Recently in ROI Category
Seth Godin blogs on cheap advertising (off-peak AM radio, inexpensive banners), raising the question: do cheaper media choices dictate sub-quality messaging? I don't think so. Clear messages can cost much less than even the cheapest media campaign; many times it's just a matter of investing a little time and brainpower.
Even the classic "I've fallen and I can't get up" cable ads resonated.
Mini, at the suggestion of its agency Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners, created a voluntary participation program in which select Mini Cooper owners attached an RFID fob to their keychain containing personal information such as occupation, birthday, etc.
The agency purchased billboards with LCD displays that read the passing RFID signals and flash: "Mary, moving at the speed of justice," if Mary is a lawyer, or "Mike, the special of the day is speed," if Mike is a chef.
While the agency puffs out its chest and talks about "building evangelists," I have to wonder if, in this case, the big idea has outpaced practicality and any potential ROI. Will people buy more Mini Coopers?
There's no place for "Word of Mouth" within a marketing strategy or on a tactical marketing plan. That's like bringing your toothbrush on a first date. Optimistic, yes. A reliable strategy or tactic, no. Word of mouth is something that's achieved through superior product or service design, proper positioning, and just a good product or service launched at the right time. Seth Godin taught us that in Purple Cow. John Wagner writes about "discoverability" from the consumer's point of view. The consumer will trumpet something much louder if they feel like they're discovering it, versus being prodded along to "tell a friend" by a marketer. I could not agree more.
