I love making people laugh.
There’s nothing better than when someone reads a post or watches a reel and actually chuckles. It makes business feel more human.
But I’ll admit, it’s something I’ve wrestled with over the years. I want people to take my work seriously, but I also want them to know I don’t take myself too seriously. Finding that balance between being professional and being yourself can be tricky.
Humour helps people feel comfortable. It breaks tension, builds connection, and shows that you’re not just another faceless brand shouting into the void. But like anything, it needs the right tone and timing.
Why humour matters
Business can be serious, but your marketing doesn’t have to be dull.
Humour creates personality. It shows people who you are behind the logo and helps them remember you. When someone laughs, even just a little, they feel a sense of familiarity. That’s what builds trust., and trust me, humour is memorable. People might forget the details of your services, but they’ll remember the person who made them smile on a Tuesday afternoon.
Finding your version of funny
Not all humour is created equal. What works for one brand might flop for another.
I’m the type of person who leans into dry, slightly self-deprecating humour. A little “yep, been there, stuffed that up too” kind of tone. It feels natural for me and relatable for the people I work with.
The trick is to use humour that fits your personality and your audience. If you’re naturally cheeky, let that shine. If sarcasm comes off too sharp in your voice, avoid it. You want people to laugh with you, not at you.
Your goal isn’t to be a comedian. It’s to make people feel at ease.
Where to use humour so it feels natural
Start small. Sprinkle humour through your captions, blogs, or email intros. You can even add it to your website copy in spots where it makes sense, like form descriptions or thank-you pages.
Humour works best when it’s subtle and context-driven. It should feel like something you’d actually say in a real conversation. If you wouldn’t say it out loud to a client, it probably doesn’t belong in your marketing either.
Avoid the temptation to use humour to fill gaps when you’re not sure what to say. It’s there to add warmth, not distraction.
Keeping the balance right
If you ever worry that using humour might make you look unprofessional, remember that being human is professional. Clients want to work with people they like and relate to.
Humour shouldn’t take away from your expertise; it should highlight it. The best kind is the kind that comes from experience, when you can laugh at something because you’ve learned from it.
Like me admitting my first website was a complete disaster. It’s funny now because it’s true, and it shows growth. That’s the kind of humour people connect with.
When it works best
Humour works best when it feels real. When it sounds like you.
So if you’re naturally funny, lean into it. If you’re not, that’s fine too. Authenticity always wins. The goal isn’t to perform; it’s to connect.
Because when people see the real you, the professional who can laugh, learn, and still deliver great work, that’s when they stick around.
Can humour really work in marketing?
Definitely. It helps people remember you and makes your brand feel more human — as long as it feels natural, not forced.
How do I know what kind of humour to use?
Stick to what comes naturally to you. Dry, cheeky or self-aware humour usually works best. Avoid anything that could alienate your audience.
Will using humour make me seem less professional?
Not if you balance it well. You can be funny and still be taken seriously, it actually builds stronger connection and trust.
