Dance pony dance // oh yeah.

Over 12 million channel views, who can argue with that?

At first it seemed a bit random, just an attention-grabbing exercise really. But without seeing any results, I have to say I think it probably worked. The response evoked was one of happiness and laughter, whilst triggering brand recall and talk-ability. Three's 'dance pony dance' has hit all the right notes.

A campaign strengthened even further through an integrated approach. TV ads that pushed to the 'Pony Mixer' hosted in YouTube, Facebook posts and ads to do the same, then completing the circle by playing people's pony ads on TV. 

Three found a way to enter and drive the conversations, gaining earned media and spreading its message far and wide. 

A great case study campaign.

You can create your own dance pony here.

Joyville // Cadbury keeps it simple and fun.

Cadbury's advertising has always been effectively simple yet powerful. You just have to look to their previous 'Gorilla' advertisement to see the pure and simple expression of anticipation of joy. In their latest Australian 'Joyville' campaign they've managed to create a whole world behind the brand as well. And it's filled with the simple fun and enjoyment we love so much about the shiny purple bar of happiness (spoken like a true chocolate lover).
    
  

A nod to Cadbury here as well on their social media strategy. The centre of this particular campaign lives at its heart on a microsite (this is where all the main content and brand/campaign messaging lives), but it is also beautifully extended into social media, including Facebook, and Twitter. Cadbury haven't overcomplicated here and have kept to a few mainstream channels.
  
What's nice about Cadbury's presence in these platforms is the way that they have made them fun and social. Since its release, Cadbury has made the most of Google+ 'hangouts' through special guests and live competitions, as well as running a range of other interactive activities across these channels. They've utilised their bought and owned media to encourage their consumers to participate and feedback directly to the brand - generating earned media through word-of-mouth. Cadbury has also used these platforms as an opportunity to co-create with their communities, both on content and new introductory products as well. By enabling their community to speak openly to the brand they've gained a much better understanding of their audience. A brave, intelligent and intuitive strategy.

  

You can visit the campaign website here: http://joyville.cadbury.com.au/
  

 Cadbury's 2007 'Gorilla' advertisement 
  

Volkswagen // making the most of Facebook photos.

A simple yet clever idea from Volkswagen and intuitive response to how users interact with the Facebook platform. Introducing the Volkswagen Ticari Araç Facebook Flipbook.

  

By uploading 201 consecutive photos into a Facebook photo album on the Volkswagen Ticari Araç page, you need to simply hold down the right 'next' button in the viewer to watch the Ticari Araç as it drives through the desert terrain, over a jump, across a bridge and through a town in a continuous loop.

  

  

Such a simple idea that really takes me back to my childhood, proving that often simplicity is best. With 237 Facebook shares it appears the message has gotten fairly well around as well.

'Museum of Me' // Intel finds a social connection.

A very clever idea from Intel to display their digital expertise through a social media and interactive video campaign.

The app takes all your Facebook data (name, friends, pictures and words on your wall) to create a personalised 'Museum of Me' designed to show "a journey of visualisation that explores who I am." A personalised visualisation of everything that makes up your online social identity on your Facebook profile. Intelligent, creative and engaging; even with minimal branding this app enabled the Intel name to be carried extensively virally in what has been recognised as an innovative and successful campaign.

 An example of a 'Museum of Me' - Steven Crader

'Feed a Friend' // Pizza Hut a brand that shares.

This one's not a new campaign, but a great social media idea that was launched out of the M&C Saatchi Sydney office last year.

This Pizza Hut campaign successfully linked the online world into the offline; capturing the spirit of sharing through a viral campaign centred on Facebook as the main media platform.

Great to see a campaign that understands so well its consumer insights and responds to broader social and media trends with a finger on the pulse of the online community. A great strategy and a brilliant result, well done.

Pizza Hut - Feed a Friend from Mark. on Vimeo.