Jaguar revs up F-Type marketing via Instagram contest

Jaguar North America is prompting users of mobile image-sharing application Instagram to capture the essence of the brand for the chance to be one of the first U.S. drivers of the F-Type model.

The automaker is giving users an unlimited amount of entries to the contest and encouraging them to share their images with as many friends as possible. Jaguar USA is spreading the word about the contest via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

"Face-gramming is a powerful combo," said Paul Farkas, cofounder/CEO of ULN Ultra Lifestyle Network, New York. "Jaguar's luxury photo contest is designed well and runs ample currency.

"The dynamic photo layout compliments a long heritage of color and classic bodies," he said. "Being whisked away to track-drive new models whets expressive submission and voter return engagement.

"Proud drivers and stylish up-and-comers are motivated to enter."

Mr. Farkas is not affiliated with Jaguar, but agreed to comment as an industry expert.

Jaguar North America was not available for comment before press deadline.

Faster than a Jag

The #CaptureAJag campaign invites users to submit their Instagram images of a Jaguar vehicle that best show the spirit of the brand. Jaguar is using the tagline, “Your picture. Your chance. Your turn.”  

Instagram users must tag their images with the campaign hashtag to enter the contest. Also, Jaguar is encouraging users to share the images with their friends for a better chance to win.

Then, entrants must “like” Jaguar on Facebook and use the F-Type Community app to submit their images.

F-Type Community app 

This app houses all of the information about the contest including instructions to enter, a feed of existing images and the prize description.

Users can also sign up to become a member and receive more information about the F-Type.

Membership form 

Jaguar is using custom URL http://bit.ly/captureajagapp to bring users to the app.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 1.

The automaker will announce the contest finalists Feb. 8. Facebook users will be able to vote on their favorites at that time.

Based on the submissions, Jaguar will choose a winner who will be among the first in the United States to drive the F-Type. The prize includes a three-night hotel stay, a Jaguar vehicle to use during the trip and the opportunity to participate in an F-Type test drive.

Jaguar is pulling all the stops to make its social followers aware of the contest.

On Facebook, the automaker updated its cover image to reflect the contest and dedicated numerous posts to the effort.

Jaguar USA Facebook page 

The automaker also took out Facebook ads to direct users straight from their News Feed to the F-Type community app.

Facebook ad 

Similar efforts on Jaguar’s U.S. Google+ page push the contest.

Jaguar is also using the #CaptureAJag on Twitter to post about the contest and repost Instagram images.

@Jaguar USA tweets 

More than hype

Jaguar has been hyping the F-Type of quite some time via digital. 

Back in April, the automaker kicked off its digital efforts with a mysterious social video to encourage users to sign up for email updates.

The 90-second video begins with a red line that bounds across the viewing plane. The black background slowly fades to a scene of the F-Type covered in large red cloth.

First F-Type video

The video as well as the initial social efforts spoke to consumers’ curiosity about the new sports car and asked them to register for email updates about the model.

Now, it seems that Jaguar is recognizing the power of image sharing via social media.

"Brands recognize Instagram and Pinterest as new battlegrounds for photo journalism and artist advocacy," Mr. Farkas said. "Microvlogging is next.

"Running campaigns is much about requisite learning of inter-storytelling in these new environments as it is building credibility and community with the social consumer audience," he said.

Final Take
Tricia Carr, editorial assistant on Luxury Daily, New York