Internet Marketing doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, you can reap tremendous profits with just a cardboard sign, a sharpie, an engaging figure and an important cause. Don't believe me? Just ask Tim Edwards, a homeless man who is the subject of an Internet marketing campaign designed to help the homeless. Controversially titled "Pimp This Bum" the campaign's website:
Pimp This Bumuses personal interviews with Tim and several of his friends to chronicle his slow fall from office manager with a home, a car, and a future to an outcast short of hope and with little prospect of help. Visitors can also use the site to donate money or services to assist Tim in his recovery. The site has already inspired many to donate, including a drug and alcohol treatment center which has provided a 35 day alcohol abuse treatment program valued at $13, 800 to Tim at no charge.
Why is this working?
Let's start with the name. The two Internet Marketers who are the creators of the campaign chose the controversial name purposely in order to generate "buzz". The more people talk about your site, the more exposure it gets. If they'd named the site something more generic like "Help the Homeless" many web surfers would've never noticed it or just passed it over.
Secondly, the site directs viewers to take a specific action. Every message you send to a potential customer, investor, or supporter of your cause should end in a clear call to action for the visitor such as, "Click here for more information", "Buy now", "Donate", etc.
Thirdly, and most importantly, tell your story. Consumers and supporters want to know WHY?
Why should they buy your product? Why should they donate to your cause?
I'll be sharing more examples of Internet marketers who are using their influence for good in future postings. If you come across any interesting or powerful online campaigns, please share them with me!
1 comment:
I so love that you get it. Two of the most important aspects of internet marketing in my world are generating buzz (which in turn generates traffic) and directing your viewers to action right away. Don't just put a "buy" button on the site, tell your audience to buy it now, right now, before the offer expires, before the bum gets a job, etc.
Though, now that you've got "pimp" as a keyword for your site, you should get some interesting ads show up on your blog if you're using adsense... ;)
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