19 Real-World Bull’s Eye Framework Examples [+ What To Do]

Hoping customers will magically show up seems like a fast track to failure.

You always need a clear, structured approach to grow a business (not guesswork).

That’s where traction channels come in.

Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares, in their book Traction, introduced the Bull’s Eye Framework, outlining 19 proven channels businesses use to gain traction.

In this blog, we’ll be discussing real-world examples of these 19 channels to help you understand what it is like to pick the right channels.

To understand these 19 channels generally, read 19 Traction Channels in Bull’s Eye Framework.

1. Snickers – You’re Not You When You’re Not Hungry (Viral Marketing)

Advertising at its best.

Simple. Memorable. Genius.

Snickers has mastered the art of standing out in a crowded market.

Their slogan, “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry,” became the heart of clever, funny ads where people act strangely until they eat a Snickers and return to normal.

From laugh-out-loud commercials to clever billboards like their 2017 Valentine’s ad (“You’re Forgetful When You’re Hungry”), they’ve transformed a simple idea into a marketing powerhouse.

Viral marketing is about getting people to share your product or message naturally. It works when your content or product is so engaging that users spread it on their own.

Create simple, memorable content that resonates emotionally with your audience and is easy to share. For viral success, tap into humor or relatable human moments. Start by identifying universal feelings or scenarios that align with your brand, and craft content that elicits strong emotional reactions. Ensure it’s easily shareable (like Snickers’ funny commercials).

2. Patagonia – Don’t Buy This Jacket Campaign (Public Relations)

Patagonia didn’t push for more sales.

Instead, they told customers to buy less with their bold “Don’t Buy This Jacket”campaign.

The message? Think before you shop. Choose sustainability.

It worked. The New York Times and Forbes picked it up, turning Patagonia’s stance into a headline.

More than just a campaign, it built trust, loyalty, and free publicity that no ad budget could match.

Patagonia didn’t just sell jackets—they sold a mission.

PR is about getting media coverage for your brand, product, or message. It helps build credibility and reach new audiences.

Instead of pushing for sales, consider launching a PR campaign around sustainability or ethics. Ask customers to think critically about their purchases, positioning your brand as a thought leader.

3. IHOP’s fake name change to IHOb (Unconventional PR)

IHOP shocked everyone by announcing a name change to IHOb—swapping pancakes for burgers.

The internet went wild.

People debated, shared, and speculated. Major media outlets covered the buzz.

A few weeks later, IHOP revealed the twist—it was all a clever stunt to promote their new burger menu.

The result was massive free publicity and a fresh spotlight on their burgers.

By taking a playful risk, IHOP turned a simple promotion into a viral moment.

That’s how unconventional PR makes a brand impossible to ignore.

Use surprise as a tool. Consider a creative twist on your product or service that will spark debate, and then reveal it as a clever marketing move to promote a new product or feature.

4. Hubspot’s Inbound Marketing (Search Engine Marketing)

HubSpot proved that smart search engine marketing isn’t about ads alone. It’s about creating content so useful that customers come looking for you.

They created high-value content like blogs, guides, and resources that solved customer problems.

Instead of chasing customers, HubSpot made sure they could be easily found online by ranking for key industry terms.

This strategy pulled in massive organic traffic, positioning HubSpot as the go-to brand for marketing solutions.

Perform keyword research, then create blog posts or guides that solve problems your target audience is searching for. Ensure your content answers the “how” or “why” behind their questions.

5. Adobe Ads (Social and Display Ads)

Spurce: Webfx

Adobe nails social and display ads by targeting the right audience with eye-catching, interactive content.

Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google, Adobe uses dynamic display ads that showcase their creative tools in action.

These ads don’t just pop up—they engage.

Adobe’s campaigns highlight real-world examples of creativity, driving users to explore products. The result? Increased brand awareness and customer engagement.

Run paid social ads targeting specific personas, with dynamic creatives that show how your product fits their real-world needs. A/B test to find the most effective creative.

6. Semrush’s SEO Blogs (Content Marketing)

SEMrush has turned its blog into a content marketing powerhouse.

Rather than just focusing on their SEO tools, they provide valuable, in-depth articles covering marketing insights, and industry news.

Their approach is to publish consistently useful content that answers questions and addresses challenges.

As a result, they attract organic traffic and establish themselves as experts in the field.

SEMrush proves that when you create content that truly helps people, you don’t just drive traffic—you build trust and turn visitors into loyal customers.

Write blog posts that go in-depth on topics your audience searches for. Use internal links to guide visitors deeper into your site, building authority in your niche.

7. McDonald’s “Sundial” Billboards (Offline Ads)

McDonald’s “Sundial” Billboard is a perfect example of innovative offline advertising.

This clever billboard used the sun’s natural movement to highlight different menu items based on the time of day.

Traditional ads like billboards, TV, and print ads still work when targeted correctly.

Consider local offline campaigns that integrate with natural or daily settings (e.g., interactive billboards) to make your ads more engaging and memorable.

8. Amazon’s Personalized Emails (Email Marketing)

Image source: EmailMastery

Email remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels.

Amazon’s personalized emails are a great example of email marketing done right.

They use data from your browsing history, past purchases, and preferences to send tailored recommendations straight to your inbox.

This creates a more personalized shopping experience which increases the chances of conversion.

It’s all about making your customers feel seen and valued.

Use browsing history, purchase data, and preferences to create tailored email campaigns. Test subject lines, copy, and offers to improve open and click-through rates.

9. Ubersuggest’s Free Keyword Research Tool (Engineering as Marketing)

Ubersuggest’s free keyword research tool is a powerful example of Engineering as Marketing.

It gives users valuable SEO data, like keyword volume and competition, at no cost.

This tool helps build trust by offering real, actionable insights, positioning Ubersuggest as an expert in the field.

By using it, visitors get a taste of the platform’s full capabilities, which makes them to explore more and eventually sign up for paid features.

In simple terms, Ubersuggest’s free tool draws users in and nudges them toward becoming loyal customers.

Create a free tool related to your product or service (like a calculator or diagnostic tool) and promote it to capture leads. Use this to build trust and nudge visitors toward paid offerings.

10. Duct Tape Selling – Think Like a Master, Sell Like a Superstar (Targeting blogs)

Duct Tape Selling: Think Like a Marketer, Sell Like a Superstar is a book written by John Jantsch.

His guest blogs on Copyblogger show how targeting blogs is the best traction channel.

A perfect example of this is when Jantsch himself wrote a guest post titled “5 Reliable Ways to Use Content as a Referral Tool” for Copyblogger.

Jantsch was able to promote his ideas to a larger and more targeted group of readers (Copyblogger’s loyal, well-established audience).

This example highlights how guest blogging on influential platforms can be a highly effective way to expand reach.

Use guest blogging on high-authority platforms to expand your reach and establish credibility with a larger audience. Identify industry-relevant blogs with established audiences, then pitch guest posts that provide value and include a link back to your site or product.

11. Starbucks and Spotify’s Music Partnership (Business Development)

This article by Starbucks discuss Spotify Premium Subscription.

Starbucks and Spotify’s partnership is a prime example of Business Development.

Starbucks customers get personalized playlists via Spotify, while Spotify users enjoy perks like Starbucks rewards. This partnership benefits both brands by increasing customer loyalty and enhancing user experience.

For Starbucks, it’s a way to integrate music into their café culture, driving more foot traffic.

For Spotify, it’s a chance to reach new audiences who might not have subscribed otherwise.

Together, they tap into each other’s strengths where they create a mutually beneficial relationship that expands brands’ reach.

Identify non-competing businesses that target the same audience and explore co-branded offers or joint campaigns that focus both brands’ value propositions.

12. Mar Kay (Direct Sales)

Mary Kay, the iconic beauty brand, is a prime example of direct sales in action.

Instead of traditional retail, Mary Kay relies on a network of independent consultants who build one-on-one relationships with their customers. These consultants earn commissions while offering personalized product demos and recommendations.

This model has fueled loyalty, referrals, and exponential growth for the brand for decades. It’s a great example of how direct sales can be both personal and scalable.

Mary Kay has built a brand on referrals and personal connections.

Develop a network of independent salespeople or affiliates who can promote your product through personal recommendations and incentives. You can also build network of brand ambassadors who can drive sales and referrals through one-on-one relationships

13. Amazon Associates Program (Affiliate Marketing)

The Amazon Associates Program is a prime example of Affiliate Marketing.

It allows individuals to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products through unique referral links.

When someone clicks on the link and makes a purchase, the affiliate gets a percentage of the sale.

This program is simple to join, easy to promote, and offers a vast range of products.

For affiliates, it’s a chance to monetize their websites or blogs.

For Amazon, it’s a low-cost way to leverage external influencers to drive more sales, benefiting both parties in the process.

Set up an affiliate program that allows bloggers or influencers to promote your products in exchange for commissions, then track the effectiveness of each partner to optimize your approach.

14. Medium (Existing Platforms)

Medium has become a go-to platform for writers, creators, and thought leaders to share their content with a global audience.

You can tap into an already-established community and audience looking for fresh, valuable insights on this already existing platform.

Here’s why it works:

• Medium has millions of active readers who are always on the lookout for new articles. This means you don’t have to build an audience from scratch.
• The platform is optimized for search engines, giving your content an automatic boost in visibility.
• Publishing is simple, with minimal effort required to format and present your work.
• Being on a reputable platform can enhance your credibility and provide validation for your content.

Instead of creating everything from the ground up, you to take advantage of an already successful ecosystem. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to expand their reach without reinventing the wheel.

Repurpose your content for platforms like Medium where there is an active audience. Use their SEO advantages and credibility to drive more exposure. It’s not limited to only for credibility but you can also use Amazon for selling products.

15. Web Summit for SaaS and Tech Startups (Trade Shows)

Web Summit is one of the most influential trade shows for SaaS and tech startups. It offers unparalleled networking and business opportunities.

It’s a global platform where industry leaders, innovators, and startups come together to exchange ideas and showcase their products. This place is the best spot for strategic partnerships.

he right connections and exposure at events like these can propel a startup to the next level—making it a must-attend for anyone serious about scaling their SaaS or tech business.

Attend industry trade shows and conferences to network with potential partners, investors, and customers, positioning your brand as an industry leader. Secure a spot at a relevant industry event like Web Summit, and make sure that your company is active in networking and giving presentations that showcase your product’s value.

16. Red Bull Cliff Diving (Offline Events)

Red Bull’s Cliff Diving competition shows how offline events can elevate a brand. Divers leap from cliffs up to 27 meters high in breathtaking locations worldwide.

This event perfectly matches Red Bull’s adventurous, energetic brand.

The buzz is undeniable—crowds gather and media attention floods in. Fans share their excitement online, making it a viral event.

As the event grows each year, Red Bull solidifies its place as the go-to brand for adventure, creating lasting brand equity.

Host or sponsor events that reflect your brand’s core values and allow attendees to share their experiences on social media for maximum reach. This main thing is to create memorable offline events that generate buzz both online and offline.

17. Seth Godin TED Talks (Speaking Engagements)

Seth Godin, one of the most influential marketers of our time, has used TED Talks as a platform to share his ideas on leadership, marketing, and innovation.

His speeches are a perfect example of how speaking engagements can amplify a personal brand and reach a global audience.

In his TED talks, Godin captures attention with relatable stories, bold ideas, and a clear call to action.

His talks don’t just entertain—they inspire change and provoke thought.

By sharing ideas that resonate deeply, Seth builds organic growth in his influence and audience.

His talks act as a powerful marketing tool, turning every speaking opportunity into a platform for brand awareness and authority.

Look for opportunities to speak at industry conferences or online events. Focus on delivering value-driven talks that highlight your expertise and inspire action from attendees.

18. Notion’s User-Run Communities (Community Building)

We all know that Notion is a productivity tool. But it’s also a community-driven ecosystem.

People don’t just use it; they connect, share, and create. Users run their own groups, host events, make videos, and build templates to help others.

Instead of traditional marketing, Notion lets its users lead the way. They teach, collaborate, and solve problems together, making the platform more valuable.

This approach turns everyday users into brand advocates.

Notion has built a self-sustaining community that keeps growing.

You can create a community platform (e.g., forum, social media group) on reddit or facebook where users can create and share content related to your product. This will help in user-generated content and a self-sustaining ecosystem that promotes your product.

19. Monday.com (Search Engine Optimization)

Monday.com, a popular project management tool, uses Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to drive organic traffic and attract new users.

Here’s how they do it:

• Targets high-volume, relevant keywords like “project management software” and “team collaboration tools.”
• They consistently create valuable content that answers user’s questions.
• Their website is SEO-friendly with clear URLs and well-crafted blogs.
• Backlink building is another important strategy.
• They also focus on user experience. Their website loads fast and is easy to use.

All of these strategies keep visitors on the site longer and helps with conversions.

What should You Do?

Each of these strategies, from viral campaigns to speaking engagements, proves that when you understand your audience and deliver value, people pay attention.

Now, it’s your turn. Look at your brand and ask:

• What pain points does my audience have, and how can I address them better than my competitors?
• Does my brand voice align with my target audience’s preferences?
• How can I simplify my message without losing impact?
• What emotional triggers can I tap into to make my message more memorable?
• What type of content does my audience engage with the most, and how can I replicate that success?
• Which formats (text, video, infographics, etc.) resonate best with my audience?
• How can I make my brand’s personality shine through my messaging?
• Are my CTAs clear and compelling enough to drive action?
• What gaps exist in my competitors’ messaging that I can capitalize on?
• Which marketing channel best aligns with my audience?

Take inspiration from these brands.

The key is to experiment, measure results, and refine until you find what works best.