What Would Elvis Do? Old-School Advertising Tips That Still Work Today

You’ve seen the hair. You’ve heard the voice. But beyond the sequins and swagger, Elvis Presley was a master of something more than music: influence. Long before algorithms, hashtags, and digital funnels, Elvis knew how to connect with people. He had what every great marketer needs—style, authenticity, and a deep understanding of his audience. So the question is: What would Elvis do... if he ran your next campaign?

Turns out, quite a bit.

In a world obsessed with the next shiny digital tool, there’s serious power in going back to basics. The old-school advertising world knew how to grab attention and move people—with limited data, fewer platforms, and a whole lot of gut instinct. That kind of thinking? Still gold today. So we’re dusting off the vinyl and dropping the needle on some vintage strategies that still rock in the modern market.

1. Know Your Audience Like You Know Your Mama

Elvis didn’t guess what people wanted. He felt it. He knew what made teenagers scream and parents squirm, and he walked that line like it was a dance floor. Today’s brands have data, sure. But data without intuition? That’s just noise.

Old-school advertisers spent time in the places where their audiences lived. Diners, department stores, baseball games. They understood the culture they were selling into. Today, that means doing more than reading reports. It means listening. Being present. Reading the comments section. Asking questions. Great marketing starts with empathy—and sometimes the best insights don’t come from dashboards. They come from being human.

2. Sell the Sizzle, Not Just the Steak

This one’s straight from the Madison Avenue playbook. Back in the day, advertisers knew they weren’t just selling soap. They were selling clean. Confidence. Class. A lifestyle.

Elvis didn’t just sing songs. He sold an idea of cool, rebellion, romance, and American swagger. And brands today? They’re still doing it. Nike doesn’t sell shoes—it sells greatness. Apple doesn’t sell phones—it sells status and simplicity.

Modern marketers get caught up in features. But people buy feelings. Your campaign should make someone feel something—even if what you’re selling is a lawn service or a tax prep app. Emotion always wins. That’s not old-fashioned. That’s universal.

3. Be Bigger Than Life (Even If You’re a Small Business)

Remember Elvis’s entrance in Vegas? Capes. Lights. Music blaring. He didn’t walk into a room.

He took it over.

Your brand can do the same—no matter your size. It starts with confidence. Clear messaging. Consistent visuals. A voice that’s unmistakably yours. Small businesses sometimes shrink their presence out of modesty. But visibility isn’t arrogance. It’s strategy.

Old-school advertisers went bold: jingle-filled radio spots, massive billboards, and branded matchbooks. They understood that being remembered is half the battle. Today, that might mean a viral video, an unforgettable brand tone on social, or a bus wrap that makes people stop and stare.

The takeaway? Don’t whisper. Speak up. Own your lane.

4. Use Every Channel Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Back in the day, campaigns hit all fronts: TV, radio, print, in-store, word of mouth. Elvis was everywhere—on screen, on vinyl, on cereal boxes. Saturation was the goal.

Today, marketers have more platforms than ever—but the temptation is to treat them like checkboxes. Just post something on Instagram. Toss up a TikTok. Done.

But each platform has its own audience, tone, and opportunity. Treat every channel like it deserves your best work. What you say in a Facebook ad isn’t the same thing you say in a radio spot or a YouTube pre-roll. Respect the format. Respect the audience. Give every touchpoint its own shine.

5. Tell a Story, Not Just a Pitch

Every Elvis song tells a story. Heartbreak Hotel. Jailhouse Rock. Blue Suede Shoes. He knew that a story sticks longer than a slogan.

Old-school ads leaned into storytelling, too. Think of vintage car commercials with rugged cowboys and open roads. They weren’t listing horsepower stats. They were painting a dream.

Modern marketers can still learn from that. Whether it’s a 30-second spot or a homepage headline, start with a narrative. Who’s the hero (the customer)? What’s the problem? How does your product or service help them win?

Stories humanize. They build connection. They last.

6. Make It Visual. Make It Pop. Make It Stick.

Elvis didn’t walk out in khakis. He wore gold lamé suits, high collars, and custom jewelry. He looked like a legend.

The same goes for your brand. You don’t need rhinestones, but you do need a visual identity. Something people recognize in a scroll, in a glance, in the corner of their eye.

Old-school advertisers knew this: bold fonts, punchy colors, sharp contrasts. They made everything from posters to packaging unforgettable. Your brand should follow suit. From your logo to your Instagram grid, consistency builds trust. Good design isn’t decoration. It’s strategy.

7. Be Memorable. Be Quotable. Be Repeatable.

"Thank you, thank you very much."

One line. Instantly Elvis. That’s the power of a signature phrase.

Old-school ads lived or died on the strength of their taglines. "Got Milk?" "Just Do It." "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands." Those lines didn’t just sell products—they became a culture.

Your brand needs a hook, too. Something people repeat remember, and maybe even meme. Whether it’s a jingle, a catchphrase, or a unique tone of voice, the key is repetition. If you say something great once, it’s forgettable. Say it 100 times in 100 ways? Now it’s yours.

8. Connect With Community

Elvis never forgot where he came from. He gave back. He talked to fans. He showed up.

Old-school brands did the same. They sponsored Little League. They hosted events. They put a face to the name.

In the age of digital everything, the real-world community still matters. Sponsor a local event. Highlight your team. Partner with nonprofits. Show that you’re not just a business—you’re part of the fabric of your town.

People don’t just support brands. They support people. And people want to support people who show up.

9. Keep It Simple, Keep It Strong

One of Elvis’s biggest hits? "Love Me Tender." Simple words. Big impact.

Old-school ads weren’t buried in jargon. They were straight shooters. Direct, emotional, clear.

Modern marketers often overcomplicate things. Overly clever copy. Tech-heavy language. Buzzwords galore.

But clarity wins. Always.

Write like you're talking to someone across the diner table. Say what you mean. Make it memorable. Don't try to sound smart. Try to sound human.

10. Show Up, Show Out, and Stick Around

Elvis didn’t vanish after his first hit. He kept evolving. Reinventing. Staying visible.

Marketing isn’t one and done. Old-school advertisers understood the power of repetition. Frequency. Familiarity. Your brand needs to be a constant presence—even when you’re not launching something new.

That means staying active on your platforms. Updating your website. Running campaigns even in the "slow" seasons. Momentum matters. So does consistency. If you disappear, so does your relevance.

Putting the Vinyl to Work in the Digital Age

Old-school advertising wasn’t perfect. But it was human. It was bold. It worked.

The tactics may change, but the principles still slap: Know your audience. Tell a story. Be visual. Repeat yourself. Show up. Care.

Elvis didn’t have an algorithm. He had a connection. Charisma. A clear point of view. Your brand can have that, too.

So next time you’re planning a campaign, ask yourself: What would Elvis do?

He’d probably turn it up to 11. And then go shake things up.

It's Now or Never—Let's Make Your Brand Sing

Think your marketing needs a little more swagger? A little more spark? Channel the King himself and take your next campaign from forgettable to unforgettable. KTBS Marketing blends time-tested strategy with fresh creative thinking to craft campaigns that strike a chord. Whether you're looking to turn heads on social media, dominate your local airwaves, or stand out in a sea of sameness, we've got the chops to make it happen. Let’s bring that old-school magic and modern-day strategy together—and turn your brand into a headliner.