McDonald’s Shamrock Shake
McDonald’s has been serving its famous Shamrock Shake for St. Patrick’s Day since 1970. The mint-flavored shake has become synonymous with the holiday and is a fan favorite. To promote the product, McDonald’s runs a marketing campaign every year that includes television and print ads, as well as social media promotions. The company also partners with local charities to donate a portion of the profits from the sale of Shamrock Shakes to support community initiatives.
Guinness’ “Stache for Charity”
Guinness, the famous Irish beer brand, launched a marketing campaign in 2013 called “Stache for Charity.” The campaign encouraged men to grow mustaches in support of the Movember Foundation, which raises awareness for men’s health issues. For every picture of a mustache shared on social media with the hashtag #GuinnessStache, Guinness donated $1 to the charity. The campaign was a huge success, with thousands of men participating and raising over $1 million for the Movember Foundation.
Jameson’s “Hometown Spirit”
Jameson, the Irish whiskey brand, launched a marketing campaign in 2019 called “Hometown Spirit.” The campaign was designed to celebrate the unique spirit of small Irish towns and communities. Jameson partnered with local businesses to create limited-edition bottles of whiskey that featured the names of these towns. The company also organized events in these towns that included tastings, live music, and food. The campaign was a hit, and it helped Jameson connect with its consumers on a more personal level.
Bailey’s “St. Patrick’s Day Shots”
Bailey’s, the Irish cream liqueur, launched a marketing campaign in 2020 called “St. Patrick’s Day Shots.” The campaign encouraged consumers to try new and creative ways to enjoy Bailey’s on St. Patrick’s Day. The company partnered with mixologists to create unique shot recipes that included Bailey’s and other ingredients such as coffee, mint, and chocolate. The campaign was promoted on social media, and Bailey’s offered discounts on its products to incentivize customers to try the new recipes.
Airbnb’s “Night at the Guinness Storehouse”
Airbnb, the online marketplace for short-term lodging, partnered with the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to offer customers a chance to spend a night at the iconic brewery. The “Night at the Guinness Storehouse” campaign offered a lucky winner and a guest a chance to spend the night in a private room at the brewery. The winner also got to experience a private tour of the brewery, a beer tasting session, and dinner at the rooftop Gravity Bar. The campaign was a huge success, and it generated a lot of buzz on social media.
In conclusion, these St. Patrick’s Day marketing campaigns are examples of how companies can leverage the holiday to connect with their customers and promote their products or services. From promoting a special product like the Shamrock Shake to creating unique experiences like a night at the Guinness Storehouse, these campaigns show that creativity and innovation are key to success in marketing.
