IMC Hawks Blog

Tag: Advertising

  • How to be Single on Valentine’s Day

    Happy Valentines Day Watercolor Free Printable_aca175bc-d541-4816-833f-edc8d03db7deSo we all know that Valentine’s Day was created in order to make single people feel even more single (how rude). However, being single Valentine’s Day can be fun. Valentine’s Day is advertised as the holiday of love with giant teddy bears, heart shaped everything, and a dozen roses. Whether you spend this Valentine’s Day binge watching Netflix, enjoying your single 20’s, or going on a tinder date, read below to learn how to embrace Valentine’s Day and be your own Valentine.

    Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, have a girls night in with your friends. You can rent a Redbox, buy a bottle of wine (or three), and order pizza. You do not have to go out to eat and run into the countless amount of couples on dates. We all know restaurants use this holiday to entice couples to choose their romantic venue to eat. However, this tactic actually works. There will be restaurants with long waits and reservations. But you are lucky because you can avoid the chaos and stay at home, while enjoying some delicious garlic crust pizza. And let’s be honest… you would rather be in a relationship with pizza than a boy anyways.

    largeLet’s say your Valentine’s Day circumstances are worse and all of your girlfriends have plans. That’s okay. Sometimes it is nice after a long, crazy week to have some free time to aimlessly binge watch a television show. There are so many options from Grey’s Anatomy, Empire, Scandal, and the list goes on. You can buy yourself a heart shaped box of chocolates and enjoy a relaxing night off. Bonus: you do not have to buy a gift for a significant other. For the past two weeks, stores have strategically placed their Valentine’s Day gifts at the front. Ranging from the little kid who has to buy his or her classmates Valentine’s Day cards or the boyfriend who has to buy that giant teddy bear she has been wanting since Christmas. Just like restaurants, stores capitalize on this holiday in order to get more money from their customers. But do not worry because you do not have to be one of those shoppers. You will be relaxing in your comfy bed excited to watch the next episode of your new favorite TV show.

    Lastly, if you are single and ready to mingle February 14th is your night. You can get a few of your single friends and have a night on the town. It will not matter that it’s Valentine’s Day because you are having too much fun dancing the night away.

    What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Comment below!

    -Erin Fouhy, Sarah Garner, Caitlin Rodermund, and Megan Suggs.

  • Wings, Beer, and Super Bowl 50

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    Are you staying in Wilmington to cheer on the Panthers during the long awaited Super Bowl 50? If so, keep reading for awesome Super Bowl specials from Carolina Ale House, Fox & Hound, and The Husk. 

    Carolina Ale House:
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    Carolina Ale House is notorious for its ALE-gating Super Bowl event each year. By joining Ale House for the Big Game, you will have the opportunity to win prizes each quarter, including a 55” flat screen tv! If you are of age, check out Sunday’s drink specials: Bloody Mary- $3.75, Double Barley Abbeys Amber Ale – $3.50, Fireball – $4.00, and Goose Island – $2.50. You do not want to miss it!

    Fox & Hound:

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    Big game day carry out special! You can purchase one dozen wings and get one dozen for free or buy one pound of boneless wings and get one pound free. You can even buy one rack of ribs and you can also get one rack for free! These specials can be summed up as a BOGO (buy one get one). If you’re looking to host the annual Super Bowl feast then this is your spot to get all of the grub! Just an FYI- this deal is valid for carry out only. But if you’re looking to lose the crowd and watch from home, it is a great deal! They will also be having beer and food specials during the game. Not to mention awesome giveaways including jerseys and a Bud Light chair!

    The Husk:

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    Want to get away from the chain restaurants in Wilmington, NC? Then head downtown to The Husk to enjoy specials, giveaways, and cheer on the Carolina Panthers (or Broncos)! Enjoy great prizes every quarter, 50 cent wings, $2 domestics bottles, $3 team shots, $4 bloody mary, $4 mimosas, and a brand new TV giveaway! 

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    So how does one choose between The Husk, Carolina Ale House, and Fox & Hound? Each business is using social media to their advantage in order to advertise for their specials on game day. The three restaurants are using Facebook and websites in order to inform the fans to come and enjoy the game at their venue. In these advertisements they use pictures of the food, team colors, and drink specials to convince families and friends to come. However, these businesses are using different giveaways in order to stand out amongst competition. The Husk is giving away a free tv to one lucky customer on Super Bowl Sunday. Carolina Ale House has prizes each quarter and Fox and Hound has free team jerseys and a Bud Light chair to a few lucky customers. These giveaways are advertised not only on Facebook but also on their websites. Each restaurant gives details on their website about the amenities they have to offer. The Super Bowl is a huge way for these businesses to gain more customers and have a good crowd this upcoming Sunday. Don’t forget to #KeepPounding!

    Carolina Ale House: 

    https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaAleHouseOfficial

    https://www.carolinaalehouse.com/

    Fox & Hound:

    https://www.facebook.com/FoxAndHoundWilmington

    http://www.foxandhound.com/

    The Husk:

    https://www.facebook.com/TheHuskDowntownWilmington/

    Will you be attending any of these local and nation wide specials? Who are you rooting for? Comment below!

    -Erin Fouhy, Sarah Garner, Caitlin Rodermund, and Megan Suggs.

     

  • The UNCW Tradition That Misses the Mark

    If you attend UNCW then there are many traditions that you are probably aware of. Wagsgiving, Ooze Ball, and maybe even Hawk it Out. There is one that you might not be aware of, and that would be Homecoming. Wait, what? Shouldn’t Homecoming be one of the biggest events of the year? Well you would be right if it were any other school. For various reasons our Homecoming is not as big as other universities. Some blame the lack of a football team, others say it is our overall school attitude, while others claim there is a gap between awareness and motivation to attend.

    For UNCW, Homecoming can be an opportunity to strengthen the sense of community among current students, alumni, and the surrounding populace. Uniting for the same purpose, to support the same school and cheer for the same team, instills a firm sense of pride. Pride can be a powerful tool. Think of UNC Chapel Hill. UNC students, alumni, and even fans have a strong sense of pride in their school and in their team. Most everybody knows who the Tar Heels are and a large number of people want to be part of their team in one way or another. Through this, the students, alumni, and fans are creating awareness. This is called Word of Mouth Marketing and allows for the marketing campaign to basically run itself. It is a necessary tool in creating a lasting tradition and instilling a strong sense of pride. So what pride essentially does, is ensure that no matter what, the school will always have a market for new students and an ever-lasting fan base. 

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    The question is, how can Homecoming become a successful tradition? It is a common assumption that our Homecoming participation is low because we do not have a football team, which is also why our Homecoming is in the spring. However, if we stay with the example of UNC Chapel Hill, we see that a football team is not what makes the Homecoming event successful. Their fan base lies largely in their basketball team just like UNCW’s. The issue comes in the form of getting people motivated. Motivation begins with awareness and bridging the gap between the two starts with promoting involvement opportunities. People care more about events if they have a hand in creating them.

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    There are ways for students and student organizations to be involved in Homecoming. Some include participating in the annual banner contest, the Intercultural Fest (iFest), and by competing for Homecoming King and Queen. One of the most successfully advertised Homecoming event is Dub Idol. This is one of the first traditions that many freshmen hear about even before they arrive. If every event were advertised and instilled into the students as much as Dub Idol then the level of involvement could potentially increase. Implementing some new advertising techniques could be a start so the lesser known events become a staple. There is already an emphasis on reaching alumni, but in order to target the students, utilizing Social Media is one of the best options.

    Overall, Homecoming is a tradition that every UNCW affiliate could participate in and has the potential to create an environment that allows students, past and present, to market their spirit and their pride. It is difficult to change a mindset, but Homecoming is moving in the right direction and with a little help from students it can become one of the most anticipated events of the year. One thing is for sure, we will be out this weekend participating in any events we can in order to increase student involvement and show our support for UNCW’s Homecoming. 

    HomecomingGrid

    -Austin, Jonathan, & Kaela

  • Forever Teal

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    Hello fellow Seahawks, it is your time to show off your school spirit this week for UNCW’s Homecoming. This week is packed with fun events for students, alumni and friends, leading up to the Women’s and Men’s basketball games this Friday and Saturday.  

    Are you on campus today? It’s our favorite day of the week… Teal Tuesday! If you are wearing your teal stop by Hawk’s Nest from 11-1pm for free t-shirts, giveaways, and make your own sign for Homecoming week. Later in the evening, show your support for your fellow students at Battle of the Bands in Warwick from 8-11pm. Five bands will be competing for a cash prize, judged by American Idol look-a-likes, including Bigg B from 97.3. You can help determine the winner by attending and voting for your favorite band!

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    Students are constantly using social media to find out information about upcoming events. Campus organizations have decided to use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to promote UNCW’s 2016 Homecoming Week. If you plan on attending any of the homecoming events, make sure to snap a picture and use the hashtag #UNCWHC16.

    This week UNCW’s campus organizations will be promoting Homecoming week with banners, posters, and flyers on Chancellor’s Walk. Follow the social media sites, @uncwilmington and @uncwace to keep up with Homecoming 2016 events.

    Here’s a preview for UNCW’s 2016 Homecoming events:

    • Wednesday
      • Dub Idol 8pm in Kenan Auditorium
    • Thursday:
      • Amy Rolloff 7-10pm in Burney Center
      • Homecoming Variety Show 7pm in Warwick Center.
    • Friday:
      • Homecoming Pep Rally 5:30-7pm in Hanover Gym
      • Women’s Basketball UNCW vs. Towson 7pm in Trask Coliseum.
      • Homecoming Step Show 7:30pm in Kenan Auditorium
    • Saturday:
      • College of Arts and Sciences 5K 8:30am
      • Intercultural Festival (iFest) 10am-2pm in Burney Center
      • Trunk Show & Student TEALgate 4:30pm
      • Men’s Basketball UNCW vs. Charleston at 7pm in Trask Coliseum.

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    -Erin Fouhy, Sarah Garner, Caitlin Rodermund, and Megan Suggs.

  • 4.5 hours: Home, 4.5 years: Graduation

    The past 4 1/2 years have been an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m glad it all worked out though, considering I never even visited UNCW before orientation. Almost everyone from my high school goes to Appalachian State University, so I wanted a different experience. UNCW provided that and more. I got the full experience from living in Galloway to getting hit by people on bikes and long boards, Beach Blast to the beach bars, and most importantly Islands. Oh yeah, I got a pretty good education too!

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    Before moving to Wilmington, I knew someone who previously went through the Communication Studies program and she recommended the major to me. After looking into it, and honestly not knowing specifically what I wanted to do, I thought that Communication Studies would provide me with the best all-around knowledge to be successful. Once I got through COM 105 and 200, I was finally able to decide that I wanted to concentrate on advertising. I did a few sales internships the past two summers selling ad space. They provided me with some good experience putting my communication skills to work. I’m thankful to have taken so many classes with Dr. Persuit, because I feel that she really prepares her students for what we are going to do. I’m lucky to have been a part of Pier601 Creative with Dr. Persuit and Dr. Bolduc this semester. Since I had experience working with clients selling them advertising, I wanted to get experience on the back end of the transaction by helping them create content.

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    I have met some great people and enjoyed my time at UNCW, but I can’t wait to graduate and see what is next. I plan to get a job in either Hickory or Charlotte and apply what I have learned. Thanks to everyone who has made my experience one to remember! Go Seahawks!

    – Nick Bolick

  • A Thai and Vietnamese Creation

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    Although it’s only in Wilmington, NC, once you step through the doors of Indochine Restaurant you are transformed into a Vietnamese wonderland.  Guarding the front entrance, a 6-foot golden statue of Buddha welcomes the guests that come to dine.  Statues, paintings, and nicknacks line the walls of the interior of the restaurant, all collected by the restaurants owners during their many travels throughout Asia.

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    The true enchantment begins when you pass through the back doors into the garden. With just over an acre, the Bartsch family has created a Vietnamese-inspired garden that will leave you speechless.  From koi ponds to individual tiki-huts for guests to dine in, the garden is a true transformation to a new “far east” destination.

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    After opening its doors in 2001, Indochine quickly became one of Wilmington’s most popular attractions.  Voted Encore’s Best Restaurant Overall for over 15 years, each visit to Indochine is a handcrafted experience.  On top of a beautiful atmosphere, the cuisine only enhances the experience.  Staying local and true to Thai culture, each dish is freshly prepared based on family recipes.

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    Indochine has built a brand based on every factor of the dining experience.  Atmosphere, service, and cuisine are just a few examples of where the Indochine staff focuses their attention to ensure every guest is experiencing a true taste of Vietnam.  Staying true to culture is very important to the owners and doing so has allowed them to build a strong brand awareness in the Wilmington community.

    Based solely on word of mouth marketing, Indochine relies heavily on their reputation.  Through their success it is clear that staying true to culture and providing the very best experience to the customer is vital in surviving in the restaurant business.  Although the owners choose not to advertise in the community, Indochine is a name we all recognize and has become a staple in Wilmington culture.

  • So If I Make A YouTube Video Will I Get Famous Too?

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    Felix Kjellberg aka PewDiePie

    “Creativity out of necessity.” In 2005 the most successful free video streaming site was created by three college graduates who had a major dilemma…

    …They couldn’t find footage of the famous Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” during the 2015 Super Bowl halftime show….

    And so YouTube was born.

    YouTube has evolved to so much more than a free and easy way to see inappropriate videos of celebrities. Now it’s so sophisticated that people can earn their livings video blogging, or vlogging, about anything they want. The site started with one unfortunate (or maybe fortunate, depends on how you look at it…) celebrity “wardrobe malfunction,” and now YouTube is making a whole new category of celebrities; self-made vloggers.

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    Jenna Mourey aka Jenna Marbles: YouTube personality, vlogger, comedian, and actress

    Just as YouTube has changed over the years, the vloggers that scramble to be the next big internet sensation have started to move from computer screens to larger ones. Jenna Mourey or Jenna Marbles as she is known on YouTube is the top female vlogger with well over 15 million subscribers which ranks her channel seventh overall. Mourey now can be seen in episodes of Epic Rap Battles in History, Fake n’ Bacon, and Ridiculousness. Hannah Hart who rose to fame with My Drunk Kitchen, and hosting cameos on Mental Floss sat down with People last week to promote her upcoming TV mini-series Electra Woman & Dyna Girl airing in 2016. Then there is PewDiePie, with 40 million subscribers and over 6 billion views Felix Kjellberg has raised YouTube vlogging to an art form. By basically inviting the world into his living room to watch him play video games, Kjellberg makes $12 million dollars a year and is helping to shape the indie gamer market. Like the Oprah effect, when Kjellberg mentions a game it sees a spike in sales.

    According to People.com, these YouTube blogger channels make the most money:

    1. Felix Kjellberg

    – $12 Million a Year

    Channel: PewDiePie

    Subscribers: 40 million

    Shtick: Playing video games and making jokes

    2. Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla

    – $8.5 Million a Year

    Channel: Smosh

    Subscribers: 21 million

    Shtick: Live-action comedy sketches

    3. Benny and Rafi Fine

    – $8.5 Million a Year

    Channel: Fine Brothers Entertainment

    Subscribers: 13 million

    Shtick: Reacting to things

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    2014 VidCon Youtuber Convention

    YouTube has become so popular that they have dedicated a whole convention, VidCon, to the videos and YouTube “stars”.  VidCon features workshops and speeches on how to launch your own YouTube career, video highlights, and YouTube celebrities waiting to meet their fans.  For a few hundred dollars fans can attend the three-day conference, with varying levels of entry to events.  Tickets range from general entry at only $100 for the “Super Early Birds”, to $750 for the Industry Standard Price.  For those interested in the online video industry beyond basic video production the industry ticket is the way to go.VIdCon offers a variety of events for industry professionals including: seminars, keynote speakers, and helpful tips on how to use online video to promote your company.

    There are many benefits for marketing your brand via YouTube:

    1. Capturing attention: Posting creative content on YouTube is an easy way to catch viewer’s attention.
    2. High Traffic Volumes: There are over 1 billion users on YouTube which is an excellent platform to reach people all over the world.
    3. Viral Marketing: YouTube videos are easily shared between friends and family members and can be shared with others, thus creating a ripple effect.
    4. Multiple Video Marketing Channels: Creating and posting videos to YouTube is a powerful and recognizable way for users to view your content.
    5. Search Engine Rankings: Google owns YouTube, which why it is so highly ranked when you search for videos on Google’s page.
    6. Social Media Marketing Integration: YouTube videos can be shared via email, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Reddit and other social media platforms.
    7. World-Wide Accessibility: Posting content on YouTube can be seen in 75 different countries, since YouTube is available in 61 languages. This is one the most effective marketing strategies since YouTube is available 24/7.

    Who are your favorite YouTube stars? Do you have your own YouTube channel? Share with us in the comments below!

    Aki Suzuki, Carey Poniewaz, Carey Shetterley, Lexie Trimnal, June Wilkinson