Safe Marketing vs. Risky Marketing
Everyone wants bold work -Until it’s time to hit “approve.”
We all say we want to stand out. Take risks. Do the kind of marketing that gets noticed. But let’s be honest: most brands don’t have the stomach for it. The moment there’s a hint of pushback, they fold and reach for the safest option.
You Know What Safe Gets You? Ignored.
Safe isn’t smart. It’s slow. It’s bloated. It’s the kind of “strategy” that creates 40-slide decks full of jargon about customer-centric innovation and omnichannel ecosystems.
Translation? It’s a brand slowly talking itself into irrelevance.
Nobody gets fired for making something that looks like last year’s campaign. But nobody remembers it either.
Creative Risk Isn’t Reckless. It’s the Cost of Entry.
At Frank & Harvey, we give clients three options:
The safe one
The one that pushes things
The wild card that makes the room go silent
Guess which one gets results? The one that makes everyone a little uncomfortable.
We once pitched a client who hated social media. Instead of pretending otherwise, we leaned into it. Posted a video of the founder saying, “I hate social media.” It got 100x more engagement than any of their previous posts.
Why? Because honesty cuts through. And discomfort is often a sign you’re finally onto something real.
How to Start Taking Smarter Risks in Marketing
Push 10% Further
Don’t jump off the deep end. Nudge the edges. Make the copy sharper. Flip the script. See what happens.Test It in the Wild
Social isn’t just a platform. Use it as a lab to test creative ideas before you pour a budget into them.Work With People Who Know the Line
The best agencies know how to push without being reckless. They take strategic bets, not stupid ones.
If Your Marketing Doesn’t Make You Nervous, You’re Doing It Wrong
Great brands didn’t tiptoe their way into the spotlight. They kicked the door in. Took the swing. Said the thing no one else would say.
Because safe doesn't get shared. Safe doesn't get remembered. And the longer you keep folding, the sooner you're out of chips.
Ready to stop playing it safe? Let’s build something bold.
Reach out at hello@frankandharvey.com or subscribe for more no-fluff creative insights: https://www.frankandharvey.com/newsletter