5 Things to Learn from #DrummondPuddleWatch
Jan 07, 2016
BREAKING NEWS: There's a man on a lilo in the puddle #DrummondPuddleWatch pic.twitter.com/DQNVzWzniy
— Elliot Wagland (@elliotwagland) January 6, 2016
The internet went crazy yesterday over a live stream of Brits trying to cross a puddle.
A Newcastle marketing agency had been watching the puddle for a week before deciding that people might like to watch on Periscope. They weren’t wrong.
At its peak, nearly 20,000 people were glued as pedestrians navigated their way around the inconveniently placed pool of water. Some people jumped. Some edged their way up the embankment. Others just walked right through, completely unaware that thousands were looking on in horror at their wet feet.
By the end of the day, Drummond Puddle Watch had made international news. But how, exactly, does a puddle make the news?
Here are 5 things to take away from this intriguing turn of events:
It’s not just Brits who love a puddle
By the end of the day, Drummond Puddle Watch had attracted viewers from all over the world.
Web content comes in all shapes and sizes
When we talk about “content” – we literally mean anything that contributes to a user’s online experience. That’s why a content marketing strategy can include anything from blog posts to video, to infographics…even live streaming. The puddle watch was a fantastic example of how it pays off to try something different with social content.
Sometimes, simple ideas are the best ideas
Although have just seen millions of pounds of content rolled out in the form of 2015's Christmas campaigns (see our post on this year’s John Lewis ad), you don’t need a big budget to go viral – you just need an idea, as the puddle has shown.
Interactivity is key online
Part of Drummond Puddle Watch’s success was in its levels of interactivity. First, Periscope users could express their reactions live, offering words of encouragement as brave souls attempted to hop over the puddle. The second layer of interactivity came later in the day – once the puddle’s location was known, it drew a physical crowd. There were lilos and surfboards on the scene, while someone else thought it would be funny to order a pizza to the puddle. It’s this level of engagement that kept the stream interesting, and it's what is needed in any successful social campaign.
THE RISING POPULARITY OF SOCIAL LIVE STREAMING
In the words of Wired.com, Periscope “found its beat” yesterday. Live streaming is nothing new – we’ve been using webcams for years, but only since the start of live video social channels has it become something of value for businesses. Although your target audience may not be using Periscope or Meerkat, if your content takes off, it certainly does no harm for your brand.
What did you think of the #DrummondPuddleWatch? If you would like to find out more about live streaming or how to reach potential customers with social media, we’d love to chat!