Marketing Like a 4-Year Old: What My Daughter Taught Me About Engaging Customers

The other day, my 4-year old daughter asked me what I do for work. I told her "Mommy helps business tell people about what they do so they can get more customers". She thought for a second and said "Oh! Like when I brought my purple camera to show and tell and told everyone why its the best?"

Yes. Exactly like that!

Then she asked, "So, do you make commercials?" (Side note, this kid loves commercials, but that's a story for another time!

I smiled and said, "Kind of! Commercials are one way businesses can tell people about what they do. But I help businesses find lots of ways to advertise - like social media, emails and fun events - to make people know about them."

As I listened to her explain why her little purple camera is the best - how it takes such fun pictures, how pretty it is, how the printer gives you instant photos to share with your friend - I realized she was a natural marketer. And honestly, She was doing a better job than some businesses!

Show & Tell = Storytelling in Marketing

When kids bring something to show and tell, they don't just describe it - they sell it! They share why it matters, how it makes them feel, and why their friends should care.

Businesses should be doing the same. Instead of just listing product features, you need to tell a story that connects with your audience. Why does this product or service make life better or easier? What emotions does it create? People don't just buy products - they buy the feelings and experiences attached to them.,

Talking About a Favorite Show = Word-of-Mouth Marketing

My daughter doesn't just watch her favorite show - she lives and breathes it! She tells her friends about it, sings the songs and gets the entire family involved in acting out scenes. The more excited she is, the more her friends want to watch it, too!

That's exactly how word-of-mouth marketing works. The best marketing doesn't feel like marketing - it feels like someone genuinely sharing something they love! If a brand can create that kind of enthusiasm, customers will naturally spread the word.

Commercials & Ads: Getting the Message Out

Just like how my daughter sees ads for toys or her favorite fast-food joint (we listen and we don't judge!) she immediately wants that doll or those french fries. Businesses need to make sure they're putting their message in front of the right people at the right time. Whether its a TV commercial, a social post, or an email, advertising is just show and tell at scale - letting more people know why they should care

Marketing Like a Kid

So, what if we all marketed like a 4-year old?

• Tell a great story.

• Be excited about what you're sharing.

• Keep it simple and engaging

• Make sure people actually see your message!

If a child can make their friends want to watch a show or ask for their own little purple camera, businesses can absolutely learn from that energy and authenticity!

What's your "show and tell" moment? How are you getting people excited about what you do? Think about it the next time you go to post on social or network with potential customers. You might be surprised by the results!