Detroit is on Lake Michigan

While on Facebook earlier today I noticed this ad:

I’m not from Detroit and have spent very little time in Detroit for being so close to it throughout college and the last year, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a considerable amount of Detroit pride to go with my Michigan pride.

Regardless, I was offended that a company (groupon.com) was using this to reach people about Detroit.  Really?  You’re using this?

Detroit is a rad city, but last time I checked it’s beach life wasn’t one of the high points.  And I’ve been around the Great Lakes enough to know that there aren’t many places where you can find water that green (perhaps at Picture Rocks National Lakeshore).

It aggravated me enough to click the ad and contact the advertisers.

I wrote:

I would like to learn more about why this image was chosen for a Detroit advertisement.  I’m offended that this is how you think you need to reach Detroiters.  What does this image have to do with Detroit?

I was surprised to get a response so soon (this is where it gets good)…

Hi Justin,

I just heard back from our marketing department and they said “Those are the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Michigan.”

:)

Really?! The last time I looked at a map Lake Michigan was still 170 miles from Detroit.

I’ve done a lot of Facebook advertising for various clients and personal projects.  It’s an amazing tool.  Props to them for doing some regional targeting, that works really well.  But to anyone else spending money on Facebook ads I suggest not ending the targeting at the headline.  No doubt I want to have “Fun in Detroit”.  But back it up with a graphic that screams Detroit, not a tropical paradise.  And take time to include it in the copy as well.  This ad’s copy just sounds like generic copy that was used to target every region in their campaign.

Finally, please get your facts straight, especially if a potential customer who just visited your site is making a complaint.  Lake Michigan is on the clear other side of Michigan.  Detroit actually sits on Lake St. Clair and really doesn’t even touch one of the Great Lakes. Here is a handy map for reference.

– Rant is end –

Rock on Detroit!