By Erik Qualman
Over the last year we have started to see many television commercials mention social media, insert a funny line about it (“Facebook Me”) or simply tag social media icons at the end.
I recently came upon a commercial for Norms Restaurant and it did something different. The foundation of the commercial is grounded in social media rather than simply being an add-on.
“We came up with the idea to actually create and produce Facebook and Twitter spots not just tag spots to join us on Facebook and Twitter. We wanted the spots to truly define and reflect what Facebook and Twitter are all about in a personal and humorous way. We believe that this strategy also would drive more people to join us because the spots are unique, engaging and attention getting, not just a tag which most people don’t pay attention to any longer.” - Paige Gillingwater
The commercials run regionally. Norms is a family owned business with several restaurants in the Southern California area. The family started their small business/restaurants sixty years ago. This family owned business has seen the following success within 10 days of the TV commercials:
- Gained 1,000 fans on Facebook
- Gained 150 followers on Twitter
Just as Social Media never sleeps, Norm’s restaurants never close; they are open 24 hours a day.
What I like about this is that it is incorporating into their entire strategy and staying true to what Norms is all about. It is also taking a longer term, engagement approach rather than focusing on immediate gratifications. Perhaps it is a reflection of the family’s sixty-year history.
If you take a look at their Facebook Fan Page you will see the following recent interactions:
“Great place, this is the first restaurant I went to when I moved to L.A back in the 80′s, a friend Dante (R.I.P) took me there.”
“I LOVE UR FOOD”
The other thing I like about Norms is that they respond quickly to most posts, no matter what time they happen:
Hey there! I’ve been reading your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this web site wants way more consideration. IÌll most likely be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!
Aw, this was a very quality post. In theory Id like to write such as this too – taking time and real effort to create a great post but so what can I only say I procrastinate alot and not appear to get something done. My kind regards, Adelaida.
That is AWESOME. I love to see the incorporation of social media. Best part of it all:
They are engaging. They are directly addressing their customers, and thats what people want. The days of shoving traditional ads down consumers throats is dead. Engaging is the game.
Phil: You are right! Engagement is key…as Alex Bogusky of CP+B says: It was PAY to PLAY now it’s PLAY to PLAY.
And in the end, all you doing is meeting people and talking…that’s it:)
Thanks for the reply!
T-bone steak any time day or night? Hmm . . . . they got me, I want one!
See, social media does work! Shame I’m thousands of miles from Norms. :-p