1. Starbucks
This was shared with me by a friend/colleague recently. She was signed up for Starbucks' email newsletter My Starbucks Rewards. As an added bonus from the typical email offers sent they integrated a mobile component on this email and a chance to win a FREE lunch for your and a friend. They had clear instructions on how to enter, the dates of the promotion and details on their new product, Bistro Boxes.
Her response in the email she forwarded me says it all, "The reason I entered is because Starbucks sends me "rewards" and I figured if I signed up for this sweepstakes they would probably send me some kind of offer even if I don't win.".
Starbucks has clearly done an effective job in setting a certain expectation with her that they offer meaningful rewards.

2. 2011 Ford
Auto manufacturers are using mobile in many ways. By this example it's clear they have made great efforts in adding a mobile call to action to their TV campaigns. Ford Motor Company includes a tag on every TV spot I've seen recently. When you text in the care MAKE (MUSTANG) you immediately get a bounceback response directing you to local dealers. This can be a great way to capture data as well as lead someone directly to a dealer and ultimately the car you're interested in. They know my mobile number, that I saw this from a TV spot and I am interested in Mustangs. That's great prequalifying before I ever step foot on a car dealers lot.
3. Wild Turkey
As I recently sat in the dentist office waiting for my 6 year olds check up to finishI riffled through an issue of Sports Illustrated. I was a bit surprised at the number of ads that included a QR code.
I didn't interact with many of them but this one from Wild Turkey Bourbon really caught my eye. The headline is the obvious draw "Give 'em the Bird.". But the ad is clean and clear and somewhat striking as well. In the bottom left is a QR code with a turkey embedded in the center of the blocks and a call to action saying "To see our new commercial uncensored".
It was a clear tease to offer me content that I otherwise would perhaps never see otherwise. This is a great example of a compelling call to action using a QR code to trigger the intended response an advertiser is seeking.
And I assure you the scan and commerical you get to watch is worth it. Give it a shot. (pun intended) ha
4. Murphy USA
Murphy USA is a gas station affiliated with, or partially owned by, Wal Mart that can be found all over the Midwest. As with the majority of gas stations these days they offer advertising messages at the pump while you get your gas.

I am seeing more and more mobile messages but this one I felt stood out. They weren't promoting or selling anything. They are using mobile to allow their customers to provide feedback on customer service.
Mobile can be an extremely effective way to capture a person's honest opinion about a product, service, etc... It allows customers to interact on their terms and time. The true sign of success for this will be determined by what Murphy USA does with the feedback they receive. Stay tuned!
5. Sam's Club College Savings
This is another example of using a QR code to provide content to prospective customers. In this case it's quite clear Sam's Club offers a college savings plan. For any parent thinking their child will some day go to college it's almost an automatic you seek out every possibility to help that child financially.
The part of this promotion that stands out to me is they include an SMS component for those not familiar with QR codes or if you're more comfortable interacting via texting. After you text in APP to 72671 you get a bounceback that links you directly to the Sam's Club mobile applicaiton. The reason for doing this is that they have a QR reader built within their app.
So not only does this draw customers in interested in college savings but it also entices you to download the app that now allows you to shop the full compliment of what offers.
Let's be honest, what would it take for you to download an app from a retailer under normal circumstances? They do an effective job of giving you value for your participation.
6. Redbox Games
My family and I have become big fans of Redbox. How many places can you get entertainment for a buck. The convenience of the locations is a big plus as well. The thing I may like most about them is they are constantly giving me a reason to frequent their kiosks. I signed up for movie text alerts some months back and I get coupons on a regular basis plus updates on new releases, ways to find a nearby location and more.
Their latest promotion is for their video game offering. The large graphic on the front of the kiosk is clear and direct. They don't ask you to go online, call a number or even do anything on the above screen. They simply say "Text GAMES to 727272".
That's about as clear as you could ask for. I am not a gamer but I joined to see what kind of messages they provide. And of course they stay true to their consistent messaging of offers and updates.
Great job Redbox. Keep it up.
7. Espys
Being a late 30's male it's almost mandatory to watch ESPN and sports in general. So every year when they run their pseudo-awards show, The Espys, they suck me in to the hype.
I admit I enjoy seeing athletes in a setting outside of their normal environment. How outrageous are they dressed? Who did they attend with? Who do athletes watch as a fan? It's all a mindless, timewaster but what can I say... I'm a guy. ha
ESPN and other TV networks are doing more mobile campaigns than ever. ESPN does a particularly good job being consistent on asking fans to text in to vote or give feedback.
The Espys were no different. They allowed fans to text in to vote for the Best Play of the year. Throughout the broadcast they asked fans to vote. You could go to ESPN.com or vite via text. The play with the most votes won and was announced during the broadcast.
ESPN also did a very good job of consistently promoting the title sponsors of The ESPYs, Castrol EDGE and Capital One, throughout the broadcast and even tagged them at the bottom of the text bouncebacks on the Best Play voting.
7 Media Group can help any size business with successful mobile campaigns like you read above. We have worked with many similar brands like Anheuser-Busch, Corona, Harley-Davidson, 7-Eleven, Salvation Army, Oklahoma Lottery and many more. Mobile marketing can be one of the most effective ways for your business to advertise and one of the most important investments you make for your future success.
Call or email us today for a comprehensive assessment of what a mobile strategy can do for you.