We’ve all witnessed something similar.  This is familiarly painful.

-Erin Naterman

Viral marketing is a phenomenon in which a brand’s message is spread and replicated through a variety of means and essentially takes on a life of its own. Consumers spread brand awareness making them feel directly connected to the message.

A great example of viral marketing was the promotion for the release of The Dark Knight. Starting with a website, www.whysoserious.com, the campaign gave fans numerous clues on the site. The clues eventually lead to more websites, and then an email address where fans could email the Joker himself.

One website, www.rorysdeathkiss.com, asked fans to take pictures of themselves in Halloween costumes in front of landmarks. Once the website reached a certain number of hits, all participants received copies of The Gotham Daily Times. Although a great movie, the viral campaign had to have a hand in garnering public interest: The Dark Knight grossed more than 500 million.

Viral marketing can’t be forced; it must be organic, self-replicating and cannot seem manufactured. Viral campaigns must have the ability to spread and not push products on consumers.

A major danger with viral marketing is that the “stunt” may distract from the overall purpose to bring awareness to the product or service. People may remember the viral video or website, but ignore of the brand behind it.

Another one example of a successful viral campaign, and my personal favorite, is Old Spice

—Corey Landers, Intern

I’m sure you’ve already checked out her blog posts, but let me formally introduce BSAPR Intern:

Sterling

Originally from Aledo, Sterling has spent most of the past three years in College Station where she is an Advertising/Marketing student at Texas A&M.

Sterling describes going to A&M as a family tradition. At A&M she is the vice-president of Delta Delta Delta sorority, a member of the Aggie Advertising Club and a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society – Whoop!

About her time at BSAPR Sterling says, “I have been able to participate in strategy meetings, media planning, brainstorming and developing new marketing ideas – I have learned so much!”
 
Her favorite part about working at BSAPR is creative brainstorming and learning how an agency functions day to day.

Sterling - the team is so happy you’re here. Your pleasant, polite demeanor and willingness to jump on any project is only part of what makes you a joy to be around.

Interesting facts about Sterling:

• She has a passion for painting - “I took an art credit in high school, and fell in love. I am most interested in painting and photography.”
• She took a watercolor class in Florence, Italy.
• She has a twin sister.
• She thinks a ninja would win in a fight with a pirate.
• She is a trained opera singer.
• She has never broken a bone.
• She is an avid jumper – bridge or bungee.

Ok, so one of those is not true, can you guess which one?

~Kristin

Meet Bailey Lang, BSAPR’s new Account Coordinator.

Where did you grow up?  Tell me about your younger years.  I grew up in Kansas City.  I went to an Episcopal day school for Kindergarten through eighth grade then attended an all girls Catholic high school.  I played soccer and ran track and cross-country for many years.

Tell me about your experience at TCU?  I majored in Marketing and graduated from the Neeley Fellows Program.  I was a member of Chi Omega sorority and the auction chair for the philanthropy committee.  I gave campus tours for the student foundation.  I also did a service learning project for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Previous jobs?  I have interned at the Davey O’Brien Foundation in Fort Worth and at TPN Inc. in Dallas.

Newest Hobbies?  I am trying to learn how to cook.  I would love to know how to cook the perfect beef tenderloin.  Also, I would like to start playing tennis, but I need a tennis partner that can put up with me.

Favorite book?  Right now, my favorite book is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  It is a mystery novel about a journalist who is hired by a wealthy man to figure out how his granddaughter went missing 30 years ago.

Worst injury?  I have never broken a bone before, but I have had some freak accidents.  I had to get stitches above my eye because a crock-pot fell on me when I was building a fort.  Also, I lacerated my spleen when I was in a car accident in high school.  I got caught in the middle of a police chase, and let’s just say, I was the one who stopped the police chase.. 

Favorite restaurant in Fort Worth?  Gloria’s!  I recently went to Lonesome Dove and ate lobster hushpuppies, rabbit and rattlesnake sausage, and kangaroo nachos.  It sounds crazy, but it was all so delicious!

Coolest place you have been?  I went canyoning and hang gliding in Interlaken, Switzerland while I was studying abroad.

How would you explain your job to a three year old?  I help make all the fancy pictures in magazines and the commercials on TV.  Wait…do three year olds know what commercials are? (laughing)

-Sterling Smith, Intern

Her best friend would probably describe her as optimistic, loyal, and loud. Meet Kristin Moreno, BSAPR’s new PR Account Coordinator. 

Kristin attended Baylor University where she majored in Public Relations and minored in Spanish.  Her previous work experience includes internships at The Education Service Center Region 12, Profiles International, and Baylor University’s College of Arts & Sciences.  Kristin grew up in Austin and recommends, “If you’re ever in Austin, visit Magnolia Café for the best migas served 24/7, and go to Mount Bonnell Park for beautiful views.”

Visiting her apartment in Fort Worth? I recommend bringing something to eat.  She claims her refrigerator currently has “a Brita water filter, Greek yogurt, pickles, broccoli, lettuce, and lemons…I need to go grocery shopping.”  You may also find boxes full of photographs and sentimental belongings because she loves taking photographs and scrapbooking.

An interesting fact about Kristin is that she almost always has a notepad with her; she loves to make lists.   The two things that frighten her the most: cockroaches and severe weather.  

When asked how many gas stations there are in the US, she estimates about 500,000 and believes a ninja would win in a duel with a pirate.  She is also currently in the market for a new umbrella.  Kristin claims, “ It’s impossible to surprise me.”  Is anyone up for the challenge?

Everyone who comes in contact with Kristin Moreno instantly falls in love with her infectious smile and laughter.  Blanchard Schaefer is so happy to have her as the new PR Account Coordinator.

-Sterling Smith, Intern

Is it genius? Or just plain awful?

I came across this ad for The Swedish Diet, a real product that is actually being sold at CVS. I thought it was ridiculous but yet, so catchy! It certainly held my attention and kept me entertained, but I’m not sure how well it motivates someone to go out and purchase the product.

Lots of mixed comments on this one, but no matter how you feel about its effectiveness, you can’t deny that it is memorable and catchy. I’ve already replayed it 4 times! This song is going to be stuck in my head all day!

-Monika Sadarangani, Intern

(Source: adage.com)

They have been spoofed on Saturday Night Live.  They have inspired fathers to make playable birthday cakes for their kids complete with slingshot and edible birds and blocks.  They are the reason for their game becoming the number one paid app in the U.S. along with sixty-six other countries.  They are the Angry Birds and they are here to stay.

Could Rovio Mobile Ltd., the creators of this addictive game, have possibly foreseen the explosion of the Angry Birds into a full-blown brand?  I doubt they fathomed a deluge of themed merchandise and video game spin offs that have come from the app.  It is hard to believe that Rovio was avoiding bankruptcy when the Angry Birds app was created.  From a marketing standpoint, perhaps what is most interesting about Rovio’s success is their ability to expand horizontally whereas most app developers have expanded vertically.

So what exactly is it about this game that has adults and kids alike infatuated by this app gone brand?  Maybe it is the challenging physics or the high level of skill and strategy that is required to enact revenge on the green pigs that stole the bird’s eggs.  For me, it is the sheer gratification received from demolishing a digital castle.

I have never played a video game in my life, but I am guilty of being completely addicted to this game.  If you are looking for a reason to be unproductive, purchase this app.  Is an Angry Birds backpack, T-shirt, and a pair of socks necessary to don while playing this game?  Maybe.  Which markets will Angry Birds and Rovio expand into next?

-Sterling Smith, Intern

Several years back we did some work for our local minor league hockey team. Not only did we have a lot of fun with the creative, but one of our interns got a chance to punch her best friend in the head. Mission accomplished. The work won numerous awards while helping the Brahmas sell quite a few tickets.