Thursday, February 25, 2016

Vegas and The Mustang

Photo Credit : Slid found in Portland OR. by VLV (Vintage Las Vegas)


Good Morning Everyone!  Today's photo is from Sahara, Las Vegas, September 1967, for Throwback Thursday. 

Notice the baby blue Ford Mustang in the parking lot!  

Interesting, the Ford Mustang has been around for 51 years now, since the legendary muscle car first came off the assembly line in 1964.  It means the Mustang is not only a great car, but it also has loyal customers, who consider themselves as strong followers (fans) for the past 50 years.

Now, that's impressive! 

The fame of Las Vegas runs on the same loyalty, counting its success on   advertising campaigns, luring its loyal customers back year after year. Some guests will come back, not only once a year, but twice to even four times a year.

That would be us - Vegas Lovers

Like Ford, Las Vegas relies on clever slogans to help its guest make a decision to come to Vegas for a vacation, instead of Hawaii or Disneyland.  It means a strong advertising campaign is essential to grab the interest of potential tourists, worldwide.

It's a jungle out there! 


ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS 
  
Let's turn back the clock to 1956.  

Who remembers Mr. Lee Lacocca and his catchy slogan that captured American customers by storm?  

The marketing slogan was simple back then, it said,"56 for 56".   
Basically, "56 for 56" meant, you would only pay $56 per month for three years, with a 20 % down payment on a spanking brand new Ford in 1956. 

Pretty cool - right? 

I mean, now-a-days, a monthly payment of only $56 would be nothing short of a dream.  

Marketing paid off in 1956, but unfortunately from 1958 - 60's Ford gambled on the success of the 'Edson' (a family car) believing it would become the All American car for the average hard working family. 

No one bought it.

Meaning, the customer wasn't impressed with the Edson, making sales fail miserably.  The company lost $350 million dollars, so it had no choice but to scrap the Edson.  It quickly revamped its advertising campaigns, looking for another successful car.  All seemed lost until the rise of the Mustang from 1964 to 1968. 

You could say the Mustang was a galloping success, all the way to the bank. 

It was common to spot a mustang almost anywhere.  Just like that baby blue mustang you see in the photo, sitting in the parking lot at the Sahara, Las Vegas in 1967.

The Mustang was everyone's dream car.  

Then, in 1968, the iconic feature film, Bullitt, where rockstar Steve McQueen drove a brand new 1968 Mustang 390 GT during the heroic car chase through the suicide streets of San Francisco.  It quickly made the Mustang a legend! 

It was the year to get hold of a '68 Mustang GT fastback!  

Meanwhile, back in Vegas...


THE LEADING VEGAS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN 

Back in Vegas, corporate resorts treated their loyal guests to free meals, rooms and entertainment on a regular basis.  Gambling was the staple of their success. 

But, even though gambling still plays a big part in Vegas, tourism has changed drastically over the years.  Never before would you see the whole family in Vegas.  

It was always considered an adult playground, of sorts.

Even the famous marketing slogan, "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" was geared towards adults.  

This slogan was created by advertising executive Mark E. Brown during his time as President and Partner for R&R Partners ad agency.  A very successful ad campaign for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  

It was so successful, Las Vegas achieved a record-breaking 37.4 million visitors in 2004.

But, once again, things change rapidly in Vegas.  Advertising campaigns have changed, this time, through the use of social media. Obviously, advertising a leading campaign, with a catchy slogan, is a win win situation for everyone evolved, to say the least. 

I noticed Las Vegas resorts are playing around with different hashtags, seeing which one will capture the hearts of vacationers. 

Luring one to Las Vegas is truly a jungle out there.  

People are strapped for cash in our struggling economy and are searching for the best deal, to stretch their dollar as far as possible.

The best possible package including flight and hotel are on top of the list.  But, at the same time, they want to be treated special. VIP Class would certainly be a welcomed feature.

Just imagine if YOU can act like a Vegas Rockstar for a night or weekend, for a very reasonable price. 


Now, let's imagine you were responsible for the new marketing slogan for that Las Vegas Package.  

What catchy Las Vegas slogan would you pick ? 


I was thinking and came up with this possible example package, my pretend advertising campaign, of sorts : 

Are YOU tried of hearing about all those VIP's getting First Class Service? Don't you think YOU deserve to be treated the same?  
Well - Now YOU can!  
YOU have the opportunity to become an VIP Vegas Rock Star for 48 hrs with 4 of your friends.

FEATURING the VIP "Vegas RockStar 2424" OR "Vegas RockStar 24/24" 

For only $2424 you'll be treated to the luxury of a lifetime, all inclusive for the next 2 Days. That's right !  For just $2424 you will receive this awesome package: 

Luxury Limousine to your participating Vegas Resort, return.
Full use of the top Penthouse (choose one of these participating Vegas Resorts __________________) 
2 days of  Room Service ( Breakfasts for 4 guests)
1 Fine Dining meal for 4 guests
Private table at the all exclusive _______ Night Club for 4 guests.
The Spa for 4 guests.
Private Cabana poolside for 4 guests
On the hour, social guest photos on the participating Vegas Resort Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram.
$40 each of FREE PLAY 
Take a test drive of the Limited Edition 50th year Mustang at the Las Vegas  __________ race track. 

Note - All taxes and gratuities are not included. 
This package is worth an incredible $5000 !  Get it today while space is still available !  Call _______________ your personal concierge now!  Limited time offer.


IN CONCLUSION 

What do you think ?  Would it fly ?  Could this be the next successful advertising campaign ?  Possibly a 24 hour Package Plan for 4 or even 2 guests.  The ideas are endless! 

In Vegas, to be that cool rich VIP person, you would have to be someone like Don Johnson, the rockstar of gamblers.  
https://artistwriterblog.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/who-is-don-johnson/

But maybe, just maybe, with the all new Vegas slogan, the VIP "Vegas RockStar 24/24" you could be the next RockStar VIP Guest. 

I hope you enjoyed my article today and as always, See YOU in Vegas! 



#ThrowbackThursday #GottaVegas #VegasLovers