File this one under “no idea is a dumb idea.” A guy named Jason Sadler started the website Iwearyourshirt.com. Well, it’s not just a website. Basically it’s a mini social marketing media. Every day of the year, companies can sponsor a day on the site’s calendar. On that day, Jason will wear a t-shirt provided by that day’s sponsor company. He will also help promote that company by blogging about them, uploading video and photos of him in the shirt talking about the company to social media sites like YouTube, Ustream, Flickr – and providing commentary using his Twitter account – where he has more than 17,000 followers. He’ll also hand out company information while he’s out and about. Cost? As Jason describes it, he charges “face value” for each day – meaning Day 1 (January 1) is a buck, Day 365 (December 31) is $365. For the math challenged, that adds up to an annual income of $66,795 (plus t-shirts). Not bad for wearing t-shirts. (He also supplements that income by selling his own t-shirts.)
Crazy idea? Maybe. But consider this … his blog is getting almost 9,000 visitors per day. He has more than 17,000 Twitter followers who see his “tweets” multiple times per day. His YouTube channel has had thousands of video views. And he’s been featured on national media, including CNN. For as little as a few bucks, marketers like Zappos.com are introducing their brand to thousands of new potential customers. Crazy ideas stand out – and that’s what marketing is all about.
Are there applications or spinoffs of an idea like this locally? Possibly. Our friends at Smash T-shirts might be a good fit as a sponsor. How could online savings site SmartyPig – with their social media savvy – leverage this? Imagine Reid at Pancheros handing out t-shirts with his free burritos and then promoting “Team Pancheros” nights with food and drink specials at the restaurant for those who wear their t-shirts. Or, how might our friends at the The Identity Group create a trade show marketing program by building a network of t-shirt wearing “brand advocates” for one of their clients at the next farm show?
What do we like most about this? It’s social media marketing with a strategy and plan behind it. And kudos to Mr. Sadler who was able to create his own job in a tough economy. And if you’re looking to tap into his business to promote yours in 2010, he is sold out through May. However, the AdMavericks crew would be happy to wear your free t-shirts. Feel free to send them our way!
Author: Tom Flynn
www.lessingflynn.com
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
What an awesome idea, very innovative thinking. There is so many ways to utilize social media and Jason has definitely found one that works well for him. Great article, thanks for the Panchero's suggestions!
Thanks for the comments Reid. Keep up the good work!
I think this is a great idea. We all pay companies to advertise for them on a daily basis anyway. I mean, that is what we are doing when we walk around with a Nike swoosh on our chest or "adidas" across our butt cheeks. Why not have them return the favor for once? My father-in-law used to make car dealers take their name plates off the back of the vehicle he was going to purchase unless they took more money off the price. His argument was that he should be paid to advertise for them.
I think this guy has the right idea.
Thanks Jason – I gotta use your father-in-law's tactics next time I'm negotiating on a car!
This is a unique story from the apparel and promotional product angle, but I like the creativity.
With the right design, t-shirts and headwear can be the best advertising bill board for any event. What better way to drive home your company message than to have your targeted demographic covered in a sea of your company colors and product statement. Thanks for the shout out from AdMavericks.com.
I became a twitter follower of @iwearyourshirt, I committed to blogging about this tactic. So, Mr. iwearyourtshirt.com we've already blogged about you!
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