Michigan Wendy's has netted hundreds of passionate followers in the last month by offering free $5 gift cards to their first 200 Michigan followers. You should see the @MichWendysDeals piling up on their Twitter page. Here's what makes Wendy's promotion such a success:
1. They are offering real value. Although they haven't released the number of people who have signed up for Wendy's e-mail deals through their Twitter page, I'm willing to guess that it is the majority of Wendy's followers. Their website -- linked to often on their Twitter page -- offers several coupons that are actually good deals.
2. Wendy's is generating excitement with their offer of free $5 gift cards. Now, 200 $5 gift cards costs them $1,000 plus about $100 in postage, but nothing gets recession-depressed people more excited than free money, and a free gift card is the next best thing. I'm not kidding -- visit their Twitter page and read the responses after people got their gift card in the mail.
3. They are continuing the dialogue with people. Twitter is an active force in the new social networking paradigm, and Wendy's is constantly interacting with people -- making corny puns about boneless chicken wings as well as responding to specific questions and statements.
As far as I know, the gift card promotion is over, but many great deals remain! Great marketing work, Wendy's!
Full Disclosure: I can't wait to get my $5 gift card in the mail!
