Foursquare is a social media application that allows its users to “check in” at their current location with their smart phones and find out insider tips, as well as see where their friends are located. if they check in to certain places enough times, they can get rewards (free drink, etc). If they check in the most times, they become “The Mayor”, and receive even more privileges.
PA is launching a Foursquare program as part of their Summer 2010 tourism push, to try and lure younger travelers. They have placed tips on hundreds of locations along 21 road trip itineraries, and reward check ins with badges – another element of Foursquare fun. “The Fantastic Roadtrip-a-Matic” is also incorporating QR Codes on posters at many locations to encourage check ins.
Maybe all the social/viral/mobile/online hype is not what it is cracked up to be….Here’s a good video from a Swedish newspaper where they make a good point – somewhat.
A restaurant in Amsterdam wanted to track their radio campaign in a new way, so their agency incorporated DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency), or tones that communicate a phone number to a landline phone. Seems kind of gimmicky, but I am pretty sure the people who heard the radio spot will generate buzz for them as it is very unique. Unfortunately, I can’t recall much about the brand, as they only mentioned their name ONCE and really gave no reason why anyone would choose to dine there…
In the age of electronic media, and the hype of the blogosphere, you would think magazines are on their proverbial death bed. Not so, according to the Magazine Publishers of America, who want to make sure everyone knows that readership is actually up (although ad revenue is down), and people still want their magazines. i tend to agree, and still believe magazines to be a tremendously viable medium. Moreover, if you incorporate new technology within your ads and make them interactive, you have a much better chance of success. Oh, by the way, that also makes it measurable. How handy!
Welcome to experiential marketing, Williamsburg. It’s about time, considering the concept has been around for over seven years! I guess it takes an $8 million budget (more than I Love NY) and a HUGE ad agency (not located in Virgina mind you) to discover that people want to embrace brands and make an emotional connection.
“With ‘Be part of the story,’ it’s clear there is an active role for the visitor,” Mr. Campbell says. Their old tag line “History is just the beginning,” came across as “apologetic.” I would also sympathize with them as they have had difficulty getting people to make a repeat visit.
The campaign directs people to their website (which is well designed, but not optimized for search engines BTW). It also includes the obligatory social elements (blog, iPhone app, Facebook etc..). The TV spot has great production value, but as I’ve said mant time before, where is the call to action? I also hope they can get a lot more views on the YouTube posting, which has only 205 views to date.
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Jun 02 2010
