A Guide on Running Instagram Promotions - Part 1

So are you thinking of running an Instagram Promotion?

It's easier than you think, here's our how to guide on running an Instagram Promotion.

1. Promotion mechanics
Keep it simple! This is the golden rule of any promotion, especially on social media. Too many steps = complication = low entries. Make the promotion mechanic entry easy - the golden rule of any promotion. We recommend a simple hashtag and instagram tag to enter (@username), take a photo about something or the most liked photo wins.

2. Hashtag
Create a hashtag so that you can keep on top of all entries. Use a hashtag that isn't used regularly like #foodstagram or #igersydney. Make your hashtag specific like #31STSECONDcomp. That way you won't be caught up in other commonly used hashtags.

3. Big Prize Pool
The more prizes available means the more chance of winning. If possible offer one major prize or more if budget permits! Then entice more entries by offering a pool of secondary prizes. We all like to think we may win... More prizes = more entries = more noise on social media = more opportunity to WIN!

4. Announce your winner on Instagram
Don't leave people in the dark, win or loose - everyone wants to know that someone did win! Do a shout out and tag the winners. Better yet notify your winners on Instagram, why not?!

Unique Facebook Campaign: Grey Poupon

No doubt we're living in the digital age, where usually the more Facebook friends or fans as you have – the better... so it's refreshing to finally see one brand going against the grain.

Grey Poupon is a high-end mustard brand that uses the element of exclusivity to differentiate itself from competitors, with its quirky "The Society of Good Taste" – the world’s first discerning Facebook page.

All wannabe fans of Grey Poupon are required to apply for membership through its "The Society of Good Taste" app, where a clever algorithm screens each potential fan's Facebook profile to gauge their interests, friends, grammar, restaurant check ins, etc – then ultimately assigning a score that determines whether they are 'refined' enough to be a Grey Poupon fan.

If the algorithm detects poor taste in music or TXT speak, for example, membership would be rejected. What's more – any fans that try to 'Like' the page without going through this process, will be deleted.

If this sounds ridiculously elitist, that's the point.

Their unique positioning fits the brand's lineage of being synonymous with refined taste and premium quality – whilst creating talkability and buzz to curate a smaller, but more engaged fan base.

To find out whether you cut the mustard for its exclusive membership, visit www.societyofgoodtaste.com.

Mentos 3D Gum

We're still on a high after winning 'Small Agency of the Year' - if you haven't heard yet - here's the full story. As we get off our little high, it's back to creating the best work we can for each and every one of our clients.

Speaking of clients, Stuart Alexander engaged us to relaunch of Mentos 3D Gum.

What 31ST:SECOND created is a shopper marketing and path to purchase strategy to get this product from the shelf to the shopper basket with the intent of repeat purchases. For the campaign, we created a strap line that encaptulated the product difference 'Flavour in 3D' with a drive to purchase 'get a triplelicious burst'. The artwork is super bright with the intent to stop shoppers in their tracks and into the shopper mindset - featuring shopalites and a complete point of sale suite.

We're stoked with the results. Keep an eye out for it!

We WON an AdNews Award!

Our small lil agency reached a LARGE milestone last night...

We at 31ST are thrilled to announce that we have WON our first AdNews Award for 'Small Agency of the Year, 2012'!!!

The win was completely unexpected, as there were many great agencies vying for the title – but we are honoured to be recognised for our (reasonably new 3-year old) company's huge achievements and growth for the past year.

Dressed up to the nines with our frocks and heels (and suits for our 3 boys) – everybody in the 31ST team attended the Award ceremony, along with the big wigs of the advertising industry.

We were treated to a delicious sit down dinner, while the absolutely hilarious Julia Morris MC'd the event – she had us in stitches the whole night!

In summary we had an awesome night to mark a great year. We would like to thank our lovely clients, business partners, suppliers, work mates, friends, families, loved ones and even our pets for this achievement.

Check out our some of our happy snaps below.
More photos will be posted on our Facebook page next week... Watch this space.

Innovative Floor Decals

Creative, humorous, eye catching, interactive and sometimes a little unexpected – the use of innovative floor decals are a successful tool for many brands to raise its brand and market awareness, as well as promoting product benefits.

For example, who doesn't imagine going on a holiday when faced with a photo realistic decal of a beach scene on their peak-hour train floor or ski slopes on a bus terminal floor (refer to images below)?

The other great things about decals are they are easily customisable in shape, size, finishes (they can even produce decals that use projections, LED and scents!) and placement areas – which can vary from supermarket aisles, sidewalks, outside store areas, shopping centres, train/bus stations, stairs, escalators... the possibilites are endless!

We at 31ST have created creative decals for our clients in the past, so if you want to know more about decals – we're happy to answer your questions  :-)

Otherwise check out some of our favourite innovative floor decal examples from around the world, that will get you thinking... Enjoy!

Online Retailer Strategies

It's a tough world being in the online business. A decade ago, this phenomena of buying at 3am in the morning was non-existent. These days, it's a part of life - pretty much anything and everything can be done from behind the computer (or ipad or smartphone or tablet).

As avid online shoppers we know a good deal when we see one. When Styletread introduced 3 hour express delivery - we thought pure genius. We're still in bed with the good old free shipping strategy - it gets us everytime. But, when eyewear company Oscar Wylee introduced free home trial of 5 glasses with no obligations and no delivery charges - we instantly thought *ding* it's time for a new pair of geek-chic!

Sometimes as much as we love promotions and activations - it's these marketing strategies and point of differences which can make waves on a daily basis. Ok, now to try on those glasses...

A Crafty Paper Site

We don't like to admit it, but most of us in the studio are 'paper-geeks'. We love to create dielines and get a little paper engineer-ey. It's hard, often a bit of a mental-struggle but if we can execute what we conceptualize, it's a win-win plus a pat on the ol' back.

A little while ago we stumbled across this site. And we're full of paper-envy. Check it out and if you're inclined get a little paper-geeky and create some of the tutorials on the weekend.

Supermarket Sweep January

Every Monday morning, we gather around our large boardroom table and go through the WIP (work in progress). It's usually a long list - but it's a task that keeps us on top of our deadlines and helps us plan the week ahead.

What you may not know, is that after every WIP we have a presentation called 'supermarket sweeps'. We have a schedule for the whole year, where a staff member is allocated the task of  'sweeping' supermarkets, bottle shops and convenience stores for a week. Their mission - to snap promotions that tickle our fancy, point of sale that strikes a cord or just anything that makes us stop-during-our-shop.

This week's sweep was by Shelley (our account manager working across Bacardi Lion and Campbell Arnotts). Here are a few of the top things that came out of her supermarket week.

Valentine's Day FREEBIES for you!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Whilst not all of us will be spoilt with dozens of red roses and teddy bears today – ALL of you are welcome to our 31ST Valentine's Day freebies...

For the first time in 31ST history, we have created our own custom made wallpapers for you to enjoy.

There are two fun Valentine's Day sets to choose from: Heart Confetti or Stripey Heart. Both sets contain wallpapers for an iPhone, iPad and a desktop. Simply click on the links below to grab the JPEGs.

So what are you waiting for? ...Start downloading now!

Share them with your loved ones. Share them with friends, neighbours and even pets!
Share the love, people!

Heart Confetti:
iPhone
iPad
1600x1200 

Stripey Heart:
iPhone
iPad
1600x1200

Fundraising Campaign: Cupid's Undie Fun Run

Seems Sydney is all about fun and cheeky fundraising these past few months!

We’ve recently mentioned January’s No Pants Subway Ride – now it’s time to bare your undies AGAIN for February’s Cupid's Undie Run... all in the name of charity!

The annual Cupid's Undie Run is a first in Australia – in addition to the current line-up of 17 participating U.S. cities including NYC, LA, San Fran, Chicago and Washington DC.

The 1.5km run aims to raise serious money for The Children’s Tumour Foundation (currently raising $11,525 at last count). With all donations over $2 being tax deductable, you can fundraise as an individual or join a team.

The shenanigans begins at 12-4pm on Sunday, 10 February 2013 at Darling Harbour. There will also be cool cupid-themed prizes up for grabs, as well as a VIP Open Bar.

For more details, check out Cupid's Undie Run's website.

Some exciting news

Ahhhh twenty-thirteen has started off with a B.A.N.G!

We have super exciting news to share with you all - we are finalists for Adnews' Small Agency of the Year Awards 2012. Can you believe it?! We are still pinching ourselves. Being only three years old we would never have envisaged being recognised - considering we are such young players in this big advertising pond.

Either way, we are so happy and hope we can take out the big gong come the awards night on 28th February - wish us luck!

 

Innovative Augmented Reality Campaign

We at 31ST HQ love the wonders of technology and all things social media!

Which is why we were excited to come across the Australian Defence Force's 'Mobile Medic' – a highly innovative augmented reality mobile application, where users can interact with medically diagnosable outdoor posters.

'Mobile Medic' was culminated to recruit highly skilled medical students in Australia worthy of a Defence Force University Scholarship.

To find the best of the best, applicants were challenged to interact with posters on university campuses across Australia (using their mobile devices) – to virtually correctly diagnose, identify and treat real medical conditions.

Applicants simply point their iPhone or iPad at a 'Mobile Medic' poster of a patient, view an x-ray overlay, use a stethoscope to listen to the patient's heartbeat and view a virtual ultrasound before diagnosing and suggesting treatment options for the ailment and sharing their results on Facebook.

View the clip below to find out more.

31ST Staff Q&A: Annina

Some of you may have noticed that there are a few new faces at 31ST HQ over the 
past year. 

One of these friendly bunch is our Account Manager, Annina. 
A keen surfer girl, Annina originally hails from the exotic Helsinki in Finland. She is our go to girl for clients such as Unilever and AVJennings, whilst being a member of the 31ST Social Committee. With a media background under her belt, Annina is also familiar with the ins and outs of social media. 

Here we've asked Annina a few questions to get to know her better...

1. Describe your tribe:

My Aussie tribe consists of a bunch of lovely friends – no kids, pets or partners to report on at this point in time. The homeland tribe includes my parents and younger brother.

2. An average weekend are spent...

With friends, going to gigs or at the beach surfing

3. All time favourite movie:

Mr. Nobody

4. The most played song on your ipod:

Right now it’s 'Go Don’t Stop' by Mat McHugh (but changes quite frequently)

5. Biggest vice:

Hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock…

6. What superhero ability would you choose:

Teleportation for sure

7. Any secret talents:

I'm fluent in English, Swedish and Finnish

8. Favourite place to eat out:

Japanese or any Asian really – Ms G’s is great

9. Best advice you've been given:

20 years from now you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do, than the ones you did do

10. What would you do with your last $20:

Probably spend it on something silly like a new dress or coffees

If you want more inside goss, LIKE US 

3D LED Screen Installation

This interactive installation was pretty hard to miss. A three tiered LED Screen installation in the shape of a big Christmas tree. It was an impressive activation that spanned over each level of Broadway shopping centre.

This massive LED tree sat at the top level whilst every other level had small pop up photobooths with staff actively approaching shoppers to take their photo - all in the name of charity. Once photos were taken staff were directing people to see their picture appear on the tree.

What we like about this campaign is it is activated on all levels - with the top level being the main attraction. The hassle of taking your own photo and sending in via SMS or email is eliminated, making it easier for the consumer. And of course the counter at the top - so simple!

Interactive Outdoor Media for a Cause

What drew us into this campaign is it's execution. Carefully cut and curled paper with a symmetrical design encased under the glass with a big button protruding out of it.

After the paper-perve, we then realised that this campaign was for a good cause, "press cheque or savings and EFTPOS will donate to Vision Australia". You (yes you) without even knowing it have contributed to the Vision Australia in a simple push of a button most probably while buying gifts over the Chrismas period.

What we didn't realise is that these outdoor boards sung hallelujah once you pressed the protruding button - maybe it was our Christmas-buying-cloud-frenzy that made us miss this major detail?!

What do you think, is the message clear?
Would you push the button?
Is the interactive element conveyed?
Should the outdoor button pushing trigger a greater value donation?

 

The New Mob in Town

Flashmobs.

You've all seen YouTube clips of the T-Mobile crew with hundreds of participants dancing within the crowded Liverpool Street station in London, the massive Black Eyed Peas crew which featured on Oprah... and many other flashmobs ever since.

Flashmob culture has reached cult status all over the world - but forget your typical dance routines... it seems another form of Flashmob has hit out shores: the No Pants Subway Ride.

Following on from its US predecessor (started by Improv Everywhere, New York in 2002) - it seems the annual January NPSR movement has now reached over 59 cities worldwide, with Sydney celebrating its 5th anniversary last weekend.

Over 1,400 eager participants around Sydney braved their train ride sans pants (or skirts and dresses) with their undies on full show  - much to the amusement of other commuters and our 31ST staff  :-)

Click on this link for more details on the NPSR movement OR if you're game to join in next year, folks... We dare you!

No Pants Subway Ride, Sydney

Reclaim Your Summer Promo

Want to WIN $7500 from Flight Centre?
Do you need to buy anything to enter? Nope. Nada. Zip.
Can you enter from the comfort of your computer in a matter of seconds? YESSSSS.
Is it still open? YES. Click here.

Great promo, easy to enter and right on brand. Now, go and enter here.
Good luck - fingers crossed everyone!

 

The invisible car

A very clever experiential campaign that gets the major selling point of this product across whilst making a major statement on the street and utilising todays technology. We'd love to see this in real life!



For our lovely email subscribers click here.

Dove Australian Open

That old saying is true, "you've got to be in it to win it...". Unlucky for us at 31STHQ, we aren't allowed to participate in promotions we've worked on BUT you CAN!

The prize is amazeballs; 2 tickets to the Australian Open final, flights, hotel and some spending money - pretty cool huh?! So go on, make our loss your GAIN.

For full details click here.