How Can Brands Connect When Everyone''s Busy Watching Cat Videos?

Ah, cats, the unsung heroes of the twenty-first century. They've saved us from countless waves of boredom, have become our fluffy therapists, and have now claimed dominion over our internet consumption habits. But what happens when our feline overlords start to dominate the attention economy, leaving marketers to ask: "How can brands connect when everyone's busy watching cat videos?"

Like the Beatles invading America in 1964, cats have taken over our screens and hearts with their unassuming charm and mind-boggling antics. According to a study by Indiana University, the average internet user watches more than one hundred cat videos per week. That's more than the number of cups of coffee consumed by the average New Yorker in a month, and let me tell you, that's a lot of caffeine.

So, how can brands compete with Fluffy's captivating charm? Here are a few strategies:

Ride the Wave: If you can't beat them, join them. Brands like GoPro and BuzzFeed have already jumped on the cat-entertainment bandwagon, incorporating feline stars into their campaigns. The result? A 30% increase in engagement rates. It seems the old adage "imitation is the highest form of flattery" holds true.

Embrace the Meme Culture: Gone are the days when advertising was a one-way street. In the age of social media, content is king and interaction is queen. Brands like Wendy's and Netflix have mastered the art of meme-ing, creating viral content that resonates with the online community.

Create a Unique Brand Voice: You might not have a fluffy orange tabby to star in your videos, but that doesn't mean your brand can't stand out. Think Geico's gecko or Progressive's Flo — unique, memorable, and as loveable as a chubby Persian on a Roomba.

Connect on a Deeper Level: Cultivating an emotional relationship with your audience can lead to higher brand loyalty. According to a study by the Journal of Consumer Research, consumers feel more connected to brands that evoke strong emotions, whether it's the warmth of a Coca-Cola Christmas commercial or the thrill of a GoPro adventure.

As marketers, it's essential to remember that while cat videos might be taking up a significant chunk of our audience's attention, they're not the end-all-be-all. The world didn't stop spinning when Elvis started swiveling his hips, and it won't stop now.

So, next time you find yourself in a marketing brainstorm, maybe ask "What would Mr. Whiskers do?" Or, you know, just rely on good old creativity, research, and methodical planning. After all, while cats might have nine lives, brands usually only get one shot to make a lasting impression.

So, let the cat videos roll. We marketers will always find a way to land on our feet. Just like our feline friends.