If you aren’t a fan of Jacket Potatoes and don’t know who Spudman is, you should still stick around because this blog isn’t going to be about cheese and beans. We are going to explore how the internet sensation ‘Spudman’ has found his calling online and rocketed his business to success. A Jacket Potato van is not a revolutionary idea, we see them every day no matter which city you’re in. Yet Spudman has managed to put the town of Tamworth on the map and capture the hearts and appetites of people from around the globe. In this blog post, we delve into five key marketing elements that have propelled Spudman to social media fame and business success, highlighting valuable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur or marketer.
The Face Behind the Spuds
Who would have thought over 100 million people would want to watch a man box up a jacket potato? Probably not many before Ben Newman, better known as Spudman, met fame similar to Binley Mega Chippy and numerous other businesses before. His world-famous jacket potato van has encountered 3-hour long queues with him taking as many selfies with fans as the potatoes he stuffs. With his infectious enthusiasm, generosity, and vibrant pink mohawk, Spudman has transformed a humble food trailer into a global sensation, attracting millions of loyal followers online and fans from every corner of the globe. He consistently posts videos on TikTok with a Go-Pro strapped to his head serving customers potatoes with a side of kindness. His impressive 62.4 million likes show that this content works wonders and is the reason for his loyal customer base that grows each passing day. But just how has he done it all so well?
Authenticity Sells
One of the most compelling aspects of Spudman’s marketing strategy is his authenticity. Ben Newman exudes genuine passion and enthusiasm for his craft with a heart-warming story behind his business. From offering potatoes on the house, to his warm interactions with customers, every aspect of Spudman’s brand reflects his unique personality and values. He has used his fame to raise thousands of pounds for kidney research after undergoing three failed transplants himself. In an era where consumers crave authenticity and transparency from brands, Spudman serves as a shining example of how staying true to oneself can resonate deeply with audiences.
The Lesson:
Spudman’s authenticity shines through in every interaction he has with customers, filming them to extend his kindness to a wider audience. Whether he’s cracking jokes, sharing personal anecdotes, or simply expressing gratitude for their patronage, Spudman makes everyone feel welcome and valued. Other businesses can emulate this approach by infusing their brand with personality and sincerity, fostering genuine connections with their customers and audience.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media
Spudman’s rise to fame can largely be attributed to his savvy use of social media, particularly on the platform, TikTok. By leveraging the visual and interactive nature of these platforms, Spudman has been able to showcase his delicious offerings, engage with his audience in real-time, and ultimately, attract a global following. His son’s introduction to TikTok proved to be a game-changer, demonstrating the importance of staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies in marketing.
The Lesson:
Spudman regularly posts behind-the-scenes videos, live customer interactions, and funny clips on his TikTok account, offering followers a glimpse into the inner workings of his business. This transparent approach not only builds trust and authenticity but also encourages user engagement. The long line of customers outside his van aren’t really there to get their jacket-fix, but to see Spudman himself. Other businesses can follow suit by leveraging social media to tell their brand story, connect with their audience on a deeper level, and ultimately, drive growth and awareness.
Creating Shareable Content
At the heart of Spudman’s social media strategy lies the creation of shareable content. Whether it’s mouth-watering photos of his jacket potatoes or behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at the van, Spudman consistently produces content that resonates with his audience and encourages them to spread the word. By tapping into the power of user-generated content and word-of-mouth marketing, Spudman has been able to amplify his reach and attract customers from far and wide which means he now sells around 1,500 taters a day!
The Lesson:
Spudman often encourages customers to share their Spudman experience on social media using specific hashtags or tags. This not only increases brand visibility but also creates a sense of community among his followers. Other businesses can replicate this strategy by incentivising customers to share their experiences, offering discounts, giveaways, or exclusive access to new products in exchange for user-generated content.
Giving Back to the Community
Beneath Spudman’s cool exterior and pink, spikey Mohawk lies a heart of gold. Despite facing personal health challenges, Spudman remains committed to giving back to his community and supporting charitable causes. His decision to donate proceeds from his business to kidney research and frequently handing out free potatoes not only demonstrates his altruism but also fosters a sense of goodwill and loyalty among his customers. Spudman’s generosity serves as a business super power.
The Lesson:
Spudman hosts regular charity events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns at his van, inviting customers to participate and contribute to worthy causes. This not only raises vital funds for charity but also strengthens Spudman’s bond with the community and enhances his brand reputation. Other businesses can follow suit by identifying causes that resonate with their audience, aligning their values, and actively giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
Building Personal Connections
Last but certainly not least, Spudman’s success can be attributed in large part to his ability to build personal connections with his customers. Whether it’s posing for selfies, sharing stories, or simply taking the time to chat, Spudman goes above and beyond to make every customer feel like a friend. In doing so, he not only fosters loyalty but also cultivates a sense of community around his brand. In an age of impersonal transactions and digital interactions, Spudman reminds us of the enduring power of human connection in marketing.
The Lesson:
Spudman’s friendly approach to simply dishing out potatoes not only enhances the customer experience but also fosters long-term loyalty and advocacy. Other businesses can emulate this approach by prioritising customer service, investing in staff training, and fostering genuine connections with their clientele.
In conclusion, Spudman’s journey from a small jacket potato van in Tamworth to a global sensation offers invaluable lessons for any business. By staying true to oneself, harnessing the power of social media, creating shareable content, giving back to the community, and building personal connections, Spudman has not only achieved remarkable success but also inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
As we reflect on the five key marketing elements that have propelled Spudman to fame and fortune, let us remember that sometimes, the simplest of ideas can yield the greatest rewards.
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