This post could alternatively be called, “Procrastination Can Lead to Strange Things”.
First, the back story. As most of you reading this probably know, I recently went on a road trip to attend CafePress Connect, a conference in San Francisco. On the way there I ate at McDonalds and took a cell phone picture meaning to talk about their Monopoly promotion. I didn’t get a chance to send it but it turns out it’s come in handy anyway.
Why? Two reasons. The first is now I can say what I meant to say then… McDonald’s Monopoly promotion, dispite having some problems, is their most popular promotion. I think it’s a great example of how a successful campaign taps into a shared theme. In this case, who among us has not played Monopoly? Who has not had the thrill of collecting all lots in a certain color group?
Heck, this promotion is so far reaching that when my friend and I arrived at my brother’s in San Francisco we talked about the promotion and he was saddened that I hadn’t remembered to take my pieces off the table after taking my picture so I could give them to him!
What does that mean for us T-shirt folks? Well it means go out and spend big bucks to tie into Monopoly! No. It means, go out and partner with McDonald’s because they are brilliant! Probably still not in your budget. But really, it means, tap into what your customers cherish in their childhood. Playing monopoly while eating my fries sure took me back. Though I must say I appreciated my chicken sandwich option which wasn’t available back then.
On to reason two of why the picture has come in handy. I’m sure you have noticed the widget in this post by now. It is a “Conversation widget”. If you join the conversation and also blog about McDonald’s I will get a referral fee, I believe I will also get money just by writing this blog post if it gets featured (one of the requisites is having a current picture from McDonald’s). Talk about another interesting promotion! Blog about McDonald’s, get featured in the widget and see what others have posted, and get money. Sounds a little snarky doesn’t it? Well it’s all “transparent” as you can see so to me this is better than folks posing as bloggers but really being ad folks. On my end, I’m just going to take advantage of the opportunity since I’m already procrastinating going to bed. We’ll see if it does as well as their Monopoly deal.
Technorati Tags: mcdonalds, monopoly, promotion, marketing, blogging
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I love Monopoly.
McDonald’s stock has been down lately, darn it (I’m a stockholder.). I’m wondering if it has to do with Disney dissing McDonald’s for still have some trans-fat items on its menu…?
Disney’s “Cars” promo was good for MCD’s - losing Disney promotions is a blow to this popular family restaurant.
So, MCD’s still needs to get a bit healthier, please - and get rid of those nasty trans-fats!
Hi Fricka. : )
thetshirtnexus
Hi Carolyn!
I agree, McD’s could get healthier. I must admit that I like their vegetarian burger though… and I’m not a vegetarian!
I tried their yogurt parfait before too but it was just too sweet for me and too much of it, didn’t feel healthy to tell you the truth.
On a side note… my post made their widget thing today, I’ll let you know if I get any money.
Brilliant insight, Eileen. You’re right on about tapping into those childhood memories. Now I’ll have to blog about McDonalds!
thetshirtnexus
Go for it Heidi! They did indeed pay up
If you click on the widget and sign up and your post gets picked then I’ll supposedly get $2.
Pretty clever promotion, it gets bloggers involved in a viral campaign, gets more McDonald’s buzz, and also requires a visit McDonald’s… where they are most likely to make a purchase though it isn’t a requirement.
