Can you think of your favorite Google Doodle of all time? I’m guessing you can. My favorite (so far) is Google’s fully functioning arcade-style Pac Man game, which made its debut in 2010, commemorating the game’s 30th anniversary. As Bird pointed out in a previous post, Google’s Doodles are creatively designed to reel in web surfers with interesting content that offers something new on a daily basis.
To make it even harder to break away from Google’s landing page, Google stepped up its content marketing game with interactive doodles, offering time-wasting fun for anyone looking for an excuse to be unproductive. (Just take a look at this Les Paul themed doodle if you don’t believe me.) Google’s Doodles are fantastic examples of content marketing that have turned die-hard Yahoo! and Bing users into Google fans forever. Let’s take a look at how it all started.
In 1998, the idea of using the “Google” name artistically came when one of the owners drew a stick figure behind the second “o” in the company name. From there, the idea was left to simmer for a couple years until 2000, when a webmaster was asked to create an artistic Google doodle in honor of Bastille Day. Because this move was such a big hit, the idea for ongoing “Google Doodles” content was born.
For over a decade, Google has become known for this amazing content which drives web surfers to the site just to see its latest creation. Google’s Doodles is an effective piece of content marketing because it increases consumer engagement, drives brand awareness, and gives “Googlers” something to look forward to.
See How They Did That?
One of the greatest things about Google’s Doodles is that it seamlessly integrates attention-grabbing content into their brand. Doodles provide web surfers with a fun way to pass the time while – see how they did that? – staring at the Google name. From holidays to celebrity birthdays to the anniversaries of world events, Google Doodles have included more than 1,500 unique designs celebrating a variety of occasions (even doodles in braille and Morse code.) For content marketers, introducing something enticing and fun on your website is a great way to achieve the “Google Doodle” effect.
Google’s Doodles Make Fans Famous
Google’s creators didn’t just soak up all the doodling fun for themselves. In a smart move, Google launched its “Doodle 4 Google” campaign, which invited school-aged children to create their own Google logos centered around a specific theme. This contest of sorts sparked creativity in children everywhere, calling them to action simply to see their work on the Google page. Like fan art, Google’s Doodles encourages user-generated content, which is a great way to promote brand awareness.
Have You Seen Today’s Doodle?
This is how we know Google’s Doodles are such a powerful piece of content marketing: We can’t wait for more! For veteran Google users, anticipating the subject of Google’s next doodle (and how it will impressively incorporate each letter of the company’s name) is always a bit of fun. Over 13 years since Google launched its company-themed artwork, Google’s Doodles continue to surprise and impress. What’s next, Google?
What is your favorite Google Doodle? Leave a comment and let us know!
Read more: Google Doodles As Daring Logo Marketing