Harley affect

        Rebellious, care-free, tough--the Harley Davidson personifies the all-American badass. As such, the company also pioneered an equally rebellious, and thoroughly unique, advertising technique: the posse ride. In a posse ride, hardcore Harley riders ride together on an organized route (courtesy of the Harley Davidson company). The rides help establish deeper connections between both the many riders and each other, and the riders and the company, creating a strong sense of community amongst all Harley owners. Despite these successful rides, the company could stand to integrate more techniques into their advertising.

         To explain a little more, these rides are organized by the Harley Davidson company to solidify the meaning of its brand to the people. The most intervention the company has in these events is during the events that it plans along the determined route. It's undeniable that such a freeing experience for the riders would fail to bring them together, which can only help their perception of the Harley Davidson company.

        However, continuous involvement in this events may not be in the best interest of the company. Many times over motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley riders will say that the greatest part of riding is the freedom. While the Harley Davidson company has a right to bring together its riders, it almost stands to benefit more from the riders controlling their own events.

        More than just the organization of these rides, the Harley Davidson company could benefit from social media involvement. Facebook, as well as other social media websites, have become some of the strongest and simplest ways to gather like-minded people together for spontaneous and organized events. Harley Davidson could evolve their posse rides to be self-created using social media, yet still retain the full endorsement of Harley Davidson--the ultimate freedom of travel for its members.

        Undoubtedly, Harley Davidson scored when the created the posse ride. This sense of community has solidified the company as an American icon. However, the company can be so much more than just an icon. If they adapt modern social media advertising techniques, they can push themselves to be just a relevent today as they ever have been in the past.