10 Entertaining Ways to Get More Customers in 2025
By Robert Urban, CEO of PaperBoat Media, Marketing Consultant
Ah, 2025. A year when AI is smarter, TikTok dances are harder, and customers are savvier than ever. But fear not, dear business owner. I’m here with ten highly effective, occasionally ridiculous, and definitely entertaining ways to attract more customers this year. Grab your coffee—or cocktail—and let’s dive in.
1. Become a Meme Lord
Who doesn’t love a good meme? They’re relatable, shareable, and perfect for sneaking your brand into the hearts of the internet. Whether you’re selling cupcakes or software, a clever meme can humanize your business. But please, for the love of marketing, keep it tasteful. No one wants their financial advisor quoting Shrek.
2. Run a “What the Heck Is That?” Contest
Post a mysterious close-up photo of something vaguely related to your business—a cupcake sprinkle, a gear, a tuft of dog fur (pet groomers, this is your time). Let your audience guess. Winner gets a freebie, and you get engagement. Bonus: You’ll discover which of your customers has X-ray vision.
3. AI-Powered Personalization
It’s not just for sci-fi anymore. Use AI tools to tailor emails, ads, and even product recommendations. Your customers don’t want to feel like a number—they want to feel like the number. Just don’t make it weird. Sending someone a coupon for “extra-large fuzzy slippers” after one visit to your site might give off creepy vibes.
4. Host a Ridiculously Fun Event
Turn your brand into a community hub. A bakery could host a cupcake decorating class. A gym might try goat yoga—yes, it’s still a thing, and yes, I’m weirdly jealous. People love experiences, and when they associate your business with fun, they’ll keep coming back.
5. Team Up With a Local Celebrity (or Your Grandma)
Collaborations are powerful. Partner with someone your community loves—whether that’s a local radio host, a TikTok star, or your grandma who bakes better than Betty Crocker. (Hey, if Grandma has 10K followers, that’s fair game.)
6. Launch an Outrageous Guarantee
Stand out with a jaw-dropping promise. “Your coffee delivered in under 5 minutes or the barista sings an apology.” Customers love risk-free decisions—and who wouldn’t want a personalized serenade?
7. Gamify the Experience
Create a loyalty program that’s more fun than your average punch card. Think digital scavenger hunts, secret discounts for solving riddles, or leveling up rewards like a video game. If people will play Candy Crush for hours, they’ll engage with your brand for rewards.
8. Be Unapologetically Weird
Weird sells. Embrace your quirks and flaunt them. If you run a lawn care service, declare yourself the “Grass Whisperer.” Own a bookstore? Rename your clearance shelf the “Literary Rejects Club.” People connect with authenticity—and they’ll remember you for being delightfully odd.
9. Offer Limited-Time Ridiculous Deals
Ever heard of the “Pay What You Can” taco night? Or the “Buy One, Get One, But Only If You Sing” promotion? Unconventional deals get attention and drive traffic. Just make sure the deal fits your brand—asking accountants to sing might be a tough sell.
10. Share Your Story
Customers connect with stories, not faceless corporations. Share your journey, your values, and the hilarious mishaps along the way (like that time your office dog accidentally deleted a week’s worth of work). Show your human side, and people will root for you—and buy from you.
Wrapping It Up
The key to attracting more customers in 2025 isn’t just marketing—it’s connection, creativity, and a dash of humor. At PaperBoat Media, we specialize in helping businesses stand out, whether it’s through cutting-edge tech or a well-placed goat in your marketing plan.
Ready to make waves? Let’s chat. And remember—there’s no such thing as too weird when it works.