Free Marketing and Chatroulette.com
Travelocity.com gets it.
If there was an award given out for creativity, maximizing resources and capitalizing on an opportunity, it would go to the Travel people based in Southlake, Texas.
After reading this article, the greatness of the internet began to shine through once more: anything is possible.
And, this example proves it.
The famous travel site brought it’s Roming Gnome to cyberspace by putting it in front of ChatRoulette users with targeted messages such as: “Traveling from person to person doesn’t count. Travelocity.com.” And, “Awesome Things: 1.) Tahoe this weekend. 2.) Traveling instead of chatting. Travelocity.com.”
Brilliant. Not rocket science, but creative.
By using the site known for nudity and x-rated experiences, they’ve managed to rack up over 350k impressions and 400 conversations with potential customers. Remember, no marketing cost…only an employ to manage chats, who is already on the payroll.
Basically, the strategy consists of a Gnome with a sign created by a magic marker, and a message stated the character’s fictional whereabouts. All of this corresponds with typical social marketing efforts (Twitter and Facebook) echoing the message.
During the early morning hours, the camera keeps rolling and visitors can continue viewing the whiteboard.
What does Travelocity think of their efforts?
‘Here’s a captive audience that may be in need of a trip. So it could be a good way to get them thinking about booking their next adventure that they want to take on their own,” Joel Frey, the company’s official spokesman said.
Again, how did it turn out?
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive buzz from this that we really weren’t at all expecting,” Frey said. “The PR alone has totally captured the ROI… And our hope is that as Chatroulette continues to grow, we’ll sort of get that halo effect for being an early adapter.”
I think we get the point.
Unless the powers that be at Chatroutlette decide to monitor chats and keep advertisers to harness their service, it looks like this opportunity is open to everyone. I think a travel site and a gnome is the least of their worries.
So, what does this mean for you?
If you run a blog, e-commerce site, YouTube channel, Facebook fan page, or any message needing attention…looks like you’ve found your next market.
Break out the magic markers and get to work. Sounds like its worth it.
Nude or not, let em’ know!
As always, if you have any questions or vehemently (I’ve always wanted to say that) disagree with what I’ve said..feel free to leave a comment!
