The Marketing Innovation Blog

It's no longer marketing as usual.

Archive for April, 2009

Interesting moves by KFC

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

KFC, previously known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, has started to launch a number of unique, non-traditional marketing campaigns all focused on changing consumer’s current brand perceptions. These smaller campaigns are happening around the same time as KFC’s announcement to renovate 50 stores nationwide. According to KFC, the first store will open up in the company’s hometown of Louisville, KY and it will look, smell and feel different to consumers.

The first non-traditional marketing tactic done by KFC was an effort to give back to the city of Louisville. The company offered to fill potholes in exchange for free advertising space. KFC, once given clearance, dressed individuals up in the Colonel’s outfit and sent him out to fix the city. Once a pothole was filled in the company would mark the pothole with the words “Refreshed by KFC” in a non-permanent street chalk. KFC chose the word refreshed in order to remind consumers that the chain uses only fresh chicken that is shipped weekly to its stores; but the brand did not stop in Louisville. The chain has offered up the service to a number of U.S. mayors throughout the country. So far, KFC has gotten mixed reviews on these public service-related marketing efforts. Some individuals think that it’s great someone is taking care of the potholes, while others think it’s just another way advertisers are trying to interrupt their lives. No matter what, KFC has people talking about their brand. (more…)

Theater of Public Influence: Spotlight on Dyn Inc.

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

In this Special Edition of the Theater of Public Influence, Ben Peirce hosts a discussion between our VP of Public Relations, David Donohue and GY&K PR client, Kyle York of Dyn Inc.  Following a series of Hacker attacks to competing DNS providers, Dyn Inc. and the GY&K PR Team seized the opportunity to take some shots at the competition and tout their own stability and security.  David and Kyle take you behind the scenes to show you how they pulled off their crafty PR maneuvering and won some exposure for Dyn Inc.

To listen to the podcast, click here or subscribe through iTunes.

The Future of TV Ad Effectiveness

Monday, April 13th, 2009

The effectiveness of television advertising has been placed under scrutiny lately as clients demand their agencies deliver more concrete results in order to help justify advertising budgets.  Over the years, the television viewing audience has become more fragmented; there are over 500 cable channels and more than 30 million households have DVRs with the ability to skip advertisements.  Clients want to make sure that the consumers they want to reach are actually watching the ads they paid to place.  This week, a number of cable companies joined together to announce plans to launch a new interactive television advertising platform.  The new platform, referred to as “addressable” advertising, allows advertisers new and exciting targeting opportunities while producing more measureable results. 

 

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YouTube Want Your Advertising

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Over the past couple of years, high-speed Internet conductivity has continued to grow.  According to a report by Nielsen, more than 67% of Internet households in the US have high-speed Internet access allowing them to access all of the internet’s capabilities.  As access grows, so do the number of people who watch videos online.  The popular video-sharing Web site, YouTube, receives over 100 million visitors per month quickly making it one of the most popular media outlets available.  As the site continues its rise in popularity, the company is making changes to its content structure in order to help drive more advertising revenue.  (more…)

Theater of Public Influence – Episode 12

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

The roundtable is back and so is our regular show format. Check it Out returns, featuring the new-look Comcast campaign, viral video from Gonzaga women’s basketball, and a look at loyalty programs with Sophia Cigliano. Travis has Player/Played-up/Played-out this week and he sets his sights on PayPass, U2 and talking?! We spark some controversy in this episode that’s a little bit longer but well worth it.

Click here to listen or subscribe through iTunes.