Seaside Snowman Is a Social Sensation

by Steve Cabeza

So, for those who don’t know, I run Amplification, Inc. and—along with my awesome business partner Marnie and our hand-picked team of go-to professionals—we provide consultation services that help our clients better leverage social media marketing, digital media marketing, and video production to grow their businesses while helping them gain digital attention, buzz, and traction. Check out an example of a recent video sizzle reel we did for The Greek Joint in Hollywood, Florida.

The colorful dishes at The Greek Joint are perfect for sharing on Instagram.

I am often asked to assist clients in conceptualizing cost-efficient Instagram marketing strategies. This task is easy with clients such as The Greek Joint. They have awesome food, which photographs beautifully. (The Greek salad photograph speaks for itself.) Regardless of the client, we always default to efficiency, because efficiency is “found profit.” 

Another critical element to any successful Instagram strategy is creativity. When taking photos, remember to experiment with color, depth, lighting, shadows, and—most important—different perspectives to transform an everyday image into a work of art. But please, no more fingernails. That is so “2013.” (If you need examples, check out my Instagram account.)

This larger-than-life snowman on Fort Lauderdale Beach is a huge social media success.

The real key to successful Instagram marketing is finding or creating an aspect of your product or service that compels folks to take and share your pictures with others. Like the aforementioned Greek salad, the resplendent Fort Lauderdale Beach snowman is another great example of Instagram success. (DISCLAIMER: I don’t know who suggested and made that snowman, but they should be applauded and recognized. I wish it was me. Or Marnie.)

Not only is this handsome snowman located adjacent to the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (where everyone wishes they could be), but it’s also located across from the World-Famous Elbo Room, which has remained at the corner of A1A (“Beachfront Avenue”) and Las Olas Boulevard since 1938. That is what you call prime real estate.

After the most recent and wonderful Winterfest Boat Parade, I sat at the Elbo Room enjoying the beach breeze and marveling at how many people were taking pictures with that snowman.  Even though I had already taken photos of him, I decided to take even more. And later, after some cogitation, I reflected on the reasons why this snowman is a brilliant Instagram marketing effort to promote Fort Lauderdale:

• It’s in a great location and is the perfect size.
• It’s festive, timely, and fits in with what people are already talking about.
• He’s smiling, which makes people happy.
• It has great lighting and photographs well, day or night (weather permitting, of course).
• People love posing with him.

Kudos, Fort Lauderdale, on a brilliant and well-executed social media strategy that will continue to reap benefits for months to come. When winter finally hits up North, chances are this seaside snowman will really start generating a noticeable return on investment. And when Spring Break hits—BAM—FLL might break Instagram!

Good stuff, right? Now, how can we help you with your digital marketing needs? Simply send us an email or submit a contact form from our website to get started today.