What is stealth marketing?

There are many different forms of stealth marketing, however, some common methods include:

• Product placement

This consists of including a specific brand, product, or service within a movie, TV show, or another type of entertainment media. The idea is to get the viewers (or consumers) to subconsciously associate with the brand, product, or service without making it evident that it is a sponsored placement in the piece of media.

• Guerrilla marketing

Guerrilla marketing is a stealth marketing technique that involves using non-traditional, unexpected, or unconventional strategies to promote a specific brand, product, or service. Common examples include viral videos, flash mobs, and street art. These methods are used to generate buzz and awareness by capturing the attention of consumers.

• Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing is a tactic that involves paying celebrities or online influencers to advertise or promote a specific brand, product, or service, this is mostly accomplished on social media platforms. The stealth aspect of this marketing method is that the celebrity or influencer should not clearly appear to have been paid to do this action.

• Astroturfing

Astroturfing is perhaps the most deceptive practice out of all forms of stealth marketing. It involves creating fake online accounts (on social media and websites) to promote a brand, product, or service.

This creates the illusion that the brand, product, or service is more popular than it actually is in reality. Astroturfing is normally accomplished through social media posts or product reviews.