Every business wants to create a buzz that brings customers back again and again. In a digital world, word of mouth isn’t just spread by great customer experiences – it’s spread online.
CH Distillery, a Chicago-based distillery that makes vodka, gin and other spirits from locally grown grains, wanted to generate some buzz. The business, which opened in 2013, not only sells its signature spirits but also offers tours, a cocktail bar and dinner.
With so much going on, the business was ready to reach new customers and get people talking about this unique hangout online and on social channels. So, the business launched an influencer marketing campaign.
The distilled truth about influencer marketing
To build word of mouth campaigns, more businesses are using influencer marketing. Think of an influencer as an online celebrity; someone with a great digital following. Businesses team up with influencers and have them promote their business on their channels.
Influencer marketing isn’t new, but it is growing. A recent study from Schlesinger Associates shows 84 percent of marketing and communications professionals will launch at least one influencer marketing campaign this year. Of those that have used influencer marketing in the past, 81 percent of them found it effective.
Shaken, not stirred: The distillery’s campaign details
To get the word out, the distillery worked with bloggers and Instagrammers. Three Instagrammers shared photos of the business, and influencers posted a total of 26 blogs.
Let’s take a look at one of the sponsored blog posts by Maggie Roush, founder of the blog, The Love Nerds. Her blog focuses on all sorts of things from entertainment in her hometown of Chicago to crafts and DIY parties.
She wrote an article, “5 Reasons You Should Visit CH Distillery.” Roush took the tour, and spent some time learning about the business. She talks about the distilling process, the parts should found interesting and the unique sample visitors get at the end. Visitors try a sample of vodka alongside rye bread and pickles, which is the distillery’s take on a Russian tradition.
The details in the post make it compelling, but the words aren’t the only thing that jump out. The post is full of great pictures. The pictures showcase everything, from the distillery to the fancy drinks and food. Here are some of the images she shared:
In addition to using attention-grabbing photos, Roush made sure the pictures were all shareable on Pinterest with a single click. Yet another feature that can spread the word for CH Distillery.
You can read the full post, and see the cool images on The Love Nerds website.
Let’s take a look at one of the posts shared by an Instagrammer for this campaign, too. Jessica Lang, a Chicago-based fashion and style enthusiast, has 17,000 followers. She shared a great shot of a drink on a branded barrel and mentioned the upcoming events at CH Distillery.
Notice the comment section – her followers already want to check out the business.” That’s exactly the kind of engagement the distillery is looking for.
Plus, CH Distillery gets involved in the conversation too. It’s a great partnership that generates the digital word of mouth the business wants from the campaign.
