Sometimes all you need to do to receive money is to just ask for it. Literally. The Internet has given everyone a chance to have their voices heard and to have their "give me money" campaigns go viral. I'm still baffled at how successful some of these cyberbegging campaigns are. Read on to find out more about them, but don't by any means think of these methods as quick and easy ways to get rich!
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Contrary to what you might think, you're not getting ripped off at the fast food joint just because the burger in the ads looks so much better than the real-life one. In fact, according to a YouTube video released by the McDonald's marketing team in Canada, they use the same ingredients. But one of the major differences is that the content is pushed to the front. This helps the ingredients look more visible and, yes, even makes the burger look bigger and better.
After the pictures are taken, there's also some photoshop magic that make the burgers look even more appealing. Watch the video below to see how the process works:
If I were Google, I'd probably hire Matthew Epstein. He's a marketing expert who spent $3,000 on a flashy website, Googlepleasehire.me, and a video in hopes to catch the eye of the tech giant. I have to admit, although it's just another marketing gimmick, it seems to be a very well thought out one and a lot of effort has been put into it.
He put together a very captivating introduction and listed a really great reason for wanting to join Google — he wants to learn from a talented and passionate manager and have the opportunity to work with products that impact millions of people on a daily basis. On his "Contact Me" page, where he directly addresses Google HR employees, he listed links to available Google job positions he's interested in. This proves that he's done his homework and it also makes it easier for Google to figure out where to place him if they're interested.
I think the website is a clever way of catching an employer's attention and the campaign is perfect for the marketing field. It really shows off Matthew's strengths in creativity, affability, and his ability to create a buzz. In fact, Google has already reached out to him and told him to go through the standard hiring process, which he is willing to do. What do you think of this move — is it smart or too extreme?
Remember Duncan Hines's controversial "Hip Hop Cupcakes" commercial? Well, it wasn't the first (and certainly isn't the last) supermarket food campaign that's wrought with racially charged undertones.
The latest company to fall under attack is candy company Cadbury, which has come under fire for a new advertisement comparing supermodel Naomi Campbell to one of its latest products. The ad's tagline reads: "Move over Naomi, there's a new diva in town," with an image of its Bliss chocolate bar.
An infuriated Campbell fired back, "I am shocked. It's upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people. I do not find any humour in this. It is insulting and hurtful." Members of the civil rights community have asked Cadbury to apologize, and Campbell is reviewing her options against the company. Meanwhile, Cadbury has countered with an insistence that their campaign was "a light-hearted take on the social pretensions of Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss," although they've stopped circulating the ad.
In today's socially conscious culture, It's hard to believe that this classless campaign made it all the way to consumers. Cadbury: do the right thing, and issue an apology, otherwise you're almost sure to face a consumer boycott.
When Nike was looking for a new motto for use on some official US Soccer gear, it looked to its fans . . . and took to Twitter. The company sponsored a contest using the hashtag #RedAllOver, and asked fans to tweet their ideas for a slogan followed by the tag. Now, the winning motto lives on Nike's "Inspired by Supporters" jerseys and reads: "Indivisible."
The contest lasted over five days and drew thousands of suggestions with "Indivisible" receiving support from a number of users. Fans can pick up a limited-edition shirt of their own from NYC's Niketown for $90, or a sloganless official US Soccer team jersey online for $70.
Twitter-based contests are growing in popularity, with major brands adopting them as a way to engage and empower fans and also for brilliant-idea generation. Most recently Conan O'Brien sponsored a bio-writing contest via Twitter to come up with his new bio, "The voice of the people. Sorry, people."
Check out the official announcement and get a glimpse at the crowd-sourced jerseys after the break.
Microsoft Bing quickly backed away from their Japan Quake Twitter campaign once the outrage began from Twitter users. On Saturday, its official Twitter account, @bing, said they would donate a $1 for every retweet they get of their pledge to donate up to $100,000.
Some users started fuming and saw it as "exploitation" of tragic events happening in Japan. "just write the goddam cheque and cut out the spam. What do you need to be lauded for the humanitarian aid?" tweets @jonhoneyball.
I can understand why Bing's efforts can be seen as negative and they probably didn't pick the best way to address the issue. The situation is so sensitive that public backlash is easily triggered. Keep in mind that Bing's ultimate intention is positive, and it's heartwarming to see companies doing something for the tragedy. Remember what Bill Gates, the man behind Microsoft, has done for philanthropy. His foundation is the biggest one in America, and the only reason that his Forbes billionaire ranking dropped is because of his efforts to give away his wealth to charity.
Now's the time for people to come together and not to spew negativity. If you're looking do your part, read our tips on the smart ways to donate. Going back to the topic of Bing's marketing debacle — do you think it was a PR fail or nice (albeit a little misguided) show of support?
Talk about a marketing strategy gone wrong. Business Insider posted a commercial that the now defunct Icelandic bank Kraupthing released before the worldwide economic meltdown. You'll see video snippets of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, Nelson Mandela being sworn in as president, the moon landing, some war footage, and yes, The Matrix. The ad might make for some kind of feel good inspirational message, but it definitely doesn't work well as a bank promo.
It's Starbucks's 40th birthday this month, and it's got plenty in store besides that brand-new logo. Starting today, the coffee giant is launching a massive anniversary marketing campaign that'll include print ads, TV commercials, in-store promotions, and product lines.
In addition to new brews — Starbucks Tribute Blend coffee and a Via version of the same blend — the corporation is also rolling out a new cocoa cappuccino. But bigger yet, it's globally launching Petites, a new line of eight baked goods and treats under 200 calories, including mini cupcakes, cake pops, and whoopie pies.
Starbucks's slogan? "It's our anniversary, but you get the presents." When customers buy drinks at stores between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, they'll also receive free Petites items.
Does the Petites line sound appetizing to you? Will you take advantage of the excuse for a celebration?
What else is new at Chipotle besides its fast-casual Asian concept? Why, a new gilt look! The Mexican grill announced today that, for the next four months, it'll switch from its well-recognized silver foil burrito wrapper to one that's colored gold.
The point behind the marketing-minded switch? To call attention to its "gold ingredients" and mission statement of "Food With Integrity," made with naturally raised meats, local, organic vegetables, and rBGH-free dairy, as well as the chain's 18th anniversary. What do you think of Chipotle's new gold standard?
If you're not too mesmerized by how Britney Spears looks in her new music video, "Hold It Against Me," you'll notice a number of product placements. In efforts to generate revenue, the music industry has seen brands popping up in music videos and even in song lyrics. Do you think Britney went a little too far in this video or do you think it's savvy marketing?
