7 Bold Guerrilla Marketing Strategies That Will Fast-Track Your Startup

Building a successful startup is no easy feat. As an entrepreneur, you’ve probably faced the exhilarating highs and crushing lows that come with launching your own business. Whether you're trying to gain attention in a crowded market or carving out your niche, standing out is crucial. This is where guerrilla marketing comes in—an unconventional, creative, and cost-effective approach to marketing that can yield massive results. As someone who’s been on the startup rollercoaster, including my journey on Shark Tank, I’ve discovered firsthand how powerful guerrilla marketing can be in transforming a fledgling idea into a thriving business.

In this post, I’ll walk you through seven bold guerrilla marketing strategies that I’ve personally used to skyrocket my own startup ventures. These strategies aren’t about spending big bucks on ads or using traditional marketing channels. Instead, they’re about thinking outside the box, getting creative, and making an impact without breaking the bank. If you’re serious about fast-tracking your startup’s growth, these tactics are a game-changer.

1. Create a Buzz with Flash Mobs or Public Stunts

When it comes to guerrilla marketing, there’s no better way to capture attention than through unexpected, eye-catching public events. Flash mobs and public stunts are perfect examples of how to engage an audience in an unforgettable way. I still remember when I launched my first health shop. I hired a street performer dressed as a giant carrot to hand out flyers on a busy street. It cost next to nothing, yet it created a memorable experience for passers-by. We didn’t just hand out flyers—we created a fun, interactive moment that people talked about long after they left.

That’s the key to guerrilla marketing: creativity and resourcefulness. When people see something out of the ordinary, they’re likely to snap pictures and share them on social media. The more shareable your stunt, the more buzz it creates for your brand.

For example, if you run a startup in the health and wellness industry, you could pull off a flash mob at a local park promoting healthy living, with participants engaging in a choreographed fitness routine. This type of stunt will grab attention and generate excitement around your brand.

2. Leverage Social Media to Go Viral

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for startups, and when used correctly, it can make your brand go viral. Guerrilla marketing on social media isn’t about posting beautiful pictures of your products—it's about creating engaging, shareable content that builds a community around your brand.

At the heart of my own social media strategy, I focused on building genuine relationships with my audience. For instance, we ran a contest where people shared their health journeys for a chance to win free products. This encouraged engagement, boosted our follower count, and generated a lot of buzz online. The beauty of social media marketing lies in its ability to allow your audience to become your most passionate advocates.

You don’t have to rely on paid ads to generate a massive following. If you can tap into emotions and create content people feel compelled to share, your startup can spread like wildfire. For example, running a hashtag campaign around a viral challenge can encourage users to get involved and help increase brand awareness.

3. Collaborate with Influencers for Maximum Reach

When building a startup, it’s essential to recognise the power of collaboration. One of the best guerrilla marketing strategies I’ve implemented involved partnering with influencers in the health and wellness space. By partnering with well-known influencers, we were able to reach a broader audience and quickly build credibility in our market.

But here’s the catch: instead of working with influencers who charge a premium for sponsored posts, try collaborating with micro-influencers—people with smaller but highly engaged audiences. These influencers often have a more authentic connection with their followers, which leads to higher engagement rates. The trick is to build long-term relationships with these influencers, not just one-off promotions.

A recent example I love is a small Aussie startup that worked with a local fitness influencer. The influencer created a video showcasing the startup’s fitness equipment, which received hundreds of shares and interactions. This partnership didn’t cost much but paid off with significant brand exposure.

4. Build a Tribe: Create an Engaged Community Around Your Brand

Guerrilla marketing is about fostering connection. It’s not just about getting eyeballs on your business—it’s about building a community of loyal fans who are invested in your brand. Creating a tribe of people who share your brand’s values and mission will drive long-term growth.

When I launched my health shop, I worked hard to create a space where people felt like they belonged. We offered exclusive membership programs, hosted online forums, and provided early access to new products. People love to feel like they’re part of something bigger, and when you give them that opportunity, they’ll become your best advocates.

Building a tribe isn’t just about making sales—it’s about creating meaningful connections. This is why I always encourage startups to focus on creating experiences that resonate with their audience on a deeper level. Offer your customers a sense of belonging, and they’ll not only stick around but will actively promote your brand within their networks.

5. Leverage Guerrilla PR: Get Free Press Coverage

Guerrilla PR is one of the best ways to gain exposure for your startup without spending a cent. It’s all about getting your brand in front of journalists and bloggers who can give you free publicity. The key here is to make your brand newsworthy.

For example, when I first started out, I took advantage of an opportunity to pitch my health shop’s unique business model to local media outlets. I framed it as an innovative solution to a growing health trend in the community, and it worked. I secured coverage in several local newspapers, which generated a lot of traffic to our store and boosted our credibility.

But getting press coverage isn’t just about sending a generic press release. You need to craft a compelling story—one that’s tied to your mission, values, and the impact you’re making in the community. Don’t be afraid to think creatively about how you can position your startup as newsworthy.

6. Offer Limited-Time, Unconventional Promotions

Limited-time promotions can create a sense of urgency, but if you want to truly embrace guerrilla marketing, these promotions need to be bold and unconventional. Think outside the box with how you structure your deals. Rather than offering a generic 20% off, why not offer something that’s completely unexpected and eye-catching?

I’ve seen businesses pull off some wild promotions that have generated massive buzz. For instance, one business I know used a “pay what you want” promotion for a day, allowing customers to pay any amount they felt comfortable with for their products. It was a bold move, but it worked—people loved the idea, and the brand received a lot of attention from both media outlets and customers.

This is guerrilla marketing at its finest: creating a memorable experience that forces people to talk about your business.

7. Take Advantage of Street Art and Public Installations

Street art and public installations are unique guerrilla marketing tactics that can have a significant impact on your startup. By placing branded artwork, murals, or installations in high-traffic areas, you can create a lasting visual connection with your audience. Think of it as putting your brand in a place where people can’t ignore it.

A great example of this is the #IAmTheFuture campaign, which used street art to promote a new tech startup. The murals were strategically placed around the city, and their vibrant designs drew a lot of attention. People were so intrigued that they took photos and shared them on social media, spreading the brand’s message without the startup ever spending a dime on traditional advertising.

This is a clever way to use guerrilla marketing to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion:

Building a startup is no small task, but with the right guerrilla marketing strategies, you can give your business the momentum it needs to succeed. Whether it’s through flash mobs, social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, or street art, guerrilla marketing allows you to take your brand to new heights without draining your budget.

As Nathan Baws has seen firsthand, the secret to fast-tracking your startup’s growth is taking risks, getting creative, and embracing unconventional strategies. So, take a deep breath, throw out the rule book, and go all-in on these bold guerrilla marketing tactics. Your startup will thank you for it.

Remember, the key to success isn’t always about how much you spend—it’s about how much impact you can create with the resources you have. So, get out there and start making some noise!