More Than Just Memes: A Guide to Humour in Content Marketing

Scroll. Scroll. Ad. Skip. Scroll. Laugh. Stop.

In today’s attention economy, a well-timed joke isn’t just funny — it’s strategic. Humour has become one of the most powerful tools in marketing, especially when brands are all fighting for the same few seconds of attention.

At Naked Marketing, we believe great content doesn’t just sell — it connects. And nothing connects faster (or more memorably) than a good laugh.

Why Funny = Effective

Incorporating humour into your content strategy does more than just entertain. It gives your brand a voice, a personality, and most importantly, a shot at being remembered.

Here’s what humour brings to the table:

  • Cut-through: Humour stops the scroll and grabs attention in ways polished, salesy content often can’t.
  •  Better recall: People remember things that make them feel something. Humour taps into that emotional response and sticks.
  • Shareability: Funny content gets reposted, forwarded, and rewatched — increasing your reach without increasing your budget.
  • Softer sales: Humour disarms. It creates warmth and trust, which means your sales message feels more like a conversation than a pitch.

That’s why the smartest brands are working with a digital marketing agency that knows how to mix strategy with a little personality.

When & How to Use Humour in Your Content

Humour can be incredibly effective — but only if it’s done right. Here are some practical tips:

1. Match your tone to your audience
Your humour should reflect both your brand voice and your customer’s sense of humour. Are they into cheeky memes, clever wordplay, or subtle sarcasm? Tailor it accordingly.

2. Use the right format
Some formats are just made for humour. These are our favourites:

  • Memes & GIFs – quick, cultural, and great for social
  • Short-form video – Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts give you room to be quirky and creative
  • Witty copy – Subject lines, captions, and CTAs are prime real estate for a clever twist

3. Keep it context-aware
Avoid humour during sensitive news cycles or in serious campaigns. Authenticity and timing matter. Your jokes should never come at the expense of your values (or your audience’s trust).

4. Make it consistent
Humour should feel like a natural part of your brand, not a one-off gimmick. If you’re working with a content creation agency, make sure they’re helping you keep tone, timing, and creativity aligned across channels.

Not Funny? Not a Problem.

You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian to create engaging, funny content. You just need a smart idea, a bit of cultural awareness, and a creative team that gets it.

That’s where we come in. As a full-service marketing company in Auckland, we help brands find their voice and use it in ways that genuinely connect with their audience. If humour’s the right fit, we’ll help you nail it.

Here’s a recent team video that landed well — turns out, a bit of humour goes a long way.

Let’s Make Content That Actually Gets Noticed 

Need support with content that grabs attention and builds loyalty? Let’s talk.

Get in touch with the team at Naked Marketing or explore how our trusted content creation services in Auckland can elevate your brand storytelling.

FAQs:

  1. Why should I use humour in my brand’s content?

Humour helps your brand stand out in a crowded digital space. It grabs attention, creates an emotional connection, and boosts content retention. When used well, it makes your brand feel more human, which builds trust and encourages engagement. As a digital marketing agency in Auckland, we’ve seen firsthand how humour can transform content performance.

  1. How do I know what kind of humour my audience will respond to?

Start by understanding your audience demographics, tone preferences, and online behaviours. What do they engage with on social media? What language do they use? If you’re unsure, working with a marketing company like Naked Marketing can help you develop the right strategy. 

  1. How do I maintain consistency when using humour across channels?

Use a content style guide to ensure your tone and humour align across all platforms. If you’re working with a content creation agency, make sure they’re briefed on your brand’s personality, goals, and audience so they can deliver cohesive messaging.