PRs and hacks have been rubbing their hands together with glee for the past couple of weeks as that favourite annual journalistic event is now upon us. No, not awards season…St Valentine’s Day! Providing fluffy inspiration for campaign ideas and romantically themed page fillers, here is a quick round up of our favourite Valentine’s PR stories past and present…
Seasonal hook? Check. NPD on an already well-publicised trend? Check. Perfectly planned into the client’s retail calendar? Check. The Asda Valentine’s Day Slanket for two is right up there. Tweeted by Harry Wallop (PR gold) last week, click here for the vomit-inducingly sweet ‘Slanket-for-two’:
If that wasn’t quite cheesy enough, we spied another way for Valentine sweethearts to make sure they don’t ever need to spend a second apart – the ‘Smitten’ – a joint woolly glove for couples to keep warm while holding hands. With sales up almost 700% over the past week clearly neither the staggering price point of £24.99 nor the embarrassment of wearing one is putting people off, follow this link for more details.
Not all Valentine’s hinged PR ideas are as cringe-worthy as wittily named knitted goods, the winner of a well deserved Cannes Lions award, Australian bank NAB chose Valentine’s Day to deliver bad news to its partners in a controversial campaign that saw the financial giant ‘break up’ with other banks for the benefit of its customers. An extremely public divorce, one tactic included a message emblazoned on a sky banner across Sydney’s financial district. Take a look at the company here: http://breakup.nab.com.au/
… Celebrity Big Brother again, with 48 articles reporting on the series finishing with presenter and actress Denise Welch coming out on top, whereas just 29 reported on footballer Anton Ferdinand receiving a bullet in his mail…
…George Clooney, whose Best Actor Oscar nomination secured him 82 headlines, while EU sanctions against Iran only took 63…
…and finally, The Only Way Is Essex starting up for a new series, and bagging 47 stories in the process, far more than the 7 that covered the Yes vote on Salford’s Elected Mayor Referendum.
The anti-superhero, lo-fi blockbuster Chronicle opened in cinemas this week. The film focuses on a group of friends who develop the ability to move things with their minds, amongst other talents, and soon discover one of them has pretty questionable intentions. To celebrate 20th Century Fox hired viral marketers Thinkmodo to fly pilot radio controlled planes made to look like people around New York airspace.
Weekly low
As the most valuable consumer IT company Apple is much loved. Clean, white, crisp designs suggest transparency, and the ‘everything in the box’ approach also supports this notion. It’s unfortunate to learn then that due to conditions in some of the factories owned by its Chinese suppliers there have been calls to boycott the household brand. There may be some explaining to do.
Battle of the tweets: Manchester vs London vs Johannesberg
Top Manchester #tags (seven days to 3/2/2012)
#mufc #mcfc
#lfc #towie
#10thingsthatareattractive #5thingsicantstand
#transferdeadlineday #cbb
#deadlineday #manchester
The window of opportunity for new signings in the world of football has now been temporarily closed (#deadlineday). Aside from sport use of #towie is back (as if it ever really went away), whereas this may be the last we see of #cbb.
One to watch: itvcorrie (Coronation Street – UK’s longest running soap; 5,5138 followers / 3,808 updates)
Top London #tags (seven days to 3/2/2012)
#lfc #5thingsicantstand
#mufc #10thingsthatareattractive
#towie #10basicfactsaboutme
#arsenal #cbb
#transferdeadlineday #afc
This week’s Twitter trends in London largely mirror those in Manchester, from the transfer deadline day to the comical combination of five things people hate and ten they love.
One to watch: bobbyllew (Robert Llewellyn- Conflicted wet liberal, amateur nerd, and every few years Kryten in Red Dwarf; 78,487 followers / 34,030 updates)
Top Johannesberg #tags (seven days to 3/2/2012)
#ausopen #dear6yearoldself
#djokovic #generations
#live #nadal
#mufc #useatwitterhandleinasentence
#lfc #3talk
The South African capital is getting in on the Premiership act with #mufc too, though Jo’berg residents beat the UK’s sports fans this week by actually noticing that Djokovic won the Australian Open with a blinding victory over Rafael Nadal.
One to watch: trevornoah (Trevor Noah- Stand-up comedian; 2,863 followers / 276,166 updates)
That was The Blagger’s Blog, a selection of statements, statistics and noteworthy newsies from across the media and social world, amalgamated, allowing the time-starved professional to start a conversation from thin air.
If there is a success story, blunder, or tweeting town you’d like to see included email hello@smokinggunpr.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!
Crabs in vending machines, shops in shipping containers, and credit card computers. Here’s why 2012’s biggest mobile innovation may not be the iPad 3.
Live crustaceans sold as ‘fresh’ food in Far Eastern snack dispensers isn’t so much the height of technology as it is a regional delicacy. But this area of street-side marketing is home to a more fitting example of how portable developments are becoming engrained in everyday life. Introducing the Ubox application.
In China people are already used to topping up e-commerce accounts online through systems like Taobao (as we do on eBay), and Ubox is an extension of this idea. The application runs on Android, iPhone, and Java devices, and links to (what the developers hope will become) a national network of vending machines. Credit your account at home, then make a selection from any machine via your phone and payment is taken automatically. It really is that simple.
Sticking in the world of food and drink retail, though applying a broader definition to the term ‘mobile’, Stockbox Grocers is an innovative model and sign of the times currently being trialled Stateside. Crafted from reclaimed (and therefore also recycled) shipping containers, these autonomous shops are designed to be delivered to any destination, unloaded, and immediately opened for business.
Better yet, if footfall in the area drops off the premises can be moved, wholesale, to another site. The first store has already opened in Seattle, and the concept may be rolled out across America this year, so watch Britain’s streets for the inevitable arrival soon after that. The success of ‘pop up stores’ in high priced city centres provides numerous examples of why this idea could be so lucrative.
Stockbox UK might not be confirmed, but one revolution guaranteed to be seen on a high street near you in 2012 is Object Recognition (OR). That is, of course, if you haven’t noticed it already, as many smartphones already pack this functionality, allowing users to catalogue images as viewed through a mobile lens. Just hold the device so as to capture the desired object in a photograph, then drop the stored image into a compatible application.
The result means performing tasks like searching online for a sofa using a photograph taken seconds earlier will easily be possible. Like Augmented Reality (see our blog post on The ‘Half Naked App’), this is the next phase of camera phone use, one of many ‘smart’ developments currently taking place on the mobile tech frontier. But most of us still don’t know much about how a basic computer works, so many of these advancements can be quite confusing.
To try and solve this problem boffins at Cambridge University have invented the Raspberry Pi Computer. This new PC is the size of a credit card, can network with numerous devices (laptops, flatscreens etc), and will cost £15. Admittedly it’s no Power Mac, with estimates gauging that its processing capabilities are similar to an average desktop circa 2005. Nevertheless, when something’s this small and cheap those specs sound impressive to us.
The idea is to re-engage young people with computer science by having them learn skills like programming on these portable, affordable devices. Revolutionary in the same way old BBC machines were four decades ago, the notion of putting technology back in the hands of users is fitting in a discussion on mobile developments, and confirms this is an era in which microchips are universal, and have become integral to our lives, as such understanding them is now vital.
Much like our weekly Friday morning Blagger’s Blog, we scour the web to keep you informed of the best, hilarious and occasionally useful content distracting us right now!
How to turn a page with a hamster and a hairdryer. What last year would look like if social media controlled the news. It’s amazing what you find on the internet in just one month. These are some of our recent favourites.
Cult clips
This Google-produced short detailing 2012‘s highs and lows ranked Number 1 in the viral charts. Yes it’s over-sentimental, but it’s also quite well made…
…in contrast the equivalent video from electronic card and ‘sendable’ manufacturer Jib Jab pokes a lot more fun, and is probably far more accurate.
Sometimes even reading a newspaper is too much effort. With the help of this handy, easy to install invention such pains will become a thing of the past.
Multimedia resumes are nothing new in the creative industries. Here’s one done properly by Eileen Sweeney, and yes, there is another detailing her experience.
Infographic of the month
Social media gives us a wonderful insight into what individuals think the burning issues are, not the mass media news agenda. As this informative image proves.
… Celebrity Big Brother again, with 92 articles reporting on the series dominating UK audiences, just a few more than the 88 that reported on Wikipedia temporarily closing down amid piracy fears…
…and Amanda Holden wearing heels whilst pregnant, the crux of eight stories, the same number that covered the fall of Tom Harris, an ex-Scottish Labour MP (see below).
Scandinavian Airlines have a been responsible for several successful interactive, social media, and digital campaigns over the years. The company’s ‘Couple Up to Buckle Up’ QR initiative is no different, as this typically smooth case study video from the firm confirms…
Weekly low(s)
Tom Harris resigns from his post as Scottish Labour MP after creating a spoof video comparing First Minister Alex Salmond to Adolf Hitler in another one of those Downfall based clips. The result means the internet is now full of reactionary work such as this…
…meanwhile the private sector ensured we had to include two cock ups for the price of one this week, as McDonalds launched a Twitter campaign inviting people to share their #McDStories but instead received jibes, abuse, and the following PFSK headline. Fail.
Battle of the tweets: Manchester vs London vs Sheffield
Top Manchester #tags (seven days to 26/1/2012)
#mcfc #mufc
#cbb #lfc
#30thingsaboutme #manchester
#youknowyouredrunkwhen #thingsicantstand
#supersunday #takemeout
The last week of January has played out much like the rest of the month in Manchester- quietly. That is, of course, apart from the city’s two Premier League teams both beating London sides, in the capital no less.
One to watch: gemsmaquillage (Gemma – You Tuber/blogger on makeup and beauty; 12,773 followers / 27,744 updates)
Top London #tags (seven days to 26/1/2012)
#cbb #30thingsaboutme
#lfc #arsenal
#mufc #mcfc
#afc #youknowyourdrunkwhen
#thingsicantstand #takemeout
Understandably Arsenal (and no doubt Tottenham) fans have been Tweeting about the weekend’s double loss against Manchester’s big two, elsewhere Take Me Out and Celebrity Big Brother are high on the agenda, while others reveal personal secrets. No change there then.
One to watch: sbtvonline (SB TV Online- The UK’s leading youth broadcaster; 61,264 followers / 52,697 updates)
Top Sheffield #tags (seven days to 26/1/2012)
#cbb #swfc
#30thingsaboutme #sufc
#youknowyouredrunkwhen #ntas
#takemeout #mcfc
#sheffield #127hours
Both Sheffield teams are enjoying good times too, albeit in League One (United and Wednesday). Aside from that the recent screening of 127 Hours, a film about a guy stuck in a rocky crevice with his arm trapped under a boulder, also seems to have made an impression.
One to watch: swfc (Sheffield Wednesday FC- Official Twitter profile for the football team; 16,115 followers / 10,892 updates)
That was The Blagger’s Blog, a selection of statements, statistics and noteworthy newsies from across the media and social world, amalgamated, allowing the time-starved professional to start a conversation from thin air.
If there is a success story, blunder, or tweeting town you’d like to see included email hello@smokinggunpr.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!
With the memories of last year already beginning to fade now we’re all back in the swing of things at work it’s no wonder a video that summarises the whole 12 months is currently topping the viral charts, getting bloggers blogging, and lighting up social media hotlines everywhere. After all, without it how would we be able to figure out what just happened?
Even if you do still recall everything though the clip is well worth checking out. Zeitgeist 2011: Year In Review has had an impressive 7.5million views (give or take) since it was uploaded mid-last month, and is Google’s homage to the year that was, featuring major events that took place across the world, all recounted through search engine requests. A nice idea, albeit saturated in sentimentality, we’re just trying to think if there’s anything they’ve missed off, apart from Smoking Gun PR turning two, of course!
… series eight of X Factor, which featured in 9,381 articles, while the campaign for US Republican presidential nomination only made it into 1,786…
…Charlie Sheen, who appeared in 1,187 stories, whereas the Higgs Boson, or mythical ‘God particle’, being glimpsed by scientists only saw 234 headlines…
…and finally, Jedward performing at Eurovision and appearing in Big Brother, making it onto the page 773 times, considerably more space than was afforded the UN’s declaration of a famine in East Africa, the focus of 411 stories.
Other than Christmas’ impending arrival this harmlessly suggestive advert made our week. How do you best avoid jibes as a brand like Cockburns, one of Britain’s leading port houses? Well, how about by facing the problem head on, as the brand did here.
Weekly low
In a week when football’s been thrust into a negative spotlight, with two players caught up in very public racial misdemeanors, it goes without saying those in who earn their living as TV pundits need to be on best behaviour. As such Alan Hansen’s slip of the tongue during Match of the Day was utterly surprising, and stupid.
Battle of the tweets: Manchester vs London vs Bristol
Top Manchester #tags (seven days to 22/12/2011)
#mufc #mcfc
#lfc #manchester
#suarez #scd
#stepbrothers #towie
#uksnow #motd
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is banned from football for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra, which is understandably dominating Manchester’s Twitter trends. As is the potential for a white Christmas, and The Only Way Is Essex.
One to watch: spinningfields (Spinningfields – Hosts some of the best events in Manchester; 4,400 followers / 3,013 updates)
Top London #tags (seven days to 22/12/2011)
#lfc #arsenal
#mufc #whyrelationshipsdontlast
#scd #afc
#eastenders #motd
#cfc
Chelsea captain John Terry also finds himself accused of a racial slur, but doesn’t appear in London’s most talked about topics (save for the possible #cfc reference). Eastenders does though, along with #whyrelationshipsdont last. All very Christmas-y then.
One to watch: stillsafe (Still Safe – Website dedicated to localised problem solving, from travel to breaking news; 49, 823 followers / 130,043 updates)
Top Perth, Western Australia #tags (seven days to 22/12/2011)
#perth #godisnotgreat
#whyrelationshipsdontlast #getscorched
#mydreamliveconcert #2011was
#greatcouples #goodluck1d
#lastteentuesdaytommo #change1dsongtitletocarot
Down under people are also listing reasons why lovers split, while residents of Perth, Australia’s fourth largest city, also seem to be big fans of the X Factor-spawned band One Direction. Then again, is replacing parts of their song titles with a vegetable flattery?.
One to watch: marketingtwitt (Marketing Guru- I enjoy marketing and selling things, on and offline; 5,238 followers / 7,900 updates)
That was The Blagger’s Blog, a selection of statements, statistics and noteworthy newsies from across the media and social world, amalgamated, allowing the time-starved professional to start a conversation from thin air.
If there is a success story, blunder, or tweeting town you’d like to see included email hello@smokinggunpr.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!
What makes a memorable advent advert? Is it music, snow, beautiful women wearing a winter collection, or familiarity resulting from years of re-use? We know our own thoughts on that, so if you’re interested read on for our all time favourites.
This year’s Marks & Spencer TV campaign, featuring famous faces from X Factor singing When You Wish Upon A Star, arrived to a mixed response. Which is surprising, as the company usually gets it spot on. This got us thinking, what are the ingredients for yuletide marketing success?
After extensive research into this important issue, with a few hours whiled away indulging in forgotten gems (ZX Spectrum at Curry’s- say no more), we came up with ten that, for various reasons, will stay with you long after the tree comes down. Some are clever, others star-studded, and one ran for so long it’s hard to believe they don’t still air it. But enough enticing intros, let’s get on with the list. Without further ado then, we present Smoking Gun PR’s Top Ten Christmas Adverts; a veritable selection box of seasonal brand delights.
Coca Cola ‘Holidays Are Coming’
This entry consistently ranks as the UK’s favourite Christmas advert of all time, which isn’t surprising as it comes from the giant that gave Santa Claus his red outfit, and as such the marketing department definitely knows a thing or two about festivities.
Toys R Us ‘A Magical Place’
Despite often being housed in warehouses we all have childhood memories of being taken to the Christmas wonderland that is Toys R Us, largely because of adverts like this classic early 1990s effort, and its somewhat evocative theme tune.
Quality Street ‘The Lollipop Lady’
British tastes have changed in the last 20 years. But, regardless of any 75% cocoa, spice-infused Ecuadorian products, when we think of Christmas Quality Street is still not far from our minds, and, with a little recollection, neither is this commercial.
Guinness ‘White Christmas’
Known for some of the greatest adverts ever aired on TV (see the now-legendary Surfer campaign), Ireland’s premier alcoholic export again struck gold with one of the best non-Bing Crosby White Christmas productions of all time.
John Lewis ‘Gifts You Can’t Wait To Give’
Trying to decide which ad to include from one of the most advent-aware brands in Britain was always going to be difficult, until it unveiled what may be its finest to date, ensuring John Lewis really will make our Christmas in 2011.
Irn Bru ‘The Snowman’
Irn Bru doesn’t do many adverts, and before this had never run a festive campaign, so top marks for getting it right first time by taking a staple of Christmas TV and applying an amusing twist in keeping with the irreverent Scottish brand.
Argos ‘Christmas Shopping’
Focusing on the wonders of this special time of year is fine, but what if your brand would benefit more from highlighting the hassles? Argos and its home delivery service certainly understood how to target that niche with this slightly cynical clip.
Ferrero Rocher ‘The Ambassador’s Reception’
Who is the Ambassador? Would he really serve platters of Ferrero Rocher at his reception? Who cares when, thanks to poor dubbing, terrible acting, and a lifespan of years, this advert managed to define an era in confectionary history.
M&Ms ‘Meet Santa Claus’
An average TV ad is 30 seconds, but M&Ms secured a place on our list of classic Christmas commercials in just half that time by combining their iconic characters with Father Christmas, and ending up with this smile-inducing festive message.
Marks & Spencer ‘Christmas Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without’
It’s got a twinkling soundtrack, and a bunch of famous faces from Wallace & Gromit to Steven Fry and Joanna Lumley delivering lines with inoffensive, though sometimes saucy double meanings. For those reasons we loved M&S in 2009.
Sex sells. In public relations, advertising, and marketing that’s common knowledge, and as digital becomes an increasingly dominant aspect of our world- both as industry professionals and consumers- the potential for brand promotion via seduction expands. That’s certainly something US clothing store Moosejaw is aware of, as its new winter-season X Ray catalogue proves.
The company- which stocks, designs and distributes quality outdoor gear (including products made by one of our own clients, Mountain Hardwear)- has created the brochure to work with the iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, so when readers look at a page ‘through’ the screen and camera lens the models appear in nothing more than their underwear. Users need to download an app via the App Store, Android Market, or by scanning a QR code included in the catalogue. Then, wherever they see a specific symbol, they simply hold the device over the page and get more of a view than most will have bargained for.
It’s the latest example of AR, or Augmented Reality- a type of virtual reality that alters the way the real world looks, through a computer, by reproducing what it sees with additional features. This kind of thing has been used by military, science, and other such high-tech types for some time, and has more recently become an increasingly popular basis for smartphone applications, allowing us to truly visualise things like what our friends would look like obese, just how obvious it would be if we had an accident in public, and where the nearest taxi-rank is. All very useful then.
