Unlock fb ad Success with Adorable Dogs (Proven Engagement Tactics)

Let me tell you a secret, one that’s been wagging its tail in plain sight for years: dogs sell. And I’m not just talking about pet food or chew toys. In the increasingly noisy and competitive landscape of Facebook advertising, where attention spans are shorter than a chihuahua’s legs and ad fatigue sets in faster than you can say “fetch,” the humble dog offers a surprisingly powerful solution.

I’ve been in the digital marketing game for over a decade, and I’ve seen trends come and go. Remember when everyone was obsessed with autoplay videos? Or when pop-ups were considered a good thing? (Shudder.) But one thing has remained constant: the universal appeal of the canine companion. People love dogs. They connect with them on an emotional level that’s hard to replicate with any other image or concept.

Think about it. When you’re scrolling through your Facebook feed, bombarded with ads for everything from weight loss programs to online courses, what makes you stop and actually look? Often, it’s something relatable, something heartwarming, something…well, something dog-related.

This isn’t just a hunch. It’s backed by science, data, and a whole lot of successful ad campaigns. In this article, I’m going to dive deep into the world of dog-powered Facebook advertising, revealing the proven engagement tactics that can transform your ad performance and help you cut through the noise.

I’m going to show you:

• Why dogs are so effective at capturing attention and driving engagement.
• How to craft the perfect ad featuring adorable dogs, from selecting the right visuals to writing compelling copy.
• A treasure trove of engaging content ideas featuring our furry friends.
• How to measure the success of your dog-themed ads and optimize them for maximum ROI.
• Real-world success stories from brands that have successfully leveraged the power of dogs in their Facebook advertising.

So, grab your favorite dog treat (or a cup of coffee – whatever works!), and let’s unleash the power of adorable dogs in your Facebook ads!

Section 1: The Science Behind Dog-Driven Engagement

Why are dogs so darn captivating? It’s more than just their wagging tails and puppy-dog eyes (though those certainly help!). There’s a solid scientific basis for our deep connection with these furry creatures, and understanding that science is key to unlocking their potential in your advertising.

Think about the last time you saw a picture of a dog. Did you smile? Did you feel a little bit happier? That’s not an accident. Studies have shown that even brief exposure to images of dogs can trigger the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in our brains. It’s a physiological response, hardwired into our DNA.

The Power of Oxytocin:

One of the key players in this emotional connection is oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or the “cuddle hormone.” Research has demonstrated that interacting with dogs, even just looking at them, can increase oxytocin levels in both humans and dogs. This surge of oxytocin promotes bonding, reduces stress, and fosters feelings of trust and affection.

Nostalgia and Warmth:

Beyond the immediate chemical response, dogs also tap into our sense of nostalgia and warmth. Many of us grew up with dogs, and those childhood memories are often deeply ingrained in our subconscious. Seeing a dog can instantly transport us back to a simpler time, evoking feelings of comfort and security.

The Numbers Don’t Lie:

But it’s not just about feelings. The data backs up the anecdotal evidence. Studies have shown that ads featuring animals, particularly dogs, consistently outperform ads without them in terms of engagement, click-through rates, and brand recall.

• Engagement: A study by Kantar Millward Brown found that ads featuring animals were 47% more likely to be emotionally engaging.
• Click-Through Rates: A report by MarketingProfs showed that ads with dogs in them had a 20% higher click-through rate compared to ads without animals.
• Brand Recall: Research from Nielsen revealed that brands using animals in their advertising had a 10% higher brand recall rate.

Emotional Branding: Connecting with Hearts and Minds:

This brings us to the concept of emotional branding. Emotional branding is about creating a connection with your audience on an emotional level, rather than just focusing on the features and benefits of your product or service. It’s about tapping into their values, their aspirations, and their emotions.

Dogs are a shortcut to emotional branding. They provide an instant connection, a shared experience, and a feeling of warmth and positivity that can be difficult to achieve through other means.

Examples of Successful Dog-Driven Campaigns:

Let’s look at some real-world examples of brands that have successfully leveraged dogs in their Facebook ads:

• Purina: The pet food giant is a master of dog-centric advertising. Their Facebook ads often feature heartwarming stories of rescue dogs, showcasing the positive impact of their products on the lives of these animals.
• Subaru: Known for its “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” campaign, Subaru has built its brand around the active lifestyle of dog owners. Their Facebook ads frequently feature dogs enjoying outdoor adventures in their vehicles, reinforcing their brand image.
• BarkBox: This subscription box service for dogs has built its entire business model around the love of dogs. Their Facebook ads are filled with adorable pups enjoying their latest BarkBox goodies, driving subscriptions and building a loyal community.

These brands understand the power of dogs to connect with their target audience on an emotional level. They’re not just selling products; they’re selling a feeling, a lifestyle, and a shared love for our furry friends.

Key Takeaways:

• Humans have a deep-seated emotional connection with dogs, rooted in science and nostalgia.
• Ads featuring dogs consistently outperform ads without them in terms of engagement, click-through rates, and brand recall.
• Dogs provide a shortcut to emotional branding, helping you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Next Steps:

• Think about how you can incorporate dogs into your brand’s messaging and visual identity.
• Research your target audience to understand their attitudes and preferences towards dogs.
• Start brainstorming creative content ideas that leverage the power of dog-driven engagement.

Section 2: Crafting the Perfect Ad Featuring Adorable Dogs

Okay, so you’re convinced that dogs can boost your Facebook ad performance. Great! But simply slapping a picture of a random dog on your ad isn’t going to cut it. You need to craft a compelling ad that resonates with your target audience and effectively communicates your message.

I’ve seen so many ads featuring dogs that just fall flat. They’re either poorly executed, irrelevant to the product or service being advertised, or just plain boring. The key is to be strategic, creative, and authentic.

Let’s break down the essential elements of an effective Facebook ad that includes dogs:

1. Visuals: Capturing the Essence of Canine Charm

Your visuals are the first thing people will see, so they need to be eye-catching, high-quality, and relevant to your message. Think of your visuals as the “hook” that grabs their attention and entices them to learn more.

• High-Quality Images and Videos: This should be a no-brainer, but I’m still surprised by how many ads I see with blurry, pixelated images. Invest in professional photography or videography if possible. If not, make sure you’re using high-resolution images from reputable stock photo sites.
• Authenticity is Key: Avoid overly staged or cheesy photos. People can spot a fake a mile away. Aim for natural, candid shots that capture the genuine personality of the dog.
• Showcase the Dog’s Personality: Is the dog playful? Energetic? Cuddly? Make sure the visuals reflect those traits. This will help you connect with your target audience on a more emotional level.
• Relevance Matters: The dog should be relevant to your product or service. If you’re selling pet supplies, that’s easy. But if you’re selling something completely unrelated, you’ll need to get creative. For example, if you’re selling software, you could use a dog to represent reliability, loyalty, or problem-solving skills.
• Action Shots: Consider using action shots that show the dog interacting with your product or service. This can be a great way to demonstrate its benefits and features.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: Don’t just stick with one type of visual. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions to see what resonates best with your audience.

2. Copywriting: Telling a Compelling Story

Your ad copy is your chance to tell a story, communicate your message, and persuade people to take action. It should be clear, concise, and compelling.

• Know Your Audience: Write in a language that resonates with your target audience. Are you targeting dog lovers? Pet parents? Active individuals? Tailor your message accordingly.
• Highlight the Benefits: Focus on the benefits of your product or service, rather than just the features. How will it improve their lives or the lives of their dogs?
• Use Emotional Language: Tap into the emotions that people associate with dogs, such as love, loyalty, and companionship.
• Keep it Concise: People have short attention spans, so get to the point quickly. Use short sentences and paragraphs to make your copy easy to read.
• Include a Clear Call to Action: Tell people what you want them to do. Do you want them to visit your website? Sign up for your newsletter? Make a purchase? Make it clear and easy for them to take action.
• Dog-Themed Taglines: Consider using taglines that incorporate dog themes, such as “Unleash Your Potential,” “Fetch Your Dreams,” or “The Paw-fect Solution.”
• A/B Test Your Copy: Experiment with different headlines, body text, and calls to action to see what performs best.

3. Targeting: Reaching the Right Audience

Even the most beautiful ad with the cutest dog in the world will fail if you’re not targeting the right audience. Facebook offers a wide range of targeting options, allowing you to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.

• Interest-Based Targeting: Target people who have expressed an interest in dogs, pets, or specific dog breeds.
• Demographic Targeting: Target people who are dog owners, pet parents, or live in pet-friendly areas.
• Behavioral Targeting: Target people who have purchased pet products online, visited pet-related websites, or engaged with pet-related content on Facebook.
• Lookalike Audiences: Create lookalike audiences based on your existing customer base or website visitors. This can be a great way to reach new people who are likely to be interested in your product or service.
• Custom Audiences: Upload your own customer list to create a custom audience. This allows you to target your existing customers with personalized ads.
• Layer Your Targeting: Combine different targeting options to narrow down your audience and reach the most relevant people.
• Don’t Over-Target: Be careful not to over-target your audience, as this can limit your reach and increase your costs.

Example: A Local Dog Walker Ad

Let’s say you’re a local dog walker looking to attract new clients. Here’s an example of how you could craft the perfect Facebook ad:

• Visual: A high-quality photo of a happy dog being walked in a local park.
• Copy: “Give your furry friend the exercise and attention they deserve! I’m a local dog walker offering reliable and affordable dog walking services. Let me help you keep your dog happy and healthy. Book your free consultation today! [Link to website]”
• Targeting:
  • Location: Target people who live within a 5-mile radius of your service area.
  • Interests: Target people who have expressed an interest in dogs, pets, or dog walking.
  • Demographics: Target people who are dog owners or pet parents.

• Location: Target people who live within a 5-mile radius of your service area.
• Interests: Target people who have expressed an interest in dogs, pets, or dog walking.
• Demographics: Target people who are dog owners or pet parents.

Key Takeaways:

• Crafting the perfect ad featuring adorable dogs requires a strategic approach that combines high-quality visuals, compelling copy, and targeted advertising.
• Your visuals should be eye-catching, authentic, and relevant to your message.
• Your ad copy should be clear, concise, and emotionally engaging.
• Your targeting should be precise and focused on reaching the right audience.

Next Steps:

• Start brainstorming visual ideas for your dog-themed ads.
• Write compelling ad copy that tells a story and highlights the benefits of your product or service.
• Research your target audience and identify the most relevant targeting options.

Section 3: Engaging Content Ideas Featuring Dogs

Now that you know the basics of crafting a dog-themed Facebook ad, let’s dive into some creative content ideas that can help you engage your audience and drive results. I’ve seen it all, from the brilliant to the bizarre, and I’m here to share the best of the best.

The key is to think outside the box and come up with content that is both entertaining and relevant to your brand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

Here are some engaging content ideas featuring dogs:

1. User-Generated Content (UGC): Unleash the Power of Your Community

User-generated content is any content created by your customers or fans, rather than by your brand. It’s a powerful way to build trust, increase engagement, and generate authentic social proof.

• Photo Contests: Encourage your customers to share photos of their dogs using your product or service. Offer prizes for the best photos.
• Caption Contests: Post a photo of a dog and ask your audience to write a funny or creative caption.
• Video Testimonials: Ask your customers to record short video testimonials about how your product or service has benefited their dogs.
• Dog of the Week/Month: Feature a different customer’s dog each week or month on your Facebook page.
• Share Customer Stories: Share heartwarming stories about how your product or service has helped a dog in need.

Example: A Pet Insurance Company

A pet insurance company could run a photo contest asking customers to share photos of their dogs being adventurous. They could offer a prize for the “Most Adventurous Dog” and feature the winning photo in their Facebook ads.

2. Storytelling: Weaving Tales of Canine Companionship

People love stories, especially stories about dogs. Use storytelling to connect with your audience on an emotional level and communicate your brand’s values.

• Dog’s Journey: Tell the story of a dog’s journey from rescue to adoption, highlighting the positive impact of your product or service along the way.
• Heartwarming Narratives: Share heartwarming stories about the bond between humans and dogs.
• Behind-the-Scenes Look: Give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at how your products are made or how your services are delivered, featuring dogs as part of the process.
• Dog’s Perspective: Write a blog post or create a video from the perspective of a dog, sharing their thoughts and feelings about your product or service.

Example: A Dog Food Brand

A dog food brand could tell the story of a rescue dog who was malnourished and underweight. They could show how their dog food helped the dog regain its health and energy, highlighting the nutritional benefits of their product.

3. Seasonal and Thematic Ads: Celebrating the Seasons with Our Furry Friends

Take advantage of holidays and events to create dog-themed ads that are timely and relevant.

• Halloween Costumes: Share photos of dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes.
• Christmas Gift Ideas: Offer gift ideas for dog owners and their furry friends.
• Summer Safety Tips: Share tips on how to keep dogs safe and cool during the summer months.
• Back-to-School Tips: Share tips on how to help dogs adjust to the back-to-school routine.
• Dog-Themed Recipes: Share recipes for homemade dog treats or meals.

Example: A Pet Supply Store

A pet supply store could create a Facebook ad featuring dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes, promoting their selection of pet costumes and accessories.

4. Educational Content: Sharing Knowledge and Building Trust

Provide valuable information to your audience about dog care, training, and health. This will help you build trust and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.

• Dog Training Tips: Share tips on how to train dogs to sit, stay, come, and other basic commands.
• Dog Health Advice: Share advice on how to keep dogs healthy and prevent common illnesses.
• Breed-Specific Information: Provide information about different dog breeds, including their temperament, exercise needs, and health concerns.
• Dog Nutrition Guidance: Offer guidance on how to choose the right dog food and ensure that your dog is getting the nutrients they need.

Example: A Veterinarian Clinic

A veterinarian clinic could create a Facebook ad sharing tips on how to prevent heartworm in dogs, promoting their heartworm prevention services.

5. Interactive Content: Engaging Your Audience in Real-Time

Use interactive content to encourage your audience to participate and engage with your brand.

• Quizzes: Create fun quizzes about dog breeds, dog care, or dog trivia.
• Polls: Ask your audience questions about their dogs’ favorite toys, treats, or activities.
• Live Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions with dog experts, such as veterinarians, trainers, or groomers.
• Contests and Giveaways: Run contests and giveaways to reward your audience for their participation.

Example: A Dog Toy Company

A dog toy company could create a quiz asking people to guess their dog’s personality based on their toy preferences. They could offer a discount code to everyone who completes the quiz.

Case Studies: Learning from Success

Let’s look at some case studies of campaigns that have successfully implemented these ideas:

• GoPro: GoPro frequently features videos of dogs wearing GoPro cameras, capturing their adventures from a unique perspective. This user-generated content is highly engaging and showcases the durability and versatility of their cameras.
• Airbnb: Airbnb has partnered with animal shelters to create Airbnb Experiences that allow people to spend time with rescue dogs. This is a great way to promote their platform while also supporting a good cause.
• Zappos: Zappos has a dedicated Instagram account called @zapposdogs that features photos of employees’ dogs. This humanizes their brand and creates a connection with their audience.

Key Takeaways:

• Engaging content is key to success in Facebook advertising.
• Think outside the box and come up with content that is both entertaining and relevant to your brand.
• User-generated content, storytelling, seasonal ads, educational content, and interactive content are all great ways to engage your audience.

Next Steps:

• Brainstorm creative content ideas that feature dogs and align with your brand’s messaging and values.
• Create a content calendar to plan out your dog-themed Facebook ads.
• Start experimenting with different types of content to see what resonates best with your audience.

Section 4: Measuring Success and Optimizing Dog-Themed Ads

You’ve created a fantastic dog-themed Facebook ad campaign, but how do you know if it’s actually working? Measuring your results and optimizing your campaigns is crucial to maximizing your ROI.

I’ve seen too many marketers launch ad campaigns and then just sit back and hope for the best. That’s a recipe for disaster. You need to be actively monitoring your results and making adjustments as needed.

Here are the key performance indicators (KPIs) to track when running dog-themed Facebook ads:

• Engagement Rate: This measures how much your audience is interacting with your ads. It includes likes, comments, shares, and clicks. A high engagement rate indicates that your content is resonating with your audience.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): This measures the percentage of people who see your ad and click on it. A high CTR indicates that your ad is relevant and compelling.
• Conversion Rate: This measures the percentage of people who click on your ad and then take a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up for your newsletter, or downloading your app. A high conversion rate indicates that your ad is effective at driving results.
• Cost Per Click (CPC): This measures the average cost you pay each time someone clicks on your ad. A low CPC indicates that your ad is efficient at driving traffic to your website.
• Cost Per Acquisition (CPA): This measures the average cost you pay for each conversion. A low CPA indicates that your ad is efficient at driving results.
• Reach: This measures the number of unique people who have seen your ad.
• Frequency: This measures the average number of times each person has seen your ad. A high frequency can lead to ad fatigue.

Using Facebook Analytics to Track Your Results:

Facebook Analytics provides a wealth of data that you can use to track the performance of your dog-themed ads.

• Demographics: See the age, gender, location, and interests of the people who are engaging with your ads.
• Behavior: See how people are interacting with your ads, including which links they are clicking on and which actions they are taking.
• Attribution: See which ads are driving the most conversions and revenue.

A/B Testing: Finding the Winning Combination:

A/B testing is a powerful way to optimize your dog-themed ads. It involves creating two versions of your ad, with one element changed, and then testing them against each other to see which performs better.

• Test Different Visuals: Experiment with different photos or videos of dogs.
• Test Different Headlines: Try different headlines to see which ones grab attention.
• Test Different Body Text: Experiment with different body text to see which ones resonate with your audience.
• Test Different Calls to Action: Try different calls to action to see which ones drive the most conversions.
• Test Different Targeting Options: Experiment with different targeting options to see which ones reach the most relevant audience.

Example: A Dog Training Company

A dog training company could A/B test two different headlines for their Facebook ad:

• Headline A: “Train Your Dog Like a Pro”
• Headline B: “Unlock Your Dog’s Potential”

They could then track the click-through rate and conversion rate for each headline to see which performs better.

Optimizing Your Campaigns: Making Adjustments for Maximum ROI:

Based on your results, you can make adjustments to your dog-themed ads to improve their performance.

• Adjust Your Targeting: If you’re not reaching the right audience, adjust your targeting options.
• Refine Your Visuals: If your visuals aren’t eye-catching, try different photos or videos.
• Rewrite Your Ad Copy: If your ad copy isn’t compelling, rewrite it to be more engaging and persuasive.
• Adjust Your Budget: If your CPA is too high, adjust your budget or try different targeting options.
• Pause Underperforming Ads: If an ad is not performing well, pause it and focus on your top-performing ads.

Key Takeaways:

• Measuring your results and optimizing your campaigns is crucial to maximizing your ROI.
• Track key performance indicators such as engagement rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, CPC, and CPA.
• Use Facebook Analytics to track the performance of your dog-themed ads.
• A/B test different ad elements to find the winning combination.
• Make adjustments to your campaigns based on your results.

Next Steps:

• Set up tracking for your dog-themed Facebook ads.
• Monitor your results regularly.
• Start A/B testing different ad elements.
• Make adjustments to your campaigns based on your results.

Section 5: Real-World Success Stories

Let’s get inspired by some real-world success stories from brands that have successfully leveraged adorable dogs in their Facebook ads. These examples showcase the power of dogs to connect with audiences, drive engagement, and boost brand awareness.

1. Subaru: The Dog-Loving Car Brand

Subaru has built its entire brand around the active lifestyle of dog owners. Their “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” campaign is one of the most successful and recognizable in the automotive industry.

• Strategy: Subaru’s Facebook ads frequently feature dogs enjoying outdoor adventures in their vehicles. They use high-quality photos and videos that capture the joy and companionship of dogs.
• Results: Subaru has seen a significant increase in brand awareness and sales as a result of their dog-themed advertising. They have also built a loyal community of dog owners who are passionate about their brand.
• Key Takeaway: Authenticity is key. Subaru genuinely loves dogs, and that comes through in their advertising.

2. Purina: The Pet Food Giant

Purina is a master of dog-centric advertising. Their Facebook ads often feature heartwarming stories of rescue dogs, showcasing the positive impact of their products on the lives of these animals.

• Strategy: Purina uses storytelling to connect with their audience on an emotional level. Their ads often feature before-and-after photos of rescue dogs, highlighting the transformation that their products have made.
• Results: Purina has seen a significant increase in brand loyalty and sales as a result of their dog-themed advertising. They have also built a strong reputation for supporting animal welfare.
• Key Takeaway: Storytelling can be a powerful way to connect with your audience and communicate your brand’s values.

3. BarkBox: The Subscription Box for Dogs

BarkBox has built its entire business model around the love of dogs. Their Facebook ads are filled with adorable pups enjoying their latest BarkBox goodies, driving subscriptions and building a loyal community.

• Strategy: BarkBox uses user-generated content to showcase their products. Their ads often feature photos and videos of customers’ dogs playing with their BarkBox toys and treats.
• Results: BarkBox has seen explosive growth as a result of their dog-themed advertising. They have built a highly engaged community of dog owners who are passionate about their brand.
• Key Takeaway: User-generated content is a powerful way to build trust and generate authentic social proof.

4. Rover.com: The Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Platform

Rover.com connects dog owners with trusted dog walkers and pet sitters. Their Facebook ads often feature adorable dogs being walked or cared for by Rover.com sitters.

• Strategy: Rover.com uses location-based targeting to reach dog owners in their service area. Their ads often feature photos of local dogs being walked or cared for by local sitters.
• Results: Rover.com has seen a significant increase in brand awareness and bookings as a result of their dog-themed advertising. They have also built a strong network of trusted sitters.
• Key Takeaway: Location-based targeting can be a powerful way to reach your target audience.

5. The Farmer’s Dog: Fresh, Healthy Dog Food

The Farmer’s Dog delivers fresh, healthy dog food directly to customers’ doors. Their Facebook ads often feature before-and-after photos of dogs who have switched to their food, highlighting the positive impact on their health and energy levels.

• Strategy: The Farmer’s Dog uses data-driven advertising to target dog owners who are concerned about their dogs’ health. Their ads often feature testimonials from veterinarians and dog owners.
• Results: The Farmer’s Dog has seen rapid growth as a result of their dog-themed advertising. They have built a strong reputation for providing high-quality, healthy dog food.
• Key Takeaway: Data-driven advertising can be a powerful way to reach your target audience and communicate your brand’s value proposition.

Key Takeaways:

• These real-world success stories demonstrate the power of dogs to connect with audiences, drive engagement, and boost brand awareness.
• Authenticity, storytelling, user-generated content, location-based targeting, and data-driven advertising are all key strategies for success.
• Get inspired by these examples and start incorporating adorable dogs into your own Facebook ads.

Next Steps:

• Analyze these success stories and identify the strategies that resonate with your brand.
• Brainstorm creative ways to incorporate dogs into your own Facebook ads.
• Start experimenting with different approaches and track your results.

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of our journey into the wonderful world of dog-powered Facebook advertising. I hope you’ve learned a thing or two about how to leverage the universal appeal of adorable dogs to boost your ad performance and connect with your target audience on a deeper level.

Let’s recap the key takeaways:

• Dogs are scientifically proven to evoke positive emotions and increase engagement.
• Crafting the perfect dog-themed ad requires a strategic approach that combines high-quality visuals, compelling copy, and targeted advertising.
• Engaging content ideas include user-generated content, storytelling, seasonal ads, educational content, and interactive content.
• Measuring your results and optimizing your campaigns is crucial to maximizing your ROI.
• Real-world success stories demonstrate the power of dogs to drive engagement and boost brand awareness.

The digital advertising landscape is constantly evolving, but one thing remains constant: the power of human connection. Dogs provide a shortcut to that connection, helping you cut through the noise and resonate with your audience on an emotional level.

So, I encourage you to consider how you can creatively incorporate dogs into your own Facebook ad campaigns. Experiment with the tactics outlined in this article, track your results, and don’t be afraid to have fun.

And finally, I’d love to hear about your own experiences with dog-themed ads. Share your successes, your failures, and your creative ideas in the comments below. Let’s build a community of marketers who are passionate about harnessing the power of adorable dogs to achieve their advertising goals.

Now go forth and unleash the power of adorable dogs in your Facebook ads! Your furry friends (and your bottom line) will thank you for it.

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