HOKA’s latest phase of “Fly Human Fly” Campaign, “Bird’s Eye”: A Soaring Success in Digital Marketing

Rasi Pichitsiri
Marketing in the Age of Digital
4 min read6 days ago

HOKA took digital marketing to new heights with the latest phase of their “Fly Human Fly” campaign, named “Bird’s Eye” in Fall 2024. This campaign brilliantly encapsulates HOKA’s spirit and showcases its prowess in digital marketing. It’s a perfect blend of innovation, creativity, and community engagement, demonstrating HOKA’s commitment to inspiring movement and celebrating the joy of running!

Objectives

HOKA’s primary objective with the “Fly Human Fly” campaign was to reinforce its identity as a performance brand that celebrates joyful movement and community. By focusing on the metaphor of flight, HOKA aimed to inspire its audience to embrace their potential and elevate their performance. This campaign was not just about selling shoes; it was about selling a lifestyle and a mindset.

Actions and Engagement

The campaign targeted HOKA’s core audience: runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who seek high-performance footwear. The goal was to inspire these individuals to engage with the brand, share their stories of movement, and see themselves as part of a larger, supportive community. HOKA encouraged its audience to use the hashtag #FlyHumanFly on social media, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Campaign Execution and Content

We Are All Born To Fly 60

The centerpiece of the “Bird’s Eye” campaign was a stunning film featuring aerial shots of a bird soaring through various landscapes, intercut with scenes of runners navigating similar terrains. This visual metaphor beautifully illustrated the freedom and exhilaration of movement, a core value of the HOKA brand.

The film was distributed across multiple digital platforms, including HOKA’s social media channels, YouTube, and digital advertising networks. To amplify its reach, HOKA also employed high-impact out-of-home media, such as tram wraps in Melbourne. This multi-channel approach ensured that the campaign reached a wide and diverse audience, maximizing its impact.

Effectiveness of the Campaign

The “Fly Human Fly” campaign was highly effective in achieving its objectives. The use of compelling visuals and a strong narrative allowed HOKA to connect with its audience on an emotional level. This emotional connection is crucial in marketing, as it drives brand loyalty and engagement.

By encouraging user-generated content through the #FlyHumanFly hashtag, HOKA was able to foster a sense of community and engagement. This strategy not only increased brand visibility but also created a wealth of authentic, relatable content that further promoted the brand’s message.

According to industry data, the campaign significantly boosted HOKA’s social media engagement and increased website traffic. This increase in visibility translated into higher sales, demonstrating the campaign’s effectiveness in driving both brand awareness and revenue.

Why This Trend is Worth Investing In

According to Forbes, Nike dominates the highly competitive running shoe category with a market share of approximately 36%, however, it has not shown any growth. HOKA and On Running have emerged as formidable competitors to the industry leader. HOKA, under its parent company, Deckers, holds a market share of 4.3% and gained a 28% increase in revenue in 2023. While it is difficult for new players to compete with a major brand like Nike, the key lies in finding an untapped niche, which is exactly what HOKA has successfully accomplished. Running this campaign not only gives a perfect chance to drive the growth in revenue and awareness, but also encourages the brand to gain market share, and become one of the leaders in the industry.

The success of HOKA’s “Fly Human Fly” campaign highlights the importance of storytelling and community engagement in digital marketing. By creating content that resonates emotionally and encourages audience participation, brands can build strong, loyal communities and achieve significant marketing objectives.

Moreover, the use of multi-channel distribution ensures that the campaign reaches a broad and diverse audience, maximizing its impact. This approach is particularly effective in today’s digital landscape, where consumers interact with brands across multiple platforms.

Conclusion

HOKA’s “Fly Human Fly” campaign is a prime example of how effective digital marketing can elevate a brand. By focusing on storytelling, emotional engagement, and community building, HOKA was able to reinforce its brand identity and connect with its audience in a meaningful way. This campaign not only boosted brand awareness and sales but also demonstrated the power of a well-executed digital marketing strategy.

In the competitive world of sneakers, HOKA’s innovative approach serves as a valuable lesson in the art of branding and digital marketing. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing, campaigns like “Fly Human Fly” remind us of the importance of authenticity, creativity, and community in building a successful brand. Now, ready for the flight? Check these out: Trail Running Shoes, and Road Running Shoes or anything else, and FLY!!!

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