10 common scent marketing mistakes to avoid

Scent marketing is an often overlooked but unique tool that can build lasting brand loyalty. When implemented correctly, a well-chosen fragrance can evoke emotions, create memorable impressions, and even influence purchasing decisions. However, like any marketing strategy, there are common pitfalls that can undermine its effectiveness. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the most common scent marketing mistakes businesses make, from neglecting brand consistency to overusing popular fragrances. With insights and expertise from S.O.H Group, you’ll learn how to create a unique and effective scent marketing strategy that sets your business apart.

1. Inconsistent brand scenting

Maintaining consistency across all touchpoints is crucial. Using different scents in your store and in your packaging can confuse customers and dilute your brand identity. Ensure your scent aligns with your overall brand message and is consistent across all channels.

2. Poor diffuser placement

The placement of your diffuser is critical. Placing it in an obstructed area will minimise its effectiveness. Ensure it’s in an open space or near the air conditioning system to allow the scent to disperse evenly throughout the area.

An elegant home office desk featuring a tall glass vase with green tulips, surrounded by books, a decorative gold lamp, and a scent marketing diffuser.

3. Overusing common scents

While lavender is a calming and pleasant scent, it’s overused in many environments. Using a common scent means your brand won’t stand out, and customers may associate the smell with other things. Create or adopt a unique scent that defines your brand and complements your industry to make a lasting impression.

4. Mismatched aromas

Choosing the right aroma is vital as it reflects your company’s values. Selecting an inappropriate scent can be counterproductive. For instance, an energetic peppermint scent may not work well in a spa setting, where cool, fresh, and relaxing scents are more appropriate. Plan your scent selection carefully to avoid mismatched aromas.

A culinary presentation of spices including red chillies, coriander seeds, nutmeg, and slices of lemon arranged on a dark slate surface.

5. Ignoring your unique brand identity

Your brand has a unique identity, and your signature scent should align with it. Avoid using a generic fragrance that doesn’t reflect your brand image or resonate with your target audience. Tailor your scent marketing strategy to fit your specific brand and audience.

6. Skimping on quality

Opting for a cheap diffuser may save money initially but can lead to higher costs in the long run. Inferior hardware may not produce the desired results and could send a negative message about your brand to potential customers. Invest in quality diffusers to ensure lasting effectiveness.

Gloved hands of a person handling multiple glass containers with clear liquids, set on a wooden table near a lit candle, depicting a meticulous scent-mixing process.

7. Neglecting seasonal scents

Switching between cooling and warming scents throughout the year can enhance the effectiveness of your scent marketing. Use citrus notes in the summer and warm spices in the winter to create a seasonally appropriate atmosphere.

8. Overpowering scents

An overpowering scent can drive customers away rather than attract them. Ensure your fragrance is subtle and inviting, avoiding any risk of causing discomfort or headaches.

9. Forgetting routine maintenance

Regular maintenance of your diffusers is essential to keep them functioning correctly and to prevent unpleasant odours. Clean and check your diffusers routinely to ensure they are in good working order.

A person's hands adjusting a modern essential oil diffuser, showing the process of opening a dark amber bottle to add more fragrance.

10. DIY fragrance creation

Creating a signature scent is a complex process best left to professionals. Working with a scent marketing company ensures you get a fragrance that is expertly crafted to suit your brand’s needs and deliver the desired impact.

A vibrant display of various spring flowers, including pink cherry blossoms, yellow forsythia, and purple periwinkles.

S.O.H Group’s professional scent solutions

Scent marketing, when done right, can create positive and memorable experiences. S.O.H Group offers a range of scenting solutions, from everyday scenting to bespoke brand scents and activations, using programmable, innovative cold air micro-mist diffusers that leave no residue or stains. Whether it’s a superstore, hotel lobby, movie theatre, recreational club, or retail store, we have a diffusing system to meet your unique scent marketing needs.

Our solutions include:

Self service

Choose from our wide range of fragrances and transform your space with a unique scent. Our range includes food scents, cool and fresh, fruity and floral and exotic fragrances. You’ll receive a 12-month warranty, fragrance refills, central app control, and online support. Ideal for homes or offices.

Managed services

We also provide a bespoke fragrance tailored to your brand, with hardware warranty, maintenance plan, installation, and fragrance refills included. We will work closely with your brand or business to determine the type of environment to be scented, the desired ambience, the target audience and the overall goal of scenting.
Stay ahead in the scent marketing game with S.O.H Group’s expertise and innovative solutions. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for ongoing inspiration and updates.

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