121 Marketing, Advertising, and PR Project Ideas to Improve Your Resume as a Student
15–23 minutes

If you’re a marketing, advertising, or PR student and want to improve your Resume but don’t know how, you’ll LOVE this guide!

It includes 121 project ideas to showcase your expertise and make you stand out during the application process. Alternatively, you can take inspiration from the list and come up with your own original project!

The best part? You can filter through the list to find ideas in the category that most interests you. 

Let’s dive right in!

Marketing Projects for Beginners

Social Media Marketing Ideas and PR

  1. Develop a social media marketing plan for a local busines: Working with small and local businesses can be a great way to learn by doing and, at the same time, have a positive impact on your community.
  2. Imagine a Google AdWords campaign for a small business: You don’t have to actually create it, just outline your strategy on a document to show potential recruiters you know what you’re doing!
  3. Design and/or execute a social media influencer campaign to promote a product in for a brand: Explain how an influencer campaign could benefit the brand, who you’d partner with and why, establish goals and KPIs to track (not sure what KPI means? Check out the Marketing Glossary). Examples of product collaboration include event activations, unboxing videos, and reviews and pre-release.
  4. Develop a social media strategy to promote a local event or fundraiser: Set goals to achieve and KPIs to monitor, identify the best social media platforms to use and explain your reasoning with up-to-date and relevant data, and create the content on Canva.
  5. Create a social media content calendar for a small business in your area and schedule monthly posts.
  6. Design and launch a YouTube channel: Your channel can feature educational videos on marketing topics and showcase your knowledge on the subject. Although creating YouTube videos might be a little demanding, it has great potential as it’s the 2nd most popular social media platform!
  7. Design a social media listening strategy to monitor a brand’s mentions and sentiment: Identify your goals, choose a social listening tool and investigate the audience, analyze the data, and report them on Excel or a PDF. For example, you could notice the audience uses a specific language, which the brand could incorporate in their tone-of voice (TOV).
  8. Develop an imaginary TikTok marketing campaign targeting Gen Z consumers for a brand: You can choose a brand that already targets this segment and show how to improve their communication or, in alternative, a brand that currently doesn’t prioritize Gen Z but (in your opinion) should.
  9. Create a fictional LinkedIn advertising campaign to reach B2B professionals for an imaginary brand: Set the budget, define the target, choose the ad format you think is the best fit and always motivate your reasoning to show you know what you’re talking about.
  10. Design a Snapchat geofilter campaign for a local event or business.
  11. Design a Pinterest marketing strategy and action plan to drive traffic to an e-commerce website: Do not underestimate this platform. It has great engaging potential, and it’s ideal if your compaign’s goal is brand awareness. Plus, Pinterest makes your job easy by telling you what’s trending via Pinterest Trends.
  12. Find a company with customer service issues through Trustpilot and design a social media customer service strategy to respond to inquiries and concerns.
  13. Conduct an Instagram Stories campaign to showcase behind-the-scenes content and product launches for a small business or imaginary brand.
  14. Design a digital product on Canva: Digital products are intangible goods in digital formats, such as online courses, ebooks, and templates. For example, you could create a digital marketing strategy template for small businesses to showcase your marketing knowledge and design capabilities simultaneously!
  15. Create a Fundraising Marketing Campaign: Imagine raising funds on behalf of an imaginary non-profit organization by setting up a fundraising campaign. You can also create customizable fundraising pages, toolkits, and social media resources to amplify your efforts.
  16. Create a Social Media Fundraising Campaign for a small non-profit of your choice: Leverage the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to launch fundraising campaigns and drive donations. Create compelling stories, videos, and infographics to engage followers and pitch your campaign to the organization.

Event Marketing Project Ideas to Improve a Resume

  1. Virtual Summit: Imagine planning a virtual summit on a trending topic in the industry, featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. First, define the objective, then identify the target audience, choose a platform and create a program (who are the speakers? when are the breaks going to be?). Last but not least, imagine how you would promote the event (would you use online or offline marketing strategies? Or maybe both?) and how you measure its success.
  2. Pop-Up Shop: Imagine organizing a pop-up shop event showcasing products from local artisans, designers, or small businesses. Where would you set it up? Why? What would it look like?
  3. Charity Gala: Coordinate a charity gala fundraiser supporting a cause or non-profit organization, featuring live entertainment, auctions, and guest speakers.
  4. Networking Mixer: Develop a strategy for a networking mixer event for professionals and students to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships. And, why not, you could implement it in real life as well!
  5. Product Launch Party: Plan a small business’ product launch party for a new product or service, inviting influencers, media, and customers to celebrate the launch. But be careful: if you plan to pitch them the idea, you should choose a feasible one that doesn’t involve a high budget.
  6. Hackathon: Imagine organizing a hackathon event bringing together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate and innovate on tech solutions.
  7. Workshop Series: Develop a series of workshops on marketing-related topics, such as social media marketing, content creation, or SEO optimization.
  8. Career Fair: Coordinate a career fair event connecting students with internship and job opportunities in the marketing industry, featuring presentations, booths, and networking sessions.
  9. Industry Conference: Collaborate with industry partners to host an industry conference featuring keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for professionals and students.
  10. Art Exhibition: Curate and promote an art exhibition showcasing the work of local artists, photographers, and creatives, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors.
  11. Food Festival: Plan a food festival event highlighting local restaurants, food trucks, and culinary artisans, offering tastings, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment.
  12. Fitness Challenge: Organize a fitness challenge event promoting health and wellness, featuring fitness classes, competitions, and wellness workshops.
  13. Music Concert: Host a music concert event featuring local bands, DJs, and performers, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for attendees.
  14. Seminar Series: Develop a series of seminars on marketing trends, strategies, and best practices, inviting industry experts to share their insights and expertise.
  15. Tech Expo: Imagine to coordinate a tech expo event showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in the marketing industry, attracting tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors.
  16. Book Launch Party: Plan a book launch party for a marketing-related book or publication, featuring author readings, book signings, and networking opportunities.
  17. Film Screening: Imagine to host a film screening event featuring marketing-related documentaries or films, followed by discussions and Q&A sessions with industry professionals.
  18. Sustainable Fair: Organize a fictional sustainable fair event promoting eco-friendly products, services, and initiatives, raising awareness about environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
  19. Cultural Festival: Imagine a cultural festival event celebrating diversity and multiculturalism, featuring performances, exhibitions, and culinary delights from around the world.
  20. DIY Workshop: Develop and lead a series of do-it-yourself (DIY) workshops on marketing-related projects, such as branding, graphic design, or social media content creation.

PRO TIP

Develop 2-3 of these projects and create a Portfolio that you can link while applying for internships.

Content Creation to Improve your Portfolio as a Beginner

  1. Create blog posts for a marketing agency of your choice. Then, pitch them your ideas!
  2. Create a content marketing strategy for a travel agency or destination.
  3. Design and launch a podcast series on a topic of your choice, featuring interviews with industry experts. For more information on how to create a podcast, I suggest checking out Buzzsprout‘s post!
  4. Create a series of how-to guides or tutorials on marketing topics for a blog or website. Possibly, choose one that isn’t too popular, so you have a better chance of getting a reply. It’s also a good networking opportunity to get your foot in the door. Speaking of which, if you’re interested in helping DecodingTheMedia, you can reach out here ☺️.
  5. Design and launch a customer referral program for a real or fictional subscription-based service.
  6. Create a marketing toolkit for real estate agents with templates and resources for marketing properties. For example, you can create flyers, brochures, postcards, and social media graphics.

Market Research and Analysis

  1. Conduct market research to identify consumer trends in a specific industry.
  2. Conduct a competitive analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of rival brands.
  3. Conduct a SWOT analysis for a company to assess its marketing strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Develop and implement a crisis communication plan for a company facing negative publicity.
  5. Conduct a customer journey analysis to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement for a small business. If possible, reach out to them first to gather intel and ask if you can help them. It’s also a smart way to put yourself on the map!
  6. Conduct a keyword research analysis to identify opportunities for organic search traffic for a brand of your choice.
  7. In the alternative, develop an SEO strategy for an imaginary brand in a sector of your choice.

Campaign Planning and Execution

  1. Design a guerrilla marketing campaign for a local event or festival in your area. 
  2. Develop an email marketing campaign to solicit donations from an imaginary non-profit organization subscriber base. Craft personalized messages highlighting the impact of donations, upcoming events, or urgent funding needs to inspire action and encourage support.
  3. Create compelling online crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe to raise funds for specific projects or initiatives. Utilize persuasive storytelling, engaging visuals, and clear donation tiers to encourage contributions from supporters.
  4. Develop and implement a lead nurturing strategy to improve conversion rates for a B2B company.
  5. Conduct a pricing analysis to optimize pricing strategy for a product or service.
  6. Design and execute a customer retention strategy to reduce churn and increase lifetime value.
  7. Create a case study highlighting a successful marketing campaign for a company. For example, you could write about Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Campaign: a user-generated content campaign that showcased stunning photos and videos captured on iPhones, highlighting the device’s camera capabilities. The case study could examine how Apple encouraged user participation and generated organic social proof to promote their product.
  8. Design a customer satisfaction survey for a local restaurant or café. Make sure to reach out to them first and ask for permission.
  9. Develop a direct mail campaign for a fictional brand.

Advertising Project Ideas for Students

Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising

  1. Design a billboard advertising campaign in high-traffic areas for a brand of your choice.
  2. Create bus shelter advertisements in key locations throughout the city for a fictional brand.
  3. Develop a digital signage advertising strategy for shopping malls and transit hubs.
  4. Create and design interactive kiosks in public spaces to engage with passersby and promote a fictional or real brand’s products or services.

PRO TIP

If you’re not a professional graphic designer you can use the “Smart Mockup” app on Canva. Alternatively, Freepik offers a wide range of free mockups to choose from and even an Online Mockup Generator.

Print Advertising

  1. Design a full-page advertisement in local newspapers and magazines.
  2. Develop direct mail postcards or flyers for a fictional brand to targeted neighborhoods or demographics.
  3. Design posters or flyers for distribution for a fictional coffee shop.
  4. Develop and distribute branded merchandise, such as branded pens, notepads, or stickers, as promotional giveaways.

Digital Advertising

  1. Craft a Search Engine Marketing campaign on search engines like Google or Bing: Perform keyword research, write a compelling ad copy including your target keywords and choose the KPIs you want to monitor.
  2. Create sponsored content or native advertising for a fictional brand on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Start by identifying the platform based on your target audience, then create engaging content that blends seamlessly with the platform’s native content.
  3. Develop a video advertising campaign on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or LinkedIn for a fictional brand.

Broadcast Advertising

  1. Craft an air radio advertisement script for a local station: Understand the local station’s audience to ensure your message resonates. Write a clear, concise script, typically 30 to 60 seconds long, with a strong call to action. Add elements like background music, sound effects, and a professional voiceover to make it more engaging. Review and refine your script based on feedback, and then finalize it for broadcasting.
  2. Create a radio segment for a local radio station: Choose a topic that will interest the station’s audience and align with your goals. Outline your segment, including key points, interviews, and call-in segments.
  3. Create podcasts related to an industry or target audience of your choice: Select a specific topic or industry that will attract your target audience. Plan your episodes, including topics, guest speakers, and key points. Record the episodes with professional equipment and edit them for high audio quality. Publish your podcasts on a platform of your choice and promote them through social media and other channels to reach a wider audience.

Experiential Advertising

  1. Organize a live event or concert, featuring branded signage, booths, and promotional materials: Choose a theme, and identify a potential venue and performers. Include mock-ups of branded signage, booths, and promotional materials.
  2. Develop a pop-up shop or experiential marketing activation for a brand in a high-traffic location: Choose a busy location like a shopping mall or downtown square. Then, design a pop-up shop with a specific brand theme, including interactive displays. For instance, Pantone, known for its color matching system, launched a pop-up café in Monaco. Each food and drink item was matched to a specific Pantone color, offering a visually striking and memorable experience.
  3. Create a guerrilla marketing campaign, utilizing unconventional tactics to surprise and delight passersby. For example, Coca-Cola’s Happiness Machine. A vending machine that dispensed drinks, flowers, pizza, and giant subs, to inspire consumers through small, surprise moments of happiness.
  4. Design a branded scavenger hunt or interactive experience to engage with consumers in a fun and memorable way: Create clues and tasks related to a brand of your choice. Then, think of branded materials and prizes to engage participants. Make it fun and memorable.

PRO TIP

Create a unique hashtag for your event and encourage viewers to use it. This not only increases visibility but also allows you to interact with your audience, answer questions, and get immediate feedback

PR Project Ideas for Students

Traditional PR

  1. Draft press releases announcing a company’s milestones, new product launches, or significant achievements: Choose a type of press release and include quotes from key executives.
  2. Develop story ideas to pitch to journalists and media outlets to secure editorial coverage in newspapers, magazines, and online publications. You should look for unique angles or perspectives that make your story stand out. This could involve highlighting a human interest element, uncovering surprising facts, or offering expert insights. Also, you should identify the why. Why do you want to cover the story? Why is it worth reading?
  3. Organize press conferences or media briefings: First, decide on clear objectives and a date and venue that work for everyone. Then, craft invites for journalists and media outlets, prepare press materials and a list of attendees. Finally, arrange logistical details like equipment setup and seating, and distribute media kits.
  4. Create media kits containing company information, press releases, and high-resolution images for journalists and reporters.

Digital PR

  1. Develop a blogger outreach program to collaborate with influencers and bloggers in an industry of your choice, generating buzz and awareness for your imaginary brand.
  2. Create and publish guest articles or thought leadership pieces on industry-related websites and blogs to position company executives as experts in their field. To do so, you should already have your own blog or, at the very least, a portfolio that shows your knowledge and skills. Utilize guest blogging platforms that connect writers with publishers like CoSchedule.
  3. Conduct a social media influencer campaign, partnering with influencers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to promote products or services to their followers.
  4. Design and implement a social media takeover campaign: Set goals and find people who will help you reach your target audience. Make sure you have the right people in place to manage the social media accounts. Work with the influencer to create a plan, promote the event, and execute it on the scheduled day. Get people to engage with you throughout the takeover and measure how well it went. Thank the participants and share highlights with your audience.

Content Creation and Distribution

  1. Develop and distribute digital press kits containing multimedia assets, such as videos, infographics, and downloadable resources, to journalists and media outlets.
  2. Produce digital newsletters or email campaigns to media contacts and subscribers, providing updates on company news, events, and announcements.
  3. Design a content syndication strategy, and partnerships with reputable websites and publications to republish or share company content to reach a wider audience.

Crisis Management and Reputation Building

  1. Develop a crisis communication plan, outlining protocols and procedures for addressing and mitigating negative publicity or reputation issues.
  2. Create media training sessions for company executives and spokespersons to prepare them for interviews, press conferences, and media interactions.
  3. Monitor and analyze media coverage and online sentiment using media monitoring tools and social listening platforms to track brand mentions and sentiment..
  4. Design and execute a reputation management campaign to enhance brand perception and credibility, leveraging positive media coverage, customer testimonials, and social proof. For example, in 2015, in response to some foodborne illness outbreaks linked to its restaurants, Chipotle implemented strict food safety protocols, enhanced employee training, and launched a marketing campaign focused on transparency and quality ingredients. These efforts rebuilt consumer confidence and restored Chipotle’s reputation as a leader in fast-casual dining.

Branding Easy Project Ideas for Students

  1. Develop a brand identity and marketing strategy for a fictional startup company in the tech industry. For example, a fictional tech startup could emphasize innovation and sustainability in its branding, with a marketing strategy focusing on viral social media campaigns and influencer partnerships within the tech community.
  2. Create a branding campaign for a new line of eco-friendly beauty products targeting Gen Z consumers.
  3. Design a brand logo and visual identity for a fictional coffee shop chain specializing in organic, fair-trade coffee. Utilize social media platforms popular among Gen Z, such as Instagram and TikTok, to showcase product authenticity and engage with the target audience.
  4. Develop a brand positioning strategy for a virtual reality gaming company targeting millennial gamers.
  5. Create a branding campaign for a fictional sustainable fashion brand focused on ethical manufacturing and eco-friendly materials.
  6. Design a brand identity for a fictional gourmet food truck business specializing in artisanal street food.
  7. Develop a branding strategy for a fictional boutique hotel chain catering to luxury travelers.
  8. Create a brand concept and marketing plan for a fictional subscription-based meal delivery service for busy professionals.
  9. Design a brand logo and visual identity for a fictional outdoor adventure gear company targeting outdoor enthusiasts.
  10. Develop a brand positioning strategy for a fictional online marketplace connecting local artisans with consumers.
  11. Create a branding campaign for a fictional wellness retreat center offering holistic health and wellness programs.
  12. Design a brand identity for a fictional eco-friendly home cleaning products company emphasizing sustainability and natural ingredients.
  13. Develop a brand concept and marketing strategy for a fictional mobile app offering virtual fitness classes and workouts.
  14. Create a branding campaign for a fictional artisanal chocolate brand highlighting craftsmanship and quality ingredients.
  15. Design a brand logo and visual identity for a fictional pet grooming salon specializing in natural and organic pet care products.
  16. Develop a brand positioning strategy for a fictional online platform connecting freelance creatives with clients.
  17. Create a branding campaign for a fictional craft brewery showcasing unique flavors and brewing techniques.
  18. Design a brand identity for a fictional eco-friendly transportation company offering electric bike rentals.
  19. Develop a brand concept and marketing plan for a fictional sustainable home goods store promoting eco-friendly living.
  20. Create a branding campaign for a fictional music festival celebrating diversity and inclusion in the arts.
  21. Design a brand logo and visual identity for a fictional plant-based restaurant chain focusing on plant-forward cuisine.
  22. Develop a brand positioning strategy for a fictional online platform connecting travelers with authentic local experiences.
  23. Create a branding campaign for a fictional artisanal bakery highlighting handcrafted pastries and bread.
  24. Design a brand identity for a fictional outdoor clothing brand inspired by nature and adventure.
  25. Develop a brand concept and marketing strategy for a fictional social impact initiative addressing environmental conservation.

PRO TIP

To create a brand concept, start by understanding who your target audience is – their needs, preferences, and values. What problems do they have that your brand can solve? What do they care about? Then, define your brand personality (is it playful and fun, or serious and professional?). Finally, identify your unique selling proposition (What sets your brand apart from competitors?).

Conclusion

Pretty long list, huh?

To summarize, here are some projects you can develop to enhance your resume:

  • Social media Strategy and Content Calendar.
  • Market Research and Campaign Planning for a small business or imaginary brand.
  • Develop a blogger outreach program for your blog.
  • Develop a brand concept and marketing plan for a fictional brand.
  • Create podcasts or radio segments related to an industry or target audience of your choice.

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I’m Cinzia

Welcome to The Juicy Marketeer, my corner of the internet dedicated to all things marketing and social media! Here you can find practical insights, news, useful tips and resources to thrive as a young marketer!

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