Looking for real examples of marketing that made headlines — for better or worse? This growing collection of marketing case studies breaks down iconic campaigns, clever strategies, and even the occasional brand blunder. Each case digs into what happened, how the public reacted, and the lessons modern marketers can apply today.
Whether you’re a strategist, content creator, or curious observer, these stories offer practical insights into what makes marketing succeed or fall flat.
Click any column header to sort the table, then click it again to reverse the order.
Company | Topic | Date | Case Study Studied |
3M | Innovation | 1968 | The Post-it Note |
7-Up | Positioning | 1968 | The Uncola Campaign |
Apple | Positioning | 2006 | The Get a Mac Campaign NEW |
Apple | Product Launch | 2007 | The iPhone Launch |
Coca Cola | Branding | 1985 | The New Coke Branding Misstep |
Excite | Acquisition | 1999 | The Opportunity to Buy Google for $750K |
Johnson & Johnson | Crisis Management | 1982 | The Tylenol Cyanide Recall |
Lego | Branding | 2004 | The Brick Revival |
McDonald’s | Jobs To Be Done | 1997 | The Milkshake |
Nordstrom | Customer Satisfaction | 1975 | The Tire Return |
Spotify | Personalization | 2016 | The Wrapped Phenomenon |
Target | Personalization | 2012 | The Pregnant Teenager |
Toys “R” Us | Partnership | 2000 | The Amazon Mistake NEW |