News Releases, is Traditional Always Better?

News releases are pretty set in stone when it comes to the standard layout. However Tourism Whistler has found a bit of unique approach to take when it comes to their news releases, each one is delivered in a kind of picaresque sales pitch kind of way. They are the epitome of a classic statement that would proceed the phrase "picture this..." Most news releases are a bit more factual driven and concise. They tend to be short and sweet, straight to the point, simple but Tourism Whistler is very wordy, long-winded, descriptive, there are many adjectives used that would more or less be avoided in a typical news release.

To be perfectly honest though, I appreciate this new style that Tourism Whistler has decided to use. I mean I get the idea behind the traditional factual driven news release, it is designed to get all the key information out to the consumers with being too overwhelming and causing the reader to lose interest before they have read what you need them to see. However by setting it up as almost a time-share sales pitch, it allows the reader to envision themselves within that particular scenario. They can visualize the memories they would be making. They see their kids and grandkids there with them. They picture themselves playing golf on the incredible heaven-like golf course described or celebrating the end of the winter season by partying it up in style with their college buddies at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

By giving the reader the opportunity to picture their life within that setting, by creating an environment they can see themselves being inserted into, it becomes that much easier to accomplish the sale. Because the individual believes that said product is already a part of their life making, I mean they have already made memories in their head, so all that's left is making those memories a reality and that's when the checkbooks open. Brilliant! Bravo Tourism Whistler! This is truly an ingenious way to release a news release and more companies and journalists would probably benefit from taking the same approach.

"Target" Audience

Target has recently been pushing the new release of the game Mario Kart Deluxe 8 on Nintendo Switch. The advertising has targeted to main groups of people, kids and their parents, and this is an incredibly smart strategy by marketers at Target and here's why:

With the release of the first version of Mario Kart on Nintendo in August of 1992 in Japan and September of 1992 in the US, the era of Mario began. An era that has spanned a total of 24 years thus far and has continued through 8 updated released versions, all just as popular as the last. Target was smart when deciding how to market the release of version 8 for Nintendo Switch because the company used the game's nostalgic effects to their benefit as evident by the #FlashBackFriday popping up throughout their Twitter feed.

The two target audience members that the company clearly created for their marketing buyer personas for this particular product were a younger child, probably below the age of 13 or 14, who just loves to play video games with their friend after school. And their parent who remembers the days when they were younger and used to love to come home from school to play Mario Kart on their Nintendo or Nintendo 64. Thus creating a duo that's destine to lead to a sure fire sale.

Hats off to you Target, that was quite the marketing strategy.

Sexuality, It's Not Just About Being Sexy

In this day and age podcasts are all the rage. Everyone is listening to them, everyone is suggesting them, everyone is making them, therefore more than likely we each know someone personally who has started a podcast. For me, I know a guy who I once performed in an improv show with who started a podcast called Not So Sexy where they talk about "all of the things your parents didn't" in reference to sex. And the beautiful thing about this podcast is that it seriously comes across like really close friends hanging out talking about their experiences with their sexual lifestyles in a non-provocative type of way.

Plus the topics that are covered are ones that most everyone ponders the answers to internally but are never willing to actually ask the questions for. Alex has done an amazing job creating a podcast that not only makes people feel comfortable talking about a topic that is uncomfortable but has also managed to create a show that makes people feel like they are not a weirdo or alone the thoughts and questions and concerns they have when it comes to sex. And that is difficult and impressive task, which is probably what I appreciate the most about this podcast. 

One of my favorite episodes was actually one of the first episodes done on the podcast called Body Shame. It's all about their experience with their sexuality and the way others view them based on their sexual lifestyle choices. Plus, of course based on the name, the conversation also touches on how each of the individuals view their bodies sexually and how they believe others do too. It's very interesting and very personal as all the episodes are but in a relaxed and comfortable type of tone as I think only an enclosed small studio type space can provide which is why the podcast works. 

There is a new episode every week to two weeks and the hosts Alex & Kit always encourage questions and topic suggestions. So if there is something on your mind that you would like to hear them discuss, then shoot them a message and if you are worried about people knowing that you asked about that specific topic, don't worry because the have private messaging so that everything can be left anonymous.

https://twitter.com/ErickaEaton/status/856372254405537792

COM 3370

Week 12

IAMS Indirect Yet Effective Advertising

IAMS is a pet food and supply company that specializes in creating dog and cat food. But that is not all the company tries to sell people on. IAMS is a company that is clearly just all around interested in the well-being of animals and educating people on how to create the best environment possible for them to thrive in. 

The IAMS company youtube channel has several videos on how to train your dog or cat to be house pets, as well as diaries or "a day in the life" type videos for different featured animals. Not to mention there are obviously videos giving facts about and promoting their different products. But one video in particular that caught my eye was the facts vs. myths video about adopting a shelter animal. With over 32,000 views, the video has reached and hopefully persuaded people about the positives of adopting a shelter pet.

As a firm believer and owner of 3 rescue pets myself, this video spoke to me in particular and makes me want to become a supporter of IAMS because they have publicly vocalized being a supporter of something I believe. And I am clearly not the only one, many of the comments for this video were based around the topic of adoption support and in favor of IAMS choice for making this type of video. Therefore without trying to actually sell me on a particular product they make, IAMS has still managed to sell me on the brand overall. Good marketing strategy by IAMS, good marketing strategy.

https://twitter.com/ErickaEaton/status/851296576874176512

Is Content Really Important??

Find a website you consider to be content-rich and write about it's elements. If there's something you would change or improve, be sure to note it.

Kraft Gets Healthier

In April of 2015, Kraft announced that in January of 2016 they would be removing all synthetic colors, preservatives, and even artificial flavors from their Macaroni and Cheese recipes throughout all of the United States and Canada. Instead of artificial ingredients, Kraft has decided to try and replace the synthesized components with more natural ingredients such as paprika, turmeric, and annatto spices.

This isn't the first time that Kraft has changed up their recipe for in an effort to produce healthier products for their consumers. In 2014 Kraft launched a new manufactured line of Mac & Cheese that included 6 grams of whole grains per serving. This lowered the fat content by 25% and the sodium by 100mg per serving, while still continuing to contain 9 grams of protein and 10% of an individual's daily calcium needs per serving.

As the largest North American packaged food and beverage company, Kraft strives to try and bring the highest quality and most nutritional packaged food it can provide, showing they really care about their consumer's health and loyal to their customers.


https://twitter.com/ErickaEaton/status/843686982698045440