KFC’s Latest Marketing Campaign: $11,000 to Parents Who Name Their Baby Harland

In celebration of Colonel Harland Sanders’ 128^th birthday, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has prompted soon-to-be parents with a contest.

Last year, the U.S. Social Security Administration listed Harland as the 3,257^th most common baby name. In an effort to create a new generation of Harlands, KFC is offering a college tuition donation to the first baby named Harland on September 9, 2018, the Colonel’s 128^th birthday.

The winner will receive $11,000 for the baby’s college education, which represents KFC’s beloved 11 herbs and spices that make their chicken so delicious.

Participants can enter their babies to win the $11,000 in college tuition on KFC's Baby Harland site.

Would people really name their child Harland to reap the benefits of this contest? We asked our office to find out.

I’m not sure if anyone will name their kid Harland, but I think this will definitely create enough buzz for the brand. Whether it’s because someone is given the name Harland or because this gets so much attention, I’m sure KFC will see more success.

I think someone out there will name their baby Harland. I don’t know how many people will enter, but there’s got to be someone who will. College tuition, no matter how much, is a good prize.

It’s a great PR play because it speaks to their corporate philanthropy. It’s combining their brand marketing and their corporate purpose. It’s brave. And someone, somewhere will name their child Harland.

KFC found an interesting way to engage their consumers and liven up their marketing.

Read more about KFC’s business in Fried Chicken Wars: The Top 5 Chains Go Head to Head.

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About the Author

Rachel Schulties is the Executive Vice President of Agency Services at Digital Media Solutions (DMS), the fastest growing independent agency focused on performance marketing. As the leader of the agency team, Rachel oversees client relationships, agency services, the award-winning Sparkroom performance technology and technical support function that helps clients boost performance and redefine the win. Since its inception, DMS has evolved into a full-service performance marketing company that services firms within highly complex and competitive industries including mortgage, education, insurance, consumer brands, automotive, jobs and careers. DMS has achieved incredible year-over-year growth, which has earned recognition on the Inc. 5000 list in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

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