Sunday, October 16, 2011

Youtube Marketing

This week I am going to comment on three youtube marketing attempts that I found amusing, intriguing and successful. No, they aren't all commercials and marketing attempts on the beaten path. I am going for more of a set of commercials that meet one thing in marketing above all else I enjoy: reaching out to your audience.

Potter Puppet Pals
This marketing attempt is for a youtube channel for a series of web shorts called "Potter Pupper Pals". The web channel is focused on a puppet show that is a spoof on the very popular book and movie series Harry Potter. What is charming about this video is that it seems rather random, which is just exactly what the web shorts are all about. The comical assumed exchange between the viewer and the puppet where he assumes the viewer is asking him on a date is very effective at getting the viewer's attention. Also the change from the serious and subtle tone at the beginning to the upbeat music at the end keeps the attention of the viewer. Yes the commercial has a very specific audience, but it reaches it's audience well. Another of their commercials is equally amusing, and the controlled repetitive mention of their youtube channel is successful usage of repetition without becoming overly repetitive.

David Blaine Street Magic Episode 3
This was a marketing attempt for an upcoming youtube video installment to a series of spoofs on David Blaine Street Magic. In this commercial it shows clips from previous videos and then a teaser for the next episode. What makes it successful? The first thing that grabs the viewers attention are the screens of nothing but text engaging with the viewer. The clips themselves are also useful for already established viewers while interesting new viewers. The choice of theme music also reaches out to their target audience.

Now I will go mainstream...

Darth Vader Volkswagen Commercial
Maybe it is the Star Wars Geek in me... but I think this commercial reaches out to everyone who is in the age range to buy a vehicle. It engages the viewer without words, and without questions, just the nostalgia of childhood dreams. In this video the kid is trying to use the "Dark Side of the Force" while playing in his Darth Vader costume. Each attempt the kid is let down as he is apparently unable to force grip even a defenseless baby doll... that is until the parent gives the kid a little bit of an esteem boost when he remote starts the car as the kid attempts to use the force on it. Very cute and reaches out to nostalgic childhood and parent moments alike.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Facebook Vs. Google+

Facebook: My Top 3 Successful Marketing Groups/Organizations

Disney:
Disney has a way with marketing, and their social media marketing group is living up to my expectations being an avid fan of the company itself. It is very interactive with fans with posts about nostalgia, current deals, vacation tips and tricks and constantly seeking feedback. The random Disney facts of the day are also intriguing. Who knew Daisy Duck was originally... Donna.

The Glee Project:
From episode updates to information on the latest casting call, the Glee Project has it going on. I will say though, that their Twitter activity does have their Facebook activity beat. However, despite the Twitter version being more interactive between talent and fans, the facebook page keeps the fans and potential cast for next season informed and intrigued.

Gaia Online:
Gaia Online... Not for the faint of heart... Alright the truth is Gaia isn't exactly hardcore or neccessarily the coolest thing out there, but their marketing is effective. Out of all of the organizations I have 'Liked' on Facebook, they consistently have exclusive content for their Facebook fans. Also forcing your friends on Facebook to see your cute little avatar every time you change it is definitely amusing talk at parties and holidays. (In fact my boyfriend was told he was unfriended by a relative for all of his constant Gaia updates). But what it is and what it does only makes users more like to log back in and be active. One cool feature to Gaia that is reflected on Facebook is evolving items for your avatar. When they evolve and have new forms/options available Gaia notifies users through Facebook. So I think that is definitely a feather in their cap.


Facebook Vs. Google+: Who is the Current Social Media Giant?
I hate to say it, but right now Facebook is the Social Media Marketing giant between the two. I know Google+ is shiney and new, but it just is lacking the number of members and Google+ is still just too young to really have it's niche fully filled in. Come on, Facebook even has an exclusive button on a type of cell phone. Both have apps for mobile devices to stay current with customers at all times, but Google+ is still working through it's toddler stage. I was involved in Google+'s Beta Testing Stage and any sort of advertising has to be done through members at this time. Also Google+ does have a few issues that deter people from joining such as the inability to remove oneself from another person's circle. So if someone adds you, you are stuck to them forever if you like it or not, even if you block them. I am sure this will eventually change, but for now, I see it as a definite hindrance to Google+ becoming the giant it could be.