Your personal brand already exists. The only question is— are you shaping it, or is the internet doing it for you? In the digital age, your name is no longer just an identity. It is a search result, a first impression, and often a deciding factor in opportunities—jobs, collaborations, speaking invites, clients, and credibility. Building a personal brand today is not about being famous. It is about being clear, consistent, and trusted . Let’s break down how you can intentionally create your personal brand in a world driven by algorithms, attention, and authenticity. 1. Start With Clarity, Not Content Most people make the mistake of starting with posting. The right place to start is positioning . Ask yourself: What do I want to be known for? Who do I want to help or influence? What problems can I genuinely solve? Your personal brand should sit at the intersection of: Your skills Your experiences Your interests Clarity comes before visibility. Without it, ...
As a marketer, Diwali has always been one of my favorite times of the year — not just for the lights, sweets, and celebration, but for the brilliance brands display in their campaigns. Every year, I watch how companies transform festive emotions into engaging stories, clever discounts, and unforgettable brand moments. Diwali is more than a festival — it’s a marketing goldmine where emotions meet economics, and creativity meets conversion.
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Here’s my take on some of the best marketing strategies brands adopt during Diwali, and what we, as marketers, can learn from them.
1. Emotional Storytelling that Connects
The strongest Diwali campaigns aren’t about products — they’re about people. Brands like Tanishq, Surf Excel, and Coca-Cola have mastered the art of weaving emotions into their ads.
One campaign I’ll never forget is Tanishq’s #WhenItRingsTrue — it wasn’t about gold, it was about relationships, trust, and genuine moments of togetherness. Similarly, Surf Excel’s “Daag Achhe Hain” turned stains into symbols of kindness and care during the festival of lights.
As a marketer, I’ve realized — people don’t remember discounts, they remember feelings. Diwali is the perfect time to tell stories that touch the heart and stay in memory long after the diyas go out.
2. User-Generated Festive Content
Diwali also brings out the creator in everyone — and brands smartly leverage this. Campaigns like #ShareTheLight by Philips or #HarDilRoshan by Cadbury encouraged users to share photos, wishes, or good deeds.
This strategy not only increases engagement but also builds community. When users feel like they’re part of a larger movement, the brand transforms from a seller to a sentimental symbol of the season.
In my own campaigns, I’ve seen that user-generated content during Diwali performs almost 2–3x better than regular posts because people want to participate in something festive and meaningful.
3. Hyper-Personalized Offers
Diwali shopping is emotional, but it’s also strategic. Shoppers look for the best deals, gifts, and exclusive offers. Brands like Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa use AI-powered personalization to make sure every customer sees offers tailored to their needs.
For instance, Nykaa’s “Diwali Glam Sale” isn’t just a generic sale — it personalizes recommendations based on browsing history, gender, and previous purchases. It’s like having a personal shopper who knows exactly what you’ll love.
As marketers, we can’t ignore the power of data in making Diwali more personal. The more relevant your message, the stronger your festive conversion.
4. Collaboration with Influencers & Celebrities
From Katrina Kaif for Titan to Kiara Advani for Boat, influencer-driven marketing takes center stage every Diwali. Brands collaborate with celebrities who embody their target audience’s aspirations — combining glamor with relatability.
But even micro-influencers play a vital role. I’ve seen local brands generate massive engagement by partnering with regional content creators who connect authentically with their communities. During Diwali, trust matters more than reach.
5. Purpose-Driven Campaigns
One of the most refreshing changes I’ve noticed in recent years is the shift from sales to substance. Brands like Cadbury Celebrations launched “Not Just a Cadbury Ad,” where AI created local ads for small businesses — a masterstroke in empathy marketing.
This wasn’t just a campaign; it was an ecosystem of kindness. It showed how big brands could use their platform to uplift others. Purpose-driven campaigns like these resonate deeply because Diwali, at its core, is about giving and sharing light.
6. Immersive & Interactive Experiences
From AR try-ons for jewellery (Tanishq, CaratLane) to virtual Diwali melas hosted by e-commerce platforms, technology is reshaping festive marketing.
Even I experimented once with an AR Diya Filter campaign for a local client — and it surprisingly went viral. The reason? Interactivity makes people feel part of the celebration. When technology meets tradition, magic happens.
7. Localized & Regional Marketing
India’s diversity shines brightest during Diwali. Smart brands tap into regional insights — using local languages, festivals, and cultural symbols. For example, Big Bazaar and Reliance Trends create region-specific ad versions to connect with local sentiments.
Localization is not just translation — it’s emotion adaptation. Understanding how Diwali is celebrated differently across India can make your campaign feel more personal and authentic.
Every Diwali, I see brands light up the digital sky with innovation, creativity, and emotion. But beyond the glitz, the best campaigns are those that respect tradition, understand emotion, and deliver value.
As marketers, we don’t just sell during Diwali — we celebrate. We become storytellers, connectors, and creators of joy. Because at the end of the day, the best Diwali campaigns aren’t about what brands say — they’re about how people feel when they see them.