The sound of… TACOS? Discover how this fast food’s bell rang in London!

From the desk of Miles Everson: Happy Thursday! I'm excited to share with you another example of a brilliant guerrilla marketing campaign. Guerrilla marketing holds a special place in my heart because it provides opportunities for marketers to engage with the public in a creative and cost-effective way. Today, let’s explore another example of this unconventional marketing strategy. Continue reading to know how this brand generated buzz for itself in the busy streets of London!

The sound of… TACOS? Discover how this fast food’s bell rang in London! What happens when you mix time-honored customs with a modern twist? The result is a thrilling fusion of cultures and flavors in the heart of London. Leading this flavorful blend was none other than Taco Bell, who introduced its iconic taste to the country in a unique and unconventional way. Taco Bell Meets Big Ben In 2018, Taco Bell was about to open its first store in London, and this meant that the iconic restaurant chain had to come up with a way to generate buzz for its newest branch and brand. Coincidentally, during this time, the Big Ben, London’s most famous clock tower underwent maintenance. So for a short period of time, those who roamed the bustling streets of London weren’t able to hear Big Ben’s chimes. Recognizing this opportunity, Taco Bell came up with a creative way to promote its entry into the London market. Its strategy? Take advantage of the temporary absence of Big Ben’s iconic chimes! While the Big Ben underwent maintenance, Taco Bell and its team discreetly installed multiple sets of custom-made speakers around the clock tower’s vicinity. This was done deliberately to make sure that bystanders would be able to hear the sounds made by the speakers. Afterwards, the restaurant chain and its team digitized and re-engineered the chime of the iconic clock tower, fusing its distinct sound with Taco Bell’s iconic jingle and the sound signature of 1980s FM synth pop. With perfect timing, the guerrilla marketing stunt was carried out just a few days before the opening of Taco Bell’s Hammersmith district branch. At exactly 20 seconds to the hour, the Taco Bell Big Ben chime filled the air, creating a moment of surprise and delight for passersby. This ingenious combination of tradition and unconventional marketing not only left a lasting impression but also paved the way for Taco Bell’s successful entry to London. By merging historical significance with modern marketing techniques, Taco Bell showcased its versatility and commitment to create buzz and excitement for its brand. However, this bold move wasn’t just about making noise—it was about making an impact. Let’s take a look at the impressive results of this guerrilla marketing stunt: The stunt achieved a 38 million social media reach and gained thousands of interactions across multiple social media channels Reputable media publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, and Bloomberg published articles about the campaign Google searches for “Taco Bell London” skyrocketed by 84% during the campaign. The stunt generated buzz for Taco Bell’s first branch in London as long queues were seen a few days after the stunt happened. Taco Bell UK’s Instagram followers increased by 41%, a significant growth in social media engagement. The campaign garnered a total of 1.2 billion impressions The results speak volumes about the campaign's success and Taco Bell’s ability to connect with its target audience. By executing a clever and unconventional marketing stunt, the iconic restaurant chain generated buzz for its brand. More importantly, its success offers us valuable insights about the power of guerrilla marketing. Taco Bell’s playful takeover of Big Ben’s chime was more than just a marketing stunt. It was a celebration of fun, creativity, and, of course, delicious food. With constant lines at its newly opened restaurants and a significant boost in social media presence, Taco Bell’s entry in London was nothing short of a triumph. In a world where marketing can sometimes feel stale, Taco Bell proves that guerrilla marketing can lead to some seriously delicious results! Get inspired, think creatively, and dare to be different—your next big marketing success could be just around the corner! 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Click on the link above to pre-order your copy. Let this book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work.     Stay tuned for next Thursday’s Gorillas of Guerrilla Marketing! Do you want to know how one candy brand turned years of hate into a marketing masterpiece? See it in next week’s article!