Have you been in the cereal aisle lately?

It feels like the Vegas strip anymore. The endless options, the colors, the starbursts, it’s just all so...in your face.

I was strolling through, trying to keep my head from exploding when I spotted this box.
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Uh, what?

Did you know about this?

Have I been living under a rock? (I mean, I am a mom and business owner living in the ‘burbs. Things get past me, for sure.)

‍I have to say, in an aisle with about 4,000 other products vying for my attention, this one made me stop in my tracks. Then I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

A flippin’ llama breakfast cereal.

Why was this so compelling?

There are actually a few reasons, and you’d be smart to use them in your own branding and marketing.  

The Llama Factor #1: The element of the unexpected

I expect to see a lot of stuff in the cereal aisle. Leprechauns. Rainbows. Elves. Superheroes. What I’ve never anticipated seeing, however, is the word “llama” or an image of one.

My brain was in its usual cereal-aisle holding pattern, when that Llama Loops box triggered a total record-scratch moment. What is that?! The noggin had to know.

If you’re trying to get attention in the equivalent of the Walmart cereal aisle—say, on a Facebook feed, an email inbox, or really, the Internet in general—you’d be wise to employ the same "say what?" strategy.

Incorporate an element of the unexpected. How can you make a brain stop and need to investigate?

The Llama Factor #2: The pop culture touch

Llamas are a thing right now.

Therefore, this cereal is going to see success (though it may be short lived). All because llamas are a thing.

‍Any time humans are captivated by something in the moment, like Game of Thrones or ‘90s fashion or yes, llamas, by all means, leverage that.‍

Reference it in your marketing in some way, shape, or form. It’ll get you a second look by association and help you bond with customers over something entirely unrelated.

Just don’t wait ‘til that particular cultural boat has sailed. You’ve gotta be up-to-the-minute current, or it’ll be crickets.

18 months from now? Llama Loops will be so last year.

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The Llama Factor #3: The sheer fun-ness of it

Llamas are funny. Look at them on that box, with their goofy grins and little accessories. How can you not smile?

‍I’m a big fan of bringing some levity to your brand. The vast majority of adult life revolves around serious or mundane things. Channel the llamas. Lighten up a little. Let loose.

People like things that make them smile.

Things that have a sense of humor.

Things that feel nothing like TPS reports and taxes.

When you trigger customer smiles or even a chuckle or two, eventually you become the brand that makes them happy just thinking about you.

The Llama Factor #4: That catchy name

Llama Loops.

I kind of want to try this cereal just because the name has such a great ring to it. Don’t you?

Whatever you’re selling, a great name is critical. It’s a seemingly small thing that can be the difference between your product or service being remembered or forgotten.

So give the naming of your product or services the same care you gave to the naming of your business. This will brand them in their own right, making them memorable.

The name “Llama Loops” just sticks with you.


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So there we go. Lessons from Llama Loops. Which is probably a super gross cereal loaded with added sugar, but hey. We're not talking about nutrition here.

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