Advertising has changed a lot since it was first introduced to the public through simple media forums like radio or television. Today, merchants have to use more modern techniques such as SEO to reach their audience; this includes using the Internet and new-age Web marketing.
Organising a successful online advertising campaign is not an easy task. Everyone already has enough promotional material to deal with and nobody will go looking for more unless they are absolutely fascinated by it. So, how can you, as an eager entrepreneur, get a train load of fans without being scandalous or intrusive?
Facebook may not seem the first place you think of when you are considering launching a new, enticing marketing drive, but when approached correctly, this global social networking website can deliver amazing results. It is all in the way you charm your audience, use your apps and communicate your content. Use your Facebook page frequently, share from the heart and above all, make your readers feel like friends and family. Before you know it, your fan base will grow beyond your wildest expectations!
The best way to illustrate how brilliant (or disastrous) Facebook campaigns can be is to show a few examples.
DD – Dunkin’ Donuts—959,468 fans
That Americans – and not just their police force – love their coffee breaks and donuts shows in the tremendous success Dunkin’ Donuts is achieving on Facebook.
Almost one million of cake-craving fans are glad to be associated with the donut and coffee retailer. Why? Maybe it’s because the company likes to get its customers involved.
DD has launched many incredible campaigns to keep its loyal fans coming back. Last summer they even allowed customers who ordered an icy cool Coolatta drink to post their picture on the company’s Facebook fan wall. But that is not all. They also gave a prize away every day and they post a “fan of the week”
Aleksandr Orlov – Compare the Meerkat – 614,938 fans
It is amazing how many people are tuned into Aleksandr Orlov’s Founder of Compare the Meerkat Facepage. Reading through the short notes on the wall one has to wonder how many fans still remember that this fictional Russian fur ball is actually part of a British advertising campaign by the VCCP Agency on behalf of BGL Group (Budget Group of Companies).
Does it really matter? The meerkat is funny and his fans love the way he talks. Even I can’t suppress a smile when I hear ‘It rain meerkats and mongoose’ or ‘Tomorrow my special surprise will be unleash on world. My ears are already prick in excitements!’
People love animals and they also like to be amused. Aleksandr delivers both and that is why his admirer base is steadily growing.
From the UK – Directgov—11 fans
It is surprising to see that an important public service institution like the UK government is failing to attract fans. Do they have nothing to report, and why did the employees not join the list of supporters? There must be more than 11 people working in the offices!
Without adding new messages and content to their Facebook page, the UK government clearly failed to jump on the bandwagon of Facebook success stories. Updating a page once to talk about the campaign against teenagers driving under the influence of drugs is not enough to keep the fans enthralled. You’d think the government would be smarter than that!
Creating brand awareness on Facebook is not much different than any other type of advertising. The key is to connect with the audience and get them involved. If they are mesmerized they will keep coming back, and best of all, they will tell their friends and family. Give it a try… it works!
Credits: HBT advertising agency Melbourne
