Since their creation, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have gained widespread popularity in part due to the way they enable users to interact over shared experiences.
Topical news, local and global events, concerts, a shared love of a brand or product… – all play an active part in the expansion and evolution of social sites, acting as a pathway to the development of new ideas and applications – which keep users interested, and more importantly, coming back.
So with Halloween festivities kicking off tomorrow, there’s a range of Facebook applications being ‘unmasked’ to get users into the haunting spirit.
Halloween Treats lets you send treats to friends on Facebook, there’s an app that helps you choose a Halloween costume and the amazingly popular Farmville game is allowing users to buy Halloween decorations (yes, using real money) for their virtual farms.
But it doesn’t stop there. In a move similar to U2’s concert this week that was streamed live on YouTube, the Foo Fighters are also jumping in on the festivities – playing a special Halloween gig that is going to be performed live via the band’s Facebook page.
However, the icing on my virtual cake and the winner this Halloween (in my opinion) goes to the UK Psychic who will be performing an interactive séance via Twitter – dubbed a ‘Tweance’. Apparently all you need to do is tweet which celebrity you want to be contacted and your question, and the Psychic will post any responses that she gets in real time…
The concept is certainly bizarre, however it’s definitely generating interest online… oh, and there’s a not so subtle link to an online costume store too, although I’m sure the whole thing is legit..!
So while Halloween may not have the greatest following in Australia, the global nature of the large social networks means that marketers from around the world are able to ‘brew up’ attention for their products via branded apps and experiences – allowing users to celebrate together as they go ‘trick or tweeting’.
I can hardly wait until the virtual Christmas gifts start rolling in!
Rebeckah Kinkade is BCM Sydney’s Media Coordinator
Great post Rebeckah!
Wish I’d known about the app that helps you choose an outfit before braving the massive queues on Sat….never again….
This is a great example of how agencies can utilize social networks and market towards specific holidays. Things have come a long way since sending out Merry Christmas e-cards to those relatives you never got time to see.