President Obama announced tonight that Osama Bin Laden is dead.
United States military troops took out Bin Laden during a targeted military strike in Pakistan. There was a fire fight in which the terrorist leader was killed and US military troops took possession of his body.
Officials long believed bin Laden, the most wanted man in the world, was hiding in a mountainous region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Just a few months prior to the tenth anniversary of the al Qaida attack of September 11th and finally…
So what is the marketing angle on the biggest world news in years?
You may already understand that timing your sales and specials with current events like holidays helps drive sales.
Black Friday after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year…specials galore.
On Saint Patrick’s Day bars sell green beer.
Even April 15th is big for some businesses as they capitalize on tax returns and offer special sales.
So what does a business do when there is a major event that you are unprepared for (such as the death of Osama Bin Laden).
You didn’t plan for this so…think fast and move quickly.
Here are some ideas:
Sell guns– In celebration of the world being a safer place as of today, make your home a safer place and buy yourself a new Colt 45….
Shooting range– Free range entry when you buy an Osama Bin Laden poster to shoot at.
Sell Cars– Throw a party. Now that the world is a safer place we want to celebrate and give you the opportunity to drive around in our car that won “Safest car on the road in Consumer magazine”. Come down to the dealership with your $10 donation to the 9-11 Victims Fund receipt and get a car for the weekend.
Music– There are a host of songs that you can have a special for from artists like Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Darry Worley. Or you can go down to target and buy these Patriotic/Remembrance songs and give them away with a purchase of whatever it is you sell.
Any Business– Give away an American flag with every purchase.
Cigars– Put an American flag wrap on a box and run a special.
Maybe you do not own any of these types of businesses. Still not coming up with anything?
Focus on your market. What do they have to say about this historic day? Go onto Facebook, local blogs, or forums and listen to what your market is saying. Get a feel for how they feel about this day.
If your market includes military personnel you can probably count on the fact that it is a proud day for them. Throw a military appreciation event. Honor or congratulate them with something. Call the press, they are dying for good content. Unbox that video camera I recommended you buy for Social Media videos and invite some military people in and interview them. Ask them how they feel now that justice has been brought to Bin Laden.
Even if there is no way to tie your product to this event you can create a “We are proud” feeling in which everyone is rallying together.
Share your ideas below about a specific industry. Share an idea and I may help you expand upon it. Or just state how you feel about this long-awaited event.
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