Tag Archives: franchise advertising

This Won’t Help You Find Franchisees, BUT…

Look at the picture in this blog. Upon first glance you probably think it’s just another Obama advertisement. And, on the surface it is. But, this advertisement is virtual – majorly virtual.

Look closer. It’s actually in an XBOX 360 game called “Burnout Paradise.” According to Gigaom.com, Obama’s camp has decided to venture into video games as an advertising venture – in hopes to pull the millions of American couch potatoes off their butts to make a vote.

Interesting.

Every franchisor I talk with wants to know the next big secret to franchise sales. I know a secret – but that’s how I make a living. For those of you not invested in public relations or marketing strategies – let me give you another hit to finding qualified franchisees on your own.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. And think politically.

Watch how McCain and Obama do it. In no way do I think you can pull together a great franchisee by advertising in an XBOX game – as they are probably lazy and consumed with virtual reality – but, look at the ways McCain and Obama earn brand awareness and respect. The hand shakes, the interactions, the communication. It’s all there. Take political strategy and apply it to your lead techniques. Change is now – not only in our President, but in lead generation.

Tie Music Into Marketing Campaigns

In franchising, there is rarely a need for national advertising campaigns, frankly, because few brands have national appeal (based on regional locations). But, thanks to the World Wide Web, franchisors can reach a wider audience without spending wider amounts. If you haven’t, already, you should view the World Wide Web as your top prospect for advertising. You can create content rich (for consumers and potential franchisees) videos and distribute them through the many Social Networking channels. Why would you ever pay for TV advertising, when you can build your network and connect with your audience in the comfort of their personal space?

While that should moisten your creative buds, here’s another tip when building ads: link in sound. Think about some of the most powerful advertising and marketing campaigns in the history of brands. You remember the jingles and you can certainly tie many mainstream songs to brands. Look at iPod. Look at Bounty.

Music can help link the brain to brands. Just because you are small, regional brand, doesn’t mean you can’t act like a national big boy without paying national big boy bucks. Look at the brands you buy. Look at the brands that have retained you. Start marketing your business these ways. Watch your growth and watch what potential franchisees say about your brand. I would expect forward steps.

Now, these videos may have cost a lot to produce, but a simple, Da Da Da, can equal a great online viral campaign. Point is: Think outside the (music)box.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enJbXlb4zqo&hl=en&fs=1]