McDonald's Online Presence Internationally
McDonald's is one of the most recognized American brands, along with Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Marlboro. The McDonald's web site reinforces this since before entering the site, visitors select which country they are interested in. This research considers the McDonald's site in reference to three different countries: Lebanon, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, and how the sites are both similar and different for these nations. It should be noted that the iconic golden arches and the slogan "I'm Lovin' It" appear on all three sites.
The link to the Lebanon site brings up a page with Arabic writing, and three pictures, including one of Ronald McDonald and one of an obviously Middle Eastern man in traditional dress. There is an English-language option on the site. The site features interactive games, a way to send eCards, and nutritional information. The nutritional information begins by stating that McDonald's in "Arabia" is 100 percent halal, which means that it complies with Islamic dietary laws and restrictions-and which means that there are no pork products on the menu. This is important in a predominately Muslim country such as Lebanon. Visitors to the site are also informed about the company's Open Door policy, which encourages tours of the kitchens ("McDonald's Arabia," 2007).
The link to the Hong Kong site brings up a page in English with some Chinese characters. There are tabs at the top including a "Restaurant Locator" and "Brand Trust", as well as "It's What I Eat and What I Do". This last tab focuses on McDonald's as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and includes exercise tips. The Hong Kong site also has links to Kung Fu Panda movie tie-ins. This site includes information on McCafe, a coffee house run by McDonald's that opened its first location in 1999. On the main McDonald'
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