Beyond the Super Bowl: e.l.f. Beauty’s Cultural Impact with CMO, Kory Marchisotto
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Kory discusses the strategic decision-making behind e.l.f. Beauty’s Super Bowl ads, emphasizing the importance of timing and cultural relevance.
“You've got to shoot some three-point shots and shoot them early. You need stories for people to believe in, and then want them to be repeated… shoot a three-point shot.”
— Kory Marchisotto
Fresh off their groundbreaking 2024 Super Bowl ad, which captivated millions with its innovative approach, Kory Marchisotto, CMO, e.l.f. Beauty & President, Keys Soulcare, gives us an insider's look at what makes e.l.f. Beauty not just a brand, but a cultural icon. The discussion reveals the strategic creativity and bold vision behind their Super Bowl success, showcasing how e.l.f. Beauty continues to redefine beauty standards and connect deeply with its audience. Join us as we explore the fusion of beauty, creativity, and culture with one of the industry's most dynamic leaders.
Kory is a powerhouse in the beauty industry, renowned for her transformative leadership and innovative marketing strategies. With a rich background that spans across various sectors of the beauty world, Kory has been instrumental in steering e.l.f. Beauty to new heights. Her strategic insights and creative vision have not only propelled the brand's growth but have also significantly influenced beauty trends and consumer engagement. Under her guidance, e.l.f. Beauty has become synonymous with inclusivity, sustainability, and digital-first initiatives, making it a beloved brand among a diverse global audience.
Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways:
Strategic Super Bowl Participation
e.l.f. Beauty's strategic approach to Super Bowl advertising is a masterclass in market readiness, audience understanding, and leveraging cultural moments. By waiting until they had established a significant digital presence and deep audience insights over 18 years, e.l.f. Beauty made a calculated move to expand their reach. This underscores the importance of knowing when your brand is ready for big-league advertising, ensuring that such investments are both timely and impactful.
Value Proposition and Quality
e.l.f. Beauty’s success in balancing high-quality products with affordability showcases the effectiveness of a strong value proposition. This strategy has broadened their appeal, demonstrating that high standards don't have to come with high prices. Brands should aim to communicate the harmony between quality and affordability, attracting cost-conscious consumers without compromising on product excellence.
Maintaining the Ethos of Disruption
e.l.f. Beauty’s ethos of “born to disrupt” is a testament to its innovative approach in the beauty industry. Kory emphasizes the importance of bold actions in marketing, likening it to "shooting three-point shots early" to create compelling narratives for the brand. Brands should not shy away from taking calculated risks to stand out in a crowded market, using bold and unique storytelling to captivate and engage their audience.
Aligning Value with Values:
Kory stresses e.l.f. Beauty’s commitment to providing value without compromising on values. e.l.f. Beauty’s commitment to ethical practices, such as offering cruelty-free products, aligns their brand values with those of their target audience, particularly the younger demographic. This alignment not only enhances brand trustworthiness but also builds a deeper connection with consumers. Brands should ensure their operations and messaging reflect their core values to remain relatable and trustworthy.
Community and Consumer-Centric Approach
e.l.f. Beauty’s active engagement and co-creation with its community, especially through platforms like TikTok and Roblox, highlight the power of consumer feedback. By integrating consumer insights into product development and marketing, e.l.f. Beauty has cultivated a loyal customer base. Brands looking to achieve similar success should establish a continuous feedback loop, ensuring their offerings resonate with and meet the evolving needs of their audience.
Listen to Kory Marchisotto on the Speed of Culture podcast and gain insights into e.l.f. Beauty's innovative marketing strategies.
