Sweetmantra: Domain Name Strategy

Sony Pictures' Killer Marketing Idea

Is it possible to have an immersive, interactive, and on-brand marketing experience without even visiting a Website?

I believe you can, based on my recent experience interacting with the proprietor of the Pinewood Motel.

Here's the scoop: I'm watching TV and see a commercial for Sony Pictures' new horror film, Vacancy. Other than the fact it has some A-level stars in it, the film (and the commercial for it) looks like a typical slasher flick. Until the end of the commercial, that is.

Instead of the now de-rigueur Website URL, the following is briefly flashed on screen during the last second of the commercial:

"For reservations please call 1-888-9-VACANCY"

Huh?

I take the bait, grab the phone, and punch in the numbers:

"Folks, you've reached the Pinewood Motel..." says the creepy guy at the front desk.

And I am hooked.

Check it out: 1-888-9-VACANCY. It's very clever, even if the film isn't.

Podcast Idol, Anyone?

In a response to Joseph Jaffe's recent Most Valuable Blogs (MVB) contest, Kevin Behringer over at the Fly-Over Marketing blog has kicked off a Most Valuable Podcasts (MVP) contest.

But wait, it gets better...

I am pleased (if somewhat bewildered) to announce that my Marketing Martini podcast is one of the "Sweet 16" finalists for Most Valuable Podcast. And I'm truly flattered that the Martini shares the virtual limelight with some great podcasts like Joseph Jaffe's Across the Sound, Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation, C.C. Chapman's Managing the Gray, any many more. Congratulations to all my fellow podcasters on the shortlist.

If you'd like to vote for the Marketing Martini and/or any of the other fine podcast nominees, follow this link.

Thanks, Kevin! Let the fun and games begin...

CMA Word of Mouth Marketing Conference 2007

I will be speaking at, and attending, the Canadian Marketing Association's Word of Mouth Marketing Conference, April 12, 2007 in Toronto, Canada. Unless I am mistaken, this is the inaugural year of this conference.

I will be participating in a panel discussion entitled "Going Viral & User Generated Media" moderated by Louis Gagnon, Vice-President, Marketing, monster.ca. Joining me on the panel will be Janet Kestin, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy & Mather and Martin Ouellette, President & Creative Director, Provokat.

I believe we're going to attempt to define what viral marketing is. That alone should be worth the price of admission! ;+)

I'm particularly looking forward to the luncheon keynote address by Kyle MacDonald of one red paperclip fame.

For more information about the conference, visit the official CMA Word of Mouth Marketing Conference Website.