Two-way conversations are great. So are memories. That’s why we think it’s great when brands decide to combine the things consumers like with something relevant for their brand. Facebook is a big example of where brands try to connect, but don’t always succeed. Here are some great examples of how brands can use Facebook’s evolution for good.
Lets start with Facebook Timeline. Although it’s official release has been postponed until, well, Facebook is ready, other brands have begun using the memory building idea for their own brands. You know, those times when the little window pops up and lets you choose to allow some other program to access your Facebook page. People like it because with one click they can personalize an experience. Brands like it for exactly the same reason.
One of the craziest, and probably creepiest, examples was when a viral site called “Take This Lollipop” was passed around this Halloween. It linked with your Facebook page and inserted you, via Facebook pictures, as the person of interest for a deranged stalker. It has provoked all sorts of reactions, the best being that it currently has over 11 million Facebook “likes.”
From the Virgin Group we found another, slightly less stalker-feeling activity. They currently have an app that reminds you of your first times with friends. Choose any one of your friends to connect with and Virgin brings up all the firsts you’ve had with them on Facebook.
The great thing about this app is that has more than a one-time use, keeping Virgin in a longer conversation. Every friend you pick brings up a new combination of “firsts” (although, in an effort to have a more productive work day we suggest you don’t try the app with every one of your Facebook friends – as we may or may not have experience with).
And then there’s Patron. Their app for Ultimat Vodka calculates your “social score” by evaluating things like how many “likes” your check-ins have or the amount of pictures people are fake-smiling in. Funny to try and a clever way to connect your online life with your real life. Because we all know that online photos aren’t buying Patron’s Ultimat Vodka.
