PUNCH THE MONKEY AND A $0 MARKETING MASTERCLASS

Summary from the TLDR Marketing newsletter

IKEA's social media manager, Elissa Wardrop, turned a viral baby monkey story into a marketing win by acting fast. She took a real-time photo of the IKEA toy Punch used, bypassed approvals, and reinforced the brand's role by donating first, earning authentic “story permission” before promotion, and the post drove massive engagement. Daily updates kept the audience engaged, showing how a single post can become a series that builds connection and sustained attention.