Leave it to the Brits to come up with a really effective (and provocative) social marketing campaign that promotes safe condom use. Set to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas, this new version is not only funny and entertaining, it even has little animations to go with it.
With a tagline that says, “Don’t Play the Sex Lottery. Use a Condom,” the viral social marketing video should be making its way around the globe easily, especially with the younger demographic. I know, I know, how did a Boomer like me receive it? My daughter’s girlfriend, a med school student, sent it to her.
Nonprofit marketing is tough enough in good times. But, in tough economic times, it grows even more difficult. You really need to stand out to get noticed, and that’s a challenge with budget cutbacks or little budget. This video is a great example of using few funds to create widespread awareness for a social cause. It’ll be interesting to see how many page views this group gets and how many Brits actually call the Sexual Health Hotline.
Take a look for yourself. What do you think? Do you think something like this could work in North America?
The campaign seems to be funded in part by NHS Choices, a coalition of government and healthcare agencies. Check out the other resources and videos on their site, too.
http://www.gruntdoc.com/pics/12-STIS.SWF
BTW, Happy Holidays to all my friends at MarketingProfs Daily Fix!
Tags: Christmas, nonprofit marketing, Sexual Health Hotline, social marketing, viral marketing
Elaine,
The campaign might work in Canada but I have my doubts about its success in the U.S. I can already hear and see the demonstrators clamoring for abstinence. Not a bad thing but pretty daunting if you are an organization fighting for safe sex.
Thanks, Lewis. I guess it must be my Canadian sensibility that makes this video hilarious to me. You know… Canadians, Brits…we share a similar sense of humor (humour).
Thank you for pointing this out. Of course, I love it.
. I’ll give this some more thought…might even ask some of my readers to weigh-in.
The fact is, STDs are still prevalent and need really innovative (and, yes, humorous) campaigns.
Might it offend some? Sure. I mean, they’re talking sex (eek!) and they’re showing animations (eek!) and it’s an x-mas song. But the intention sure is pure
Have a very, merry holiday and happy new year with your family.
Thanks, CK! I always enjoy your input and blog posts. Have a wonderful holiday,too.