We'll give it to the big businesses that run their social media like a well-oiled machine, but would you believe that one of the major benefactors in the social media craze is the state of Michigan? That's right--Michigan tourism has again won the honor of 'How Social is Your State?' mainly due to their focus on branding Pure Michigan.
The Michigan tourism Facebook page flourished this past summer, nearly doubling its fans from 50,000 to over 100,000. Customers were so inspired by the site and the introduction to the state, that one-third of the fans were driven to make a trip to Michigan. Fans can post pictures of personal trips, ask questions, and interact to win hot vacation deals. Their VP of travel, George Zimmermann, said their implementation of Twitter and Facebook increased not only travel, but merchandise sales for the Pure Michigan campaign.
Who would have thought that a Facebook page would help encourage people to travel within their own country?
I am a native of Southern Indiana, so I realize how difficult it is to romanticize your state so that it encourages your fellow Americans to find value in the activities you hold dear. But let's be real. We can't all be Michigan, Colorado, or California. I'm not sure, in my case, how I would market corn and John Mellencamp, although, in my opinion, both add tremendous value to our country. First, there has to be something intriguing about the state that causes people to research what it has to offer in terms of tourism. Michigan, in this case, has the best of both worlds in the winter and summer months.
Do you think Michigan's previous position in the traveler's mind has anything to do with their success? How would you use social media to advertise your home state?
First off, this is pretty cool! After reading this post, I got on Facebook and looked this up and thought it was a great thing! I am too from southern Indiana, Evansville and honestly I have no idea how I would use social media to advertise the state. The states like California, Colorado, Florida, and what not have interesting, fun places to visit that the rest of the world wants to go to and its an easy advertising opportunity.
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