Last week I went to Disney World. It was a blast! I had never been there before so it was all new to me. My family and I had a wonderful time. At every turn I was thoroughly impressed by how professional everything was, the place was so clean and everyone was extremely nice and generous.

Having an all-seeing-marketing-eye, I couldn’t help but notice many amazing marketing techniques they use to bring in huge amounts of income, techniques you can apply to your own business.

One of the most obvious marketing techniques that Disney uses is their all pervasive merchandising and branding. They have Disney everything! From bags, to clothes, to spoons, to water bottles, you name it. They have so much merchandise and it’s all totally integrated with everything else they do. They have rides related to their movies and they sell everything related to that movie right outside the ride. They get you in the mood, then ask you to buy! You should be doing that in your business!

Are you selling a product or service online? If so, are you up-selling immediately after the sale? How many related products do you have to offer your customers? I bet if you thought about it you could come up with 10 or 20 more related products to sell to your customers, Disney sure does! Why not come up with an audio version of your ebook, a video version, how about a hard copy, one-on-one assistance, a study guide?

Another aspect of Disney World marketing is their customer service. I have never seen such great customer service on a vacation in my entire life. Anything you need or ask for is considered important and you always receive a cheerful response. Their staff is friendly and you can tell they truly value and work for their customers.

How do you treat your customers? Do you follow up with them after they have requested your help? Do you follow up with them after the purchase to make sure they received everything okay? Could you offer help in additional forms such as toll-free telephone support? Great customer service is one of the best investments you can make in your business, make sure you are treating your customers right.

Disney also knows their value. From the cost of the resort, to the cost of a hot dog, you are going to pay for it. But with the great entertainment value they provide and exceptional treatment you receive people in droves are willing to pay it. Sure Disney could charge you a few dollars less here and there, they would still remain in business, but they know what they are worth and they are not afraid to ask for it.

Too many times we devalue ourselves, our services, and our products. Sometimes it’s just a matter of asking for more which brings in more income. If you don’t value yourself and what you provide for your customers you won’t be asking for enough. So ask yourself if you could charge more, chances are you can.

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5 Comments on “Marketing Lessons from Disney World”

1. 
   Comment by eric - May 31, 2006 @ 11:55 pm

   Nice pic dude! You actually kind of fit in with the Incredibles

2. 
   Comment by Miles Baker - June 1, 2006 @ 11:24 am

   Haha, thanks!

3. 
   Comment by its_me_shaners - June 11, 2006 @ 2:27 pm

   Too funny Miles, looks like you should have been a stunt double.

4. 
   Comment by Sandy Hall - June 30, 2006 @ 6:28 pm

   Hey Miles,

   You couldn’t have the Incredibles give you a tight fitting super costume for the pic?

   You would have fit right in.. (Incredible Miles)

   Love Ya Miles…

   Warmest Regards,
   Sandy Hall

5. 
   Comment by Teri Harvey - April 16, 2007 @ 10:10 am

   Hey, Miles. I’m pleased that you had a great time at Disney World! I am on the Disney College Program and my major is marketing. If there is one thing I’ve learned from Disney it is that customer service is everything! Merchandizing is great, but it is the cast members that make the difference. We have a saying backstage at Disney “We make the magic.” The employees are given free reign to make the customer happy in whatever way they can. We think of new things every day (on our own) to make guests happy. Disney doesn’t tell us to do most of the good things we do. I put on my dork costume and a smile every day because I know I’m a part of one of the greatest shows on earth. If someone comes into work unhappy, I try my darndest to put a smile on their face whether it be entertaining their kids, giving them a free brownie, getting them into the restaurant as fast as I possibly can. As long as they know you are genuinely trying to make them happy, they will feel better. These are the things that keep them coming back year after year no matter what the cost. You can’t put a price on good customer service. It is priceless. I hope you come back and see us soon!

   Thanks

   Teri Harvey

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