Google, Kansas

About a week ago we had a fun in-class assignment to come up with a quick marketing plan to promote the temporary name change of  Topeka, Kansas to Google, Kansas. Apparently, The city management did not follow through effectively with the idea, therefore loosing a valuable marketing edge.

This is the brief dialog that I had with a fellow student regarding the Google, Kansas social networking campaign:

Student:
So... Google, Kansas. What are your ideas for broadcasting it?

Besides the facebook fan page and adding everyone within the city limits, I was thinking about getting a twitter account.

Me:
And don't forget LinkedIn.

Student:
Great idea! Do you see a value in providing in an incentive for businesses that change their name for the length of the campaign?

Me:
Perhaps, as long as someone is helping them select a name. Otherwise there might be a lot of clunky or borderline appropriate names floating out there

Student:
I agree there would probably have to be a marketing division set up within the city government to help focus and run t he campaign.

Me:
Or a consulting contractor. Especially if this was to be a limited run. the cost would probably be better managed using an outside consultant or firm. Topeka Kansas probably already has a PR agency of some sort.

Student:
Good point! If the city already had a social networking person they might have to be temporarily refocused to work solely on this project.