conventional business strategies often overlook, guided by insights from industry expert Rory Sutherland of Ogilvy & Mather.What You'll LearnWhy conventional logic may limit business innovation and growthHow illogical business strategy can create unique market opportunitiesKey rules to profit from being less logical than competitorsExpert insights on balancing logic and creativity in strategy executionCommon misconceptions about rationality in business decision-makingOverview of Illogical Business Strategy in Modern Business Settings“If a problem is persistent, it’s fairly likely that the reason for the persistence is that it’s logic proof.” — Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy & MatherDefining Illogical Business Strategy and Its Role in Business StrategiesThe term illogical business strategy might sound counterintuitive in a field traditionally driven by data, analytics, and reason, yet it challenges conventional business strategy norms. However, Rory Sutherland defines it as a deliberate departure from the quest for a single “right” answer. Rather than relying solely on rigid logic and aggregated models, this strategy embraces subjectivity, perception shaping, and seemingly irrational ideas to find opportunities overlooked by competitors locked into logic-based thinking. Illogical strategy thrives on creativity, experimentation, and the acceptance that sometimes multiple valid solutions coexist or that the “best” path defies conventional reasoning.In practice, this means creating business approaches that focus on human behavior nuances, emotional context, and adaptive preferences. It leverages psychological insights and reframes value creation beyond what pure economics or engineering might suggest. In the hypercompetitive modern landscape, illogical business strategy isn't chaos but a structured method to unlock untapped market potentials.Why Traditional Business Strategy Often Fails to Deliver Breakthrough ResultsTraditional business strategies often hinge on seeking a single, optimized solution to problems—an approach popular among consultancies and corporate boards alike, but one that can limit innovation in strategy execution. But, as Rory Sutherland articulates, this "logical" search tends to make businesses predictable and confined within a narrow problem framing, limiting innovation and competitive differentiation.By designing with averages or relying only on quantitative metrics, companies frequently miss out on distinctive demands from niche or extreme segments, a common pitfall in many business strategies. Furthermore, competitors tend to converge on similar logic-driven choices, leading to a "race to the bottom" in pricing or commoditisation. Ultimately, when rigidity replaces flexibility, breakthroughs become rare and persistent problems remain unsolved.Interestingly, the rise of artificial intelligence is also challenging traditional business logic, especially in how it shapes opportunities for the next generation of tech professionals. If you're curious about how disruptive technologies are influencing strategic thinking and job prospects, explore how AI is shaping job opportunities for young tech workers for a practical look at innovation in action.The Limitations of Conventional Business Strategy and the Case Against Designing for AverageThe Pitfalls of Seeking a Single Right Answer in Business StrategyOne central flaw in conventional strategy is the obsession with locating a single “right” answer. Rory Sutherland describes how business and policy makers love this approach because it removes subjectivity and protects decision-makers from blame, as decisions can be justified by data or models alone.However, this approach is often disastrous for originality and innovation. It assumes the problem is linear and neatly solvable, which rarely reflects real-world complexity. The fixation on one best answer tends to exclude alternative, less obvious ideas that could disrupt markets or solve stubborn issues more effectively.Why Designing for the Average Customer Can Lead to Dead Ends“Most models cause you to aggregate people so that you’re solving the problem for a single representative individual... That’s a dead end.” — Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy & MatherDesigning products or services around an “average” consumer dilutes innovation. Since the average person rarely fully represents any specific market segment’s desires, attempts to satisfy everyone often end up satisfying no one. Instead, Rory Sutherland advises business leaders to focus on consumers at the extremes—those with distinct, non-average needs. These markets often form the testing ground for novel products that eventually permeate into broader mainstream appeal.Ignoring the extremes constrains creativity and discounts emergent trends. Businesses that stray from average-centric design often discover fresh opportunities and build loyal customer bases less vulnerable to commoditisation.Why Illogical Business Strategy Outperforms Purely Logical ApproachesThe Risk of Predictability in Logical Business StrategyLogical business strategies are inherently predictable—the very characteristic that makes them vulnerable in competitive markets. Rory Sutherland points out that in military or business strategy, predictability equates to defeat. When everyone applies strict rationality, competitors anticipate your moves easily, eroding potential advantages.Being logical when everyone else is logical is a recipe for becoming just another player in a crowded market space. This predictability results in price wars, market share battles, and margin squeezes rather than original value creation or differentiation.Exploiting Competitors’ Logical Blind Spots for Strategic Advantage“It doesn’t pay to be logical if everybody else is being logical... Find out what your competitors are logically wrong about and exploit it.” — Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy & MatherSuccess in business strategy lies in identifying where competitors’ logic oversimplifies or excludes critical factors. For example, in real estate, most people aim for proximity to tube stations—a logic that inflates prices and competition around these hubs. But thinking illogically by targeting railway stations overlooked by most can deliver faster commutes at significantly lower costs.This principle can be applied across sectors: find logical blind spots in market assumptions and exploit them creatively for an undeniable competitive edge.Alchemy in Business Strategy: Creating Value Through Perception and ContextHow Expectations Shape Customer Experience and Business OutcomesRory Sutherland emphasises that value in business strategy is not objective but deeply affected by customer expectations. For instance, he details a hotel in former East Berlin with Spartan rooms and limited amenities. For guests expecting luxury chains like Marriott, this would be a terrible stay. For those seeking an authentic East Berlin experience, it was among the best hotels they've known.This example shows how the “nature of tension”—what customers expect versus what they receive—shapes the perceived quality and satisfaction. Businesses that master controlling expectations and delivering contextually aligned experiences can create wildly different outcomes without necessarily changing the product itself.The Power of Context as a Marketing Super WeaponContext works like alchemy in marketing, transforming mundane products or services into captivating experiences that feel magical to customers. Sutherland calls context a “marketing super weapon” because its subtle influence often bypasses rational evaluation, triggering emotional responses and higher perceived value.Apple is a stellar example: a company built on subjective experience rather than objective superiority, commanding massive market value not just because of product specs but the entire ecosystem, design philosophy, and cultural meaning it creates for users.The Role of Experimentation and Counterintuitive Testing in Strategy ExecutionWhy Testing Illogical or ‘Bonkers’ Ideas Can Yield Sustainable Competitive AdvantagesBusiness environments typically discourage ideas that appear “bonkers” because failure risks are high, yet embracing such ideas can enhance strategy execution and lead to breakthroughs. However, Rory Sutherland argues that this very risk aversion is where businesses lose out on unique, sustainable advantages. Allowing safe spaces for experimentation with counterintuitive ideas enables organisations to discover novel paths competitors avoid.Such bold experimentation often uncovers solutions that logical thinking ignores, especially when persistent problems have resisted conventional approaches. Encouraging trial and error with seemingly irrational ideas can yield breakthroughs that redefine markets.Creating Organizational Space for Risk-Taking Beyond Rational Comfort ZonesLeaders must foster cultures where risk-taking beyond strict logic is safe and encouraged to improve overall business strategy execution. This means empowering teams to think divergently and testing ideas outside rational comfort zones. Rory Sutherland highlights that harnessing human creativity and psychological diversity requires breaking free from narrow model constraints, allowing a wider array of solutions to emerge.Such environments turn “irrational” insights into strategic assets, while competitors stuck to rigid rationality fall behind.Balancing Rationality and Creativity: Using Multiple ‘Clubs’ in Your Strategic ToolkitLimitations of Rationality in Addressing Complex Human MotivationsRationality alone is insufficient to navigate the complexities of human behaviour influencing buying and decision-making. Rory Sutherland likens relying solely on rational analysis to playing golf with just one club; while useful, it drastically limits victory chances.Economic incentives and logic-based models capture only a fraction of the motivations people have. The rest—emotions, cognitive biases, cultural narratives—dance beyond the grasp of simplistic rational strategies. Business strategists must widen their perspective to incorporate these dynamics.Incorporating Psychological and Behavioral Insights into Business StrategiesIntegrating behavioural science insights enables companies to fine-tune business strategies reflecting real human motivations. Illogical business strategy embraces these nuances, adapting incentives, communications and product designs to better resonate emotionally and culturally.This integration improves engagement, loyalty, and even product utility by respecting the unpredictability and diversity of customer needs and responses.The Power of Small, Trivial Changes in Complex Business SystemsHow Minor Interventions Can Trigger Butterfly Effects in Business OutcomesContrary to the common economic assumption that big changes require big investments, Rory Sutherland points out that trivial, small-scale adjustments often produce outsized effects in complex systems, much like butterfly effects in chaos theory.These minor tweaks—such as altering a marketing message slightly or changing the order of procedural steps—can ripple through organisational processes or customer perceptions, producing exponential business impact. Ignoring trivialities risks missing these powerful levers.Examples of Trivial Adjustments Leading to Significant Competitive GainsFor example, Sutherland shares a personal anecdote about electric car grants requiring customers to first own the vehicle before qualifying for a charging station subsidy. This illogical rule blocks many potential buyers. Simply reversing the order could accelerate adoption dramatically — a small change with likely huge impact.Similarly, adding a single sentence to a call centre script might widen throughput bottlenecks more effectively than expensive, large-scale interventions.Expert Insights: Quotes and Lessons from Rory Sutherland“Debt looks stupid. One of the simplest ways to solve a problem is to ask a question that no one’s asked before.” — Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy & Mather“Context is a marketing super weapon, and it works because it works magically.” — Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy & MatherCommon Misconceptions and Mistakes in Applying Illogical Business StrategyMisunderstanding the Role of Logic Versus CreativityA key misconception is that illogical strategy negates logic entirely. In reality, it balances logic with creativity—using logic to define parameters but creativity to stretch beyond limits, unlocking new value spaces without abandoning rational decision-making entirely.Avoiding Over-Reliance on Rational Models That Limit Solution SetsOver-dependence on rigid models creates tunnel vision and excludes unexpected solutions. Businesses must remain aware that models simplify reality and should be complemented by iterative experimentation, hypothesis testing, and openness to serendipitous discoveries.Tables: Comparing Logical vs Illogical Business StrategiesAspectLogical Business StrategyIllogical Business StrategyApproachSeeks single right answerEmbraces multiple good ideasCustomer FocusDesigns for averageTargets extremes and nichesRiskPredictable, competitive parityUnpredictable, competitive advantageInnovationLimited by modelsEncourages experimentationOutcomeRace to bottomCreates unique valuePeople Also Ask (FAQs)What are the 5 P's of business strategy?The 5 P's are Plan, Ploy, Pattern, Position, and Perspective. Each represents a different dimension from planning to viewing strategies as emergent patterns or competitive maneuvers.What are the 4 types of corporate strategy?The main four types include Growth, Stability, Retrenchment, and Combination strategies, each aimed at different business conditions and goals.What is a downside to an unethical business strategy?An unethical strategy risks reputational damage, legal penalties, loss of customer trust, and long-term sustainability.What are the 3 C's of business ethics?They refer to Compliance (with laws), Conduct (moral behavior), and Culture (organizational environment fostering ethics).Key TakeawaysIllogical business strategy challenges the dominance of conventional logic to unlock innovation.Designing for extremes rather than averages can reveal untapped market opportunities.Experimentation with counterintuitive ideas fosters sustainable competitive advantages.Small, seemingly trivial changes can have outsized impacts in complex business systems.Context and perception are powerful tools that can create value beyond objective improvements.Conclusion: Embracing Illogical Business Strategy for Future SuccessDare to think beyond logic. Embrace experimentation, context, and perception to unlock breakthrough innovation and resilient competitive advantages in today’s complex market environment.If you’re inspired to rethink your approach to business strategy, consider how the principles of illogical thinking can be applied to broader trends shaping the future of work and innovation. The intersection of technology, creativity, and unconventional problem-solving is rapidly redefining what it means to gain a competitive edge. For a deeper dive into how these forces are transforming opportunities for the next generation, especially in the tech sector, take a look at the evolving impact of AI on job opportunities for young tech workers. Exploring these insights could spark your next breakthrough or help you future-proof your business in a world where logic alone is no longer enough.Call to ActionFor Help to Show Your Business in Action, Email SmartMarketing@dylbo.comSource: https://example.comIn exploring the concept of illogical business strategies, two insightful resources offer valuable perspectives:“The Icarus Paradox” by Danny Miller examines how companies can fail due to the very strategies that once led to their success. This work highlights the dangers of overconfidence and complacency, underscoring the need for businesses to remain adaptable and open to unconventional approaches. (en.wikipedia.org)“The Strategy Paradox” by Michael E. Raynor delves into the inherent uncertainties in strategic planning. Raynor discusses how rigid adherence to a single strategic path can be perilous, advocating for flexibility and the consideration of multiple future scenarios to mitigate risks. (en.wikipedia.org)If you’re serious about enhancing your strategic approach, these resources provide critical insights into balancing logic with creativity to achieve sustainable success.

01.02.2026

Why Designing for the Average Customer Can Kill Innovation

Startling fact: Most products fail to truly delight because they are designed for an "average" user who doesn't exist in reality. Instead, innovation blooms when businesses step away from trying to please the average and focus on the extremes. This approach challenges conventional logic and offers fresh pathways to user experience design.Opening Hook: The Hidden Cost of Designing for Average Users and Its Impact on InnovationDesigning for average users is a widespread practice in business and product development, but it carries a hidden cost: innovation suffers. By targeting a mythical average, companies often create bland and uninspiring products that fail to excite or satisfy anyone fully. Rory Sutherland, Behavioral Economics expert at Ogilvy & Mather, highlights a crucial insight — “Conventional logic loves the idea of the single right answer... If you want to have an original idea, it's potentially disastrous.”This fixation on finding a single solution that fits everyone results in mediocrity, as no real users fit neatly into this ‘average’ persona. Instead, products risk becoming generic, lacking uniqueness or standout appeal. For business owners aiming to differentiate their brand, grasping the pitfalls of designing for average users is vital to unlock new opportunities.What You'll Learn: Key Insights on Designing for Average vs. Extreme UsersWhy designing for average users limits innovation and market successHow focusing on extremes can lead to breakthrough productsThe psychological and strategic pitfalls of conventional logic in designExpert perspectives on embracing irrationality and creativity in businessUnderstanding the Pitfalls of Designing for Average Users and How to Avoid ThemThe Myth of the Single Right Answer in Business and DesignThe business world often prefers clear-cut answers and measurable success metrics, fostering the belief that a single, logical solution exists for every problem. Yet, Rory Sutherland warns that the pursuit of this "single right answer" often kills creativity: "Business and policy making loves the idea of the single right answer... If you want to have an original idea, it's potentially disastrous." This mindset restricts innovation and encourages risk-averse, derivative products designed to appeal to a statistically average user.Appealing to an average customer leads to decisions grounded in aggregated data, smoothing out individual preferences and unique needs. The ‘average user’ concept risks trapping design solutions within a narrow band of possibilities, where no particular customer feels truly catered for. For example, a software designed solely around average user metrics may lack features that delight power users or novices, reducing overall user satisfaction.Interestingly, the challenge of designing for diverse needs is not limited to product development—it's also evident in how emerging technologies are reshaping the workforce. For example, AI is influencing job opportunities for young tech professionals, highlighting the importance of adapting strategies to serve both mainstream and niche talent segments.Why Aggregating Users into an Average Persona Fails InnovationAggregating diverse users into a single average persona ignores the wide variation in user needs, preferences, and behaviours that exist in any market. Rory Sutherland points out that "Most models cause you to aggregate people so that you're solving the problem for a single representative individual," which often results in products nobody truly loves.Designers who focus on the average risk missing important niche segments that could be early adopters or influencers. For instance, products aimed at gym enthusiasts tend to fail when designed only for average fitness levels rather than targeting the high-performance or beginner extremes. Embracing user diversity better equips businesses to develop unique propositions and competitive advantages.Competitor Insight: The Limitations of Designing for the Average UserCompetitors caught in the trap of designing for a median user often face stagnant growth and thin differentiation. Whereas competitors who embrace niche markets and diverse needs innovate faster and capture passionate followers. Rory Sutherland advises spotting where competitors’ logic errs and exploiting those gaps: "Find out what's wrong with their model and exploit it." This approach transforms design from a safe, but uninspiring activity, into a dynamic driver of growth.The Power of Designing for Extremes: Unlocking Innovation and Market SuccessHow Extreme User Needs Drive Mainstream AdoptionDesigning with extreme users in mind can uncover revolutionary ideas that eventually appeal to the mainstream. Rory Sutherland explains: "Look out on the extremes, however, and you may find things that will be adopted by extreme or unusual consumers, which then make their way into the mainstream." This approach harnesses unique user challenges and preferences as innovation catalysts rather than obstacles.By appreciating the needs of outliers, businesses can develop products that break mold and set new standards. Examples abound, such as rugged smartphones developed for extreme conditions becoming popular for everyday use, or accessibility features enhancing usability for all. Designing for extremes thus serves as a strategic seedbed for broader market impact.Case Study: Innovative Products That Emerged from Non-Average User FocusConsider the example of electric cars and charging stations. Initially, electric vehicles were designed for niche green consumers but rethinking user needs beyond average assumptions has made them increasingly mainstream. Rory Sutherland identifies that “small, trivial changes” in design or process order can have outsized impacts — such as reversing the order of grant applications for chargers, which can affect adoption significantly.Similarly, Airbnb’s rise emerged from understanding travellers and hosts who fall outside traditional hotel user averages. This enabled a new market segment formed around trust, unique stays, and local experiences — a sharp contrast to average user-based hotel design. Businesses adopting extreme user focus discover new growth trajectories unreachable via averaged strategies.Why Logic Alone Can Stifle Creativity and Innovation in Product DesignThe Danger of Predictability in Business StrategyLogic-driven strategies, while seemingly sound, often lead to predictability. Rory Sutherland highlights: “It doesn’t pay to be logical if everybody else is being logical... Being logical will probably get you to the same place as everybody else, and that’s essentially a race to the bottom.” Predictability reduces competitive differentiation and innovation, capping growth potential.In highly competitive environments, being too rational and formulaic limits fresh thinking and adaptation. Truly innovative companies balance logic with creative irrationality to defy expectations and open new market spaces. This mindset shift helps avoid the trap of conformity that comes with designing solely for average user models.Exploiting Competitors’ Logical Blind SpotsBusinesses gain an edge by identifying flaws in competitors’ logic and models. Rory Sutherland offers a practical example: “If you want to buy a house in London, nearly everybody goes, I want to be near a tube line... But nobody’s thinking about rail stations which can offer better value and shorter commute times.” This indicates how stepping outside conventional logic reveals unmet needs and opportunities ignored by others.Capitalising on these blind spots requires curiosity and courage to break established norms. Rather than follow existing average user assumptions, exploring alternative logic and user behaviours leads to genuine breakthrough innovation and stronger market positioning.Embracing Irrationality and Magic in User Experience Design to Enhance EngagementHow Perception and Expectation Shape User ExperienceUser experience is not only about objective product features but also about perception and expectation. Rory Sutherland shares an insightful example of a hotel in former East Berlin, which guests either loved or hated depending on their expectations. “Whether a restaurant or a hotel is good or bad doesn't just depend on what the hotel is objectively, it depends on what we expect the hotel to be like.”This highlights the power of framing and storytelling in shaping user satisfaction. Designing experiences that align with or cleverly manage expectations can deliver magical outcomes, often outperforming purely functional improvements.Context as a Marketing Super WeaponContextual factors dramatically influence user perceptions and purchase decisions. Rory Sutherland emphasises, “Context is a marketing super weapon, and it works because it works magically.” By crafting environments, narratives, and brand stories around products, businesses can amplify value beyond tangible features.This ability to create perceived value through context differentiates successful products and services in crowded markets. Recognising this allows designers and marketers to incorporate psychological “magic” into their offerings, enhancing user delight and loyalty significantly.The Role of Costly and Creative Advertising in Conveying MeaningSutherland critiques the efficiency obsession in advertising, stating “advertising works because it’s costly to deliver, costly to generate, and displayed indiscriminately.” Much like nature’s flowers which evolved costly displays to attract pollinators, advertising effectiveness depends on creative extravagance rather than mere efficiency.For businesses, investing in rich, emotional advertising can powerfully communicate brand meaning and differentiate in the user’s mind, transcending the limits of purely rational design approaches.Practical Steps to Avoid Designing for Average: Let Us Innovate Differently and Embrace User DiversityAllowing Space for Counterintuitive and ‘Bonkers’ IdeasInnovation thrives when organisations permit testing of counterintuitive ideas that may initially seem irrational or ‘bonkers.’ Rory Sutherland explains the significance of creating permission spaces for experimentation: “You can enjoy an extraordinary competitive advantage in your business if you create a small space where people can test things that don’t make sense.”This mindset combats the risk-averse corporate culture that tends to shut down unconventional thinking. Embracing this freedom accelerates discovery and uncovers hidden solutions that competitors avoid.Testing Small, Trivial Changes for Big ImpactSmall, seemingly trivial design changes can yield disproportionate benefits in complex systems. Sutherland observes: “Adding a single sentence to a call center script…has a bigger effect than much bigger things.” Businesses should invite low-risk experiments with minor tweaks that might unlock major performance improvements or user satisfaction gains.Encouraging Adaptive Preference Formation in Product ChoicesAdaptive preference formation allows users to reframe compromises as positive choices rather than losses. Rory Sutherland illustrates how enabling multivariate choices with balanced upsides and downsides can minimise regret and increase satisfaction. Designing decisions that support this psychological mechanism creates net added value from otherwise neutral or suboptimal options.Comparison of Design Approaches: Average User vs. Extreme User FocusAspectDesigning for Average UsersDesigning for Extreme UsersInnovationLimited due to homogenised featuresHigh potential through niche focusUser SatisfactionGenerally mediocre for all usersStrong for targeted segments, trickling to mainstreamMarket DifferentiationLow; products appear genericHigh; unique product offeringsRiskLower short-term, higher long-term stagnationHigher short-term, greater growth opportunitiesDesign FlexibilityRigid, constrained by average metricsAdaptive, embraces diverse needsCommon Misconceptions About Designing for Average UsersAssuming one-size-fits-all solutions maximise efficiencyBelieving rationality always leads to the best outcomesIgnoring the power of narrative and perception in user satisfactionFAQs: Addressing Common Questions on Design Efficiency and ProcessWhat are the 7 steps in the design process?The seven fundamental steps are: research, definition, ideation, prototyping, testing, implementation, and evaluation. Each stage refines understanding of user needs and iterates solutions to better match those needs, mindful that average assumptions should be challenged throughout.What is the efficiency of design?Efficiency in design means achieving the greatest user satisfaction and business impact with minimal resource expenditure. However, efficiency does not equate to designing for average users: true efficiency balances creativity, user diversity, and effective resource use.How to create a perfect design?Perfect design is a myth as user needs are diverse and context-dependent. Instead, aim for designs that solve core problems creatively, accommodate diverse user profiles, and adapt over time. This approach embraces imperfection as a pathway to continuous improvement.Key Takeaways: Why Designing for Average Users Limits InnovationDesigning for average users often leads to uninspired, ineffective products.Focusing on extreme or niche users can spark innovation and broader adoption.Logic and rationality have limits; embracing creativity and irrationality can unlock new solutions.Small, seemingly trivial changes can have outsized impacts in complex systems.User perception and context are critical components of successful design.Conclusion: Dare to Design Beyond the Average“If there were already a logical answer, we would have already found it... The problems that persist are logic proof.” – Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy & MatherChallenge conventional wisdom by daring to reject the average and let us explore innovative design approaches. Embrace extremities, creativity, and the magic of perception to uncover untapped innovation and delight your users.If you’re inspired to push beyond the boundaries of average thinking, let us consider how these principles apply not just to product design, but also to the evolving landscape of work and technology. The rise of AI is a prime example of how innovation can disrupt traditional models and create new opportunities for those willing to adapt. For a deeper dive into how emerging technologies are transforming career paths and what it means for the next generation of professionals, explore the insights on AI’s impact on job opportunities for young tech workers. Discover how embracing change and thinking beyond the average can unlock new avenues for growth and success in your business or career.Call to ActionFor Help to Show Your Business in Action, Email SmartMarketing@dylbo.comSources: https://example.comDesigning products for the “average” user often leads to mediocrity and fails to meet the diverse needs of real users, so let us rethink design strategies to foster innovation. The article “Why Designing for the Average Will Result in the End Product Being Less than Average” (equitusdesign.com) discusses how this approach can result in generic offerings that lack distinctive features, ultimately compromising user satisfaction. Similarly, the piece “The ‘Average’ Fallacy” (uxmag.com) highlights the misconception that designing for an average persona can effectively serve the majority, emphasizing that no single user embodies all average characteristics. By understanding these pitfalls, businesses can shift towards more inclusive and innovative design strategies that cater to a broader spectrum of user needs.

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