If you’re a creative, a USB dead drop can be used as a unique promotional tool to get your work or brand out there. Learn how it’s done in this post.
RELATED: How To Use A Flash Drive To Distribute Content | 11 Ways
In this article:
- What is a Dead Drop?
- How to Create Your Own Dead Drop Flash Drives
- How to Install Dead Drops USB Drives in Public Spaces
Kickstart and Boost Your Career or Business Using a USB Dead Drop
What is a Dead Drop?
A dead drop is an offline method for anonymous file sharing that utilizes public spaces. If you’ve ever watched spy thrillers where spies left key information in the open for the hero to take and go save the world, then you’ve seen a dead drop.
USB Dead Drops work similarly, but they are publicly posted on the USB Dead Drop map and available to all.
The idea is, by leaving USB flash drives embedded into walls, buildings, and curbs, everyone has access to the information contained inside. All they need to do is plug their laptops into the USB drive, then transfer the files contained on the drive onto their laptops.
To participate in the Dead Drops Project, there are a few elements that must be included. You must include:
- The disclaimer file from the project website that explains the project, provides information about yourself including your name (some people include handles or gamer tags rather than their actual names to maintain anonymity) and date of the USB Dead Drop you created.
- A disclaimer notifying users that they are responsible for themselves.
RELATED: 11 Creative Ways To Use Promotional USB Drives
How to Create Your Own Dead Drop Flash Drives
The first thing you’re going to need is a USB flash drive you’re willing to part with as a USB Dead Drop flash drive. Once you use it for this purpose, you can’t really get it back.
Then, you must upload juicy information you want to share with the world, which could be anything. Here are some examples of how to utilize dead drop flash drives:
- New bands can upload new music and use a Dead Drop USB to share it spread the word.
- Restaurants can upload recipes and then offer coupons to people who upload the information.
- Artists can showcase their art to new audiences.
Simply put, the possibilities are limitless. As they say, your only limitation is your imagination.
How to Install Dead Drops USB Drives in Public Spaces
This is the tricky part for most. It involves getting the Dead Drop flash drives onto public spaces where others can access the information.
You’re going to need a few tools to make this happen.
- Quick drying patching cement
- Plumber’s tape
- Small screwdriver
- Small trowel (to spread small amounts of cement)
Once you’ve transferred all the information you want to share to your drives (don’t forget the disclaimer that is required for all Project Dead Drop participants), it’s time to choose your dead drop locations, then you can begin installing it.
Most dead drops for the project are inserted into walls, sidewalk cracks, masonry, etc. The idea is that it would be a permanent location that is easily accessible to the public.
Here are the steps you need to follow for a successful USB dead drop:
- Remove the casing around the drive to expose the circuit board.
- Wrap the drive with plumber’s tape. This protects the circuit board from water.
- Prepare the drop point. Dig out enough room to install the drive. Some people use drills with masonry bits for this step, but it isn’t necessary.
- Cement the drive into place. Stick the drive in the hole, then use a small trowel and cement to hold the drive into place. Avoid getting cement on the tip of the USB drive.
- The final steps in your Project Dead Drop experience involve taking photographs and uploading them to the USB Dead Drop map on the Dead Drop USB locations page. You need three photographs — a close-up image of the drive, medium distance view of the location, view from a distance of the location
- Once you have the photos, visit the Dead Drops website and upload the details, including the photographs.
USB dead drops are a great way to share information and feel like a spy in the process. Plus, you never know, you may create one of the most infamous dead drop locations of all in your efforts. It’s also a creative, exciting, and interactive way to get your brand out there. We hope this guide has helped you understand more about the USB dead drop, and how you can utilize it for your promotional and marketing strategy.
How are you planning to use the USB dead drop in your business strategy? Let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next:
Let Us Know What You Think!