Sticky Numbers

September 27, 2011

  by Dean Witherspoon   Dean's profile on LinkedIn  

Whenever you can, use a number in a program name or promotion. Examples: Walk 4 Today, 5 on 5, Health 4 the Holidays, 5 A Day, 6 Weeks to Wellness. Numbers stick — they're concrete and easy to understand. And a numeral can create a visual, branding impact that’s harder to achieve with words or symbols. Motel 6 and 7-11 have nothing to do with a $6 stay or a convenience store that’s open from 7 AM to 11 PM. But the identification is strong.

Some health promotion examples:

  • Sign up in the next 10 days and get a free heart-healthy cookbook
  • Be one of the first 50 registrants and get 50% off the participation fee
  • Answer 3 questions for the chance to win a full-body massage
  • 9 of 10 participants in NutriSum said they lost weight or are eating healthier
  • Take 3 minutes to complete this assessment — it may be your best time investment this week.

You get the idea. For your next program or promotion, take 30 minutes to brainstorm how you can build numbers into the equation.