UnREAL, the critically acclaimed TV series that provides a fictional behind-the-scenes look at the chaos surrounding the production of a hit dating competition program, offers more than just gripping entertainment. It showcases a plethora of lessons in marketing, communication, and the business of showbiz.
Here are some key takeaways that marketers and communicators can extract from the series.
The Power of Narrative
At its core, UnREAL is about crafting stories. Contestants’ backgrounds, emotions, and interactions are manipulated to fit pre-decided narratives. Similarly, in marketing, the power of a compelling story cannot be underestimated. Brands that share their journey, values, and missions in a relatable manner often build deeper connections with their audience.
Know Your Audience
The producers of the show-within-the-show understand their audience well. They know what will engage, shock, or make them laugh. In marketing, understanding your target demographic – their preferences, pain points, and aspirations – can differentiate between a successful campaign and a dud.
Authenticity Matters
As much as the producers manipulate contestants and scenarios, they know there’s a line. If something feels too fake or staged, the audience will disengage. Brands must maintain authenticity in their messaging, ensuring they don’t stray too far from their value proposition or brand identity.
Crisis Management
Several episodes of UnREAL depict crises – unexpected incidents that could tarnish the show’s reputation. How these crises are managed (or mismanaged) provides lessons on the importance of having a solid crisis communication plan, being transparent, and quickly addressing issues.
Emotional Intelligence is Key
Quinn, Rachel, and other characters frequently leverage their emotional intelligence to navigate complex situations, persuade contestants, or manage team dynamics. Similarly, in marketing, understanding and empathizing with consumers’ emotions can significantly enhance the effectiveness of campaigns.
Perception vs. Reality
One of UnREAL‘s central themes is the tension between perception (what’s shown on TV) and reality (what happens behind the scenes). In today’s digital age, where brands have polished online personas, companies must be wary of the gap between the image they project and the reality they deliver. Over time, discrepancies can erode trust.
Adaptability
In UnREAL, plans often go awry, and the producers must pivot on a dime. Being agile and responsive to changes – whether driven by external factors or internal feedback – is a trait that modern marketers must embody, especially in our fast-paced, digital-first world.
Ethics in Marketing
The series often delves into ethical quandaries, especially concerning how far one can get the desired shot or reaction. It serves as a reminder that ethics should be at the forefront of any marketing or communication strategy. Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done.
Team Dynamics
The intricate relationships and dynamics among the UnREAL production crew underscore the importance of team cohesion, clear communication, and mutual respect. A disjointed team can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and even public blunders.
Continuous Learning
The ever-evolving landscape of reality TV, as portrayed in UnREAL, is akin to the changing world of marketing. What worked yesterday might not work today. Brands and marketers must continuously learn to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies.
The Balance of Drama and Reality
UnREAL brilliantly illustrates the balance between drama (to captivate viewers) and genuine moments that humanise participants. In marketing, while creating buzz and drama can grab attention, genuine, heartfelt moments resonate and build lasting brand loyalty.
And while UnREAL might be a fictional drama, its lessons for marketing and communication professionals are real. It serves as a reflection of our media-driven society and highlights the complexities, challenges, and opportunities in the marketing field and beyond.
