The Super Mario Bros Movie: Marketing Lessons from the Mushroom Kingdom

Ah, Super Mario. One of the most iconic video game characters of all time is making a big splash on the big screen once again. Yes, that’s right, there’s a new Super Mario movie out and fans around the world are coming out in droves to see it.

But the excitement isn’t just limited to gaming enthusiasts. As entrepreneurs and marketers, we can all learn a thing or two from the marketing strategies employed for this beloved franchise.

So, buckle up and get ready to power up your marketing game with the lessons we can glean from the Mushroom Kingdom.

In this article, we’ll dive into the seven ways the new Super Mario movie can teach us valuable lessons on marketing. From building brand awareness to leveraging social media, there’s plenty to learn from the marketing strategies used to promote this upcoming blockbuster.

Let’s-a-go!

Table of Contents

• Building Brand Awareness
• Understanding Your Target Audience
• Creative Promotions
• Leveraging Social Media
• Collaboration and Partnerships
• Timing and Release Strategy
• Conclusion

Level Up Your Brand: Lessons in Building Awareness from Super Mario

When it comes to video game characters, few are as instantly recognizable as the mustachioed plumber, Super Mario. With over 40 years of history, the Super Mario franchise has become a cultural icon and a household name for gamers and non-gamers alike.

So, it’s no surprise that building brand awareness was a top priority for the marketers behind the new Super Mario movie. They leveraged the brand’s already-established reputation to generate buzz and anticipation around the upcoming release.

Marketing strategies such as teaser trailers, social media posts, and product tie-ins were used to promote the movie and build excitement. But the real power of their marketing campaign lay in the recognition and goodwill already established by the Super Mario brand.

The Lesson

And the lesson here is clear: Building brand awareness is essential for any marketing campaign. Establishing a recognizable and respected brand can make all the difference in the success of your marketing efforts.

So, take a page from the Mushroom Kingdom and focus on building your brand identity to level up your marketing game.

It’s-a Me, Your Target Audience! Lessons in Understanding Your Audience from Super Mario

You can’t please everyone, and the folks behind the Super Mario movie knew that all too well. That’s why identifying their target audience was crucial to their marketing strategy. By understanding the demographics and preferences of their audience, they were able to create a campaign that resonated with them.

For instance, the new Super Mario movie is geared towards both children and adults, which means they had to balance the humor and action to appeal to both age groups. They also knew that fans of the video game franchise would be eager to see their favorite characters on the big screen, so they focused on showcasing the beloved characters in their marketing materials.

They understood also that their target audience has changed, and today’s audience loves a strong woman, and the changes to Princess Peach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In fact, the only reason I shucked out the money to see the movie with my kids was the overwhelming reviews of the music and of course, Jack Black’s rendition of Peaches, which I had to get in on the fun of.                                  

The Lesson

And that’s the lesson here: Understanding your target audience is key to creating an effective marketing campaign. By knowing who your audience is, you can tailor your messaging, tone, and tactics to appeal to them.

So, take a cue from the Mushroom Kingdom and get to know your audience. It might just lead to a one-up on your competition.                    

Powering Up Your Promotions: Lessons from the Super Mario Movie

Promotions are an essential aspect of any marketing campaign, and the folks behind the Super Mario movie knew this all too well. To create buzz and excitement around the upcoming release, they used a variety of creative promotions that captured the attention of fans and non-fans alike.

Let’s take a look at some of the innovative promotional strategies they used and the lessons we can learn from them.                    

Promotional Campaigns

The Super Mario movie team used a range of promotional campaigns to generate excitement around the film. From product tie-ins with popular brands to virtual events and interactive experiences, they left no stone unturned in their quest to generate hype.                    

One of the most memorable promotional campaigns they used was the “Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit” game, which allowed players to create their own Mario Kart tracks in their living rooms. This creative tie-in not only generated excitement around the movie but also gave fans a unique way to engage with the franchise.              

             

Innovative Strategies

In addition to their promotional campaigns, the marketers behind the Super Mario movie used a range of innovative strategies to create buzz around the film. They used social media to tease character reveals and trailers, creating a sense of anticipation among fans. And Jack Black was the king when it came to character reveals.                    

                   

They also created an interactive website that allowed fans to explore the world of Super Mario in a new way. By gamifying the website, they not only engaged fans but also generated excitement around the upcoming release.      

             

The Lesson

The lesson here is clear: Creativity in promotions can help to generate excitement around a product or service. By thinking outside the box and using innovative strategies, you can capture the attention of your target audience and create buzz around your brand.                    

So, whether you’re promoting a new movie, a product, or a service, take a cue from the Super Mario movie team and get creative with your promotions. You might just score a few extra lives in the process.                

Leveling Up Your Marketing: Lessons from the Super Mario Movie’s Social Media Strategy

Social media has become a crucial component of any marketing campaign, and the Super Mario movie team was well aware of this fact. They leveraged social media to engage with fans, promote the movie, and generate excitement around the upcoming release. Let’s take a closer look at how they used social media to their advantage and the lessons we can learn from their strategy.                    

Social Media’s Role

Social media played a central role in promoting the Super Mario movie. The team used platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share trailers, teasers, and other promotional content.              

Mushroom Kingdom’s top tour guide gives Mario an exclusive look at the big city. #SuperMarioMovie pic.twitter.com/JsQgZ3aWSW — The Super Mario Bros. Movie (@supermariomovie) December 9, 2022                  

             

They also used social media to engage with fans directly. They responded to comments, shared fan art and other user-generated content, and even hosted virtual events where fans could interact with the cast and crew.

Thank you @UniversalPics, @illumination, @Nintendo and everyone else involved in creating the most powered up red carpet ever!! What a ride!!! Wahooo!! 🍄🌈🪠 pic.twitter.com/vZilwFNB7u

— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) April 2, 2023

               

Engaging with Fans

One of the key ways the Super Mario movie team used social media was by engaging with fans. They created a sense of community around the film, which helped to generate excitement and anticipation.               

This #SuperMarioMovie @supermariomovie mega fan got to meet Chris Pratt and receive a very special gift from him! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/kLXlHChxnI — TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 31, 2023                  

             

They also used social media to tease new character reveals and trailers, which created a sense of anticipation among fans.

By leveraging the power of social media, they were able to reach a wider audience and generate buzz around the movie. These clips were highly shareable, and with Jack Black’s dedication to Bowser and an actual Super Mario Plumbing website, how could you not share it.

Here’s what happens when you call the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing number for the #mariomovie   THIS IS SO COOL I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE!! pic.twitter.com/xtZzOwQExX       — GetMadz (@getmadz) February 12, 2023

             

The Lesson

The lesson here is clear: Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting a product or service. By engaging with fans, sharing content, and creating a sense of community, you can generate excitement around your brand and build a loyal following.              

So, whether you’re promoting a new movie, launching a new product, or growing your business, don’t underestimate the power of social media. With the right strategy in place, you can level up your marketing game and reach new heights of success.                    

Super Mario Teams Up: Lessons from the Movie’s Collaboration and Partnership Strategy

Collaborations and partnerships can be a powerful tool for extending a brand’s reach and increasing visibility. And the Super Mario movie team was no stranger to this strategy. They collaborated with a variety of brands to promote the movie and generate buzz around its release.              

Let’s take a closer look at their collaboration and partnership strategy and the lessons we can learn from it.                    

Collaborations and Partnerships

The Super Mario movie team collaborated with a variety of brands to promote the movie. They partnered with clothing brands to create limited-edition merchandise, collaborated with food companies to create special menu items, and even teamed up with other companies to create cross-promotional content.              

These collaborations helped to generate buzz around the movie and extend its reach to new audiences. They also created a sense of excitement among fans, who were eager to see how their favorite brands would collaborate with the Super Mario movie.                    

Benefits of Collaboration

Collaborating with other brands can offer a range of benefits. It can help to extend your reach and increase your visibility as you tap into new audiences and markets. It can also help to create a sense of excitement and anticipation as fans eagerly anticipate the results of the collaboration.              

Moreover, collaborations can help to create a sense of community as you work with like-minded brands to achieve a common goal. This sense of community can be a powerful tool for building brand loyalty and generating long-term success.                    

The Lesson

The lesson here is clear: Collaboration and partnerships can help to extend a brand’s reach and increase visibility. By working with other brands, you can tap into new audiences and markets, generate excitement and anticipation, and build a sense of community.                    

Timing is Everything: How Super Mario Got it Right

 It’s all about timing, as they say, and the release of the Super Mario movie was no exception. The official trailer of the movie dropped back in 2022, with the official movie twitter page and “Mario” himself, Chris Pratt sharing the fun with fans.                

Here we go, @prattprattpratt! ⭐️ #FallonTonight #SuperMarioMovie pic.twitter.com/Azosmtuqaz               — The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) April 1, 2023              

             

But the real run happened on Super Bowl Sunday where fans were treated to a real Super Mario Bros commercial full of Easter eggs including a functional help line fans could call. Talk about engaging fans with fun.

WOAH! During the Super Bowl, this commercial for The Super Mario Bros. Movie is airing. It’s a remake of the theme song from the Super Mario Bros. Super Show—and the website at the end is REAL! 👇 🔗 https://t.co/adDit6PsZo 🍄 In Theaters on April 7!pic.twitter.com/aM3y0Bxdha — Dan’s Nintendo Feed (@TheNintendoFeed) February 12, 2023

And the fun continued with MAR10 Day In a world where fads come and go faster than you can say “game over,” it’s no small feat to keep a character or franchise alive for decades.

But Nintendo has found a way to do just that, and one of their secret weapons is the MAR10 Day celebration, also known as Mario Day.              

From delivery to display, all eyes were on Mario’s boots during #MAR10Day at Nintendo New York. #SuperMarioMovie pic.twitter.com/3QfM5bArNZ               — Illumination (@illumination) March 13, 2023              

             

From epic cosplay gatherings to marathon Mario game sessions, fans across the globe have their own unique ways of commemorating this special day. And for the 2023 MAR10 Day celebration, Nintendo pulled out all the stops by unveiling the highly-anticipated Mario Boots at their flagship store in New York City.

Happy #MAR10Day everyone! How will you be celebrating the Mushroom Kingdom’s mustachioed hero today? pic.twitter.com/Ht2VbJc2B6 — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 10, 2023

But that wasn’t all – fans were also treated to the final trailer for the upcoming Super Mario movie at the event. It was a celebration fit for a plumber-turned-superhero, and a testament to the enduring power of this beloved gaming icon.

The Lesson

The lesson here is clear: Timing and release strategy can have a significant impact on the success of a marketing campaign. It’s crucial to identify the right timing for a release and choose a release strategy that accommodates your target audience’s preferences.

By doing so, you can increase the chances of your product or service resonating with your audience and generating the buzz and excitement it deserves.

Conclusion: Level up Your Marketing ROI in Mario Bros Style

Now that we’ve explored seven valuable lessons on marketing we can learn from the Super Mario movie, it’s time to recap what we’ve learned.

First, building brand awareness is crucial to the success of any marketing campaign. As we’ve seen, the iconic brand of Super Mario has been a key factor in promoting the movie, and it’s a lesson we should keep in mind for our own branding efforts.

Next, understanding your target audience is essential to crafting a campaign that resonates with them. The Super Mario movie’s marketing team did an excellent job of identifying their audience and crafting a campaign that appealed to them.

Next, creative promotions can generate excitement and buzz around a product or service. From the playful Mario Bros Website to the quirky and fun helpline, the Super Mario movie used innovative strategies to create interest and engagement.

Next, social media can be a powerful tool for promoting a product or service. By leveraging the power of social media, the Super Mario movie was able to engage with its fans and generate buzz around the movie.

And don’t forget, collaborations and partnerships can help extend a brand’s reach and visibility. The Super Mario movie’s partnerships with other brands, such as Alexa, Lego, and the Tonight Show, helped to increase its visibility and appeal to a broader audience.

Then think about how timing and release strategy can have a significant impact on the success of a marketing campaign. As we’ve seen with the Super Mario movie, careful consideration of the timing and release strategy can make all the difference.

Finally, it’s essential to understand the importance of these lessons for successful marketing campaigns. Whether you’re promoting a movie, product, or service, these lessons can help you create a campaign that resonates with your audience and generates excitement and engagement.

The Super Mario movie is not only a fun adventure on the big screen but also a valuable lesson on marketing. By applying these seven lessons to your own marketing efforts, you can level up your campaigns and achieve greater marketing success.

Want to learn more ways to get smart with your marketing? The Smart Arsenal has everything you need to create a Mario-style marketing campaign sure to level up your marketing game. Find out more here.