American Airlines has turned to YouTube as a means to market to small businesses.
It's all a way to get small businesses to sign up for American's Business ExtrAA program, a travel award and incentive program for smaller businesses.
Throughout 2010, American plans to air videos to promote its suite of business product for SMBs (small to medium-size busineses).
Here's a YouTube video featuring Bob Schwartz of Stirrings Beverages, a Business ExtrAA customer.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7RtEaa_L1s
Will this sort of pitch work?
One wonders how many small-business owners are watching YouTube these days.
Perhaps many are.
But, contrast American's tone with the usual consumer-oriented shenanigans from Southwest.
Here's a YouTube excerpt from its recent annual shareholder meeting.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2xQQtU_nkw
American will have to measure how its YouTube series will resonate with a business audience.
The airline currently is running a membership drive for Business ExtrAA.
Companies which enroll and have at least two employees fly a minimum of one eligible trip within 90 days earn 500 Business ExtrAA bonus points.
That's equivalent to an Admiral's Club day pass or 25% toward a free domestic roundtrip, the airline says.