just so you know...

Courtesy of: Andre Rangel via 9GAG

you know you're not the first...

"You know you're not the first,

but do you really care?"

This ad by BMW Greece that are supposedly for their premium used car, are such a......i don't know, can't really found an exact word to describe it.

Maybe the message that they are trying to say is, BMW premium car are so beautiful, and it does not matter if it is an used car or you are not the first person to drive it...but, doesn't it sending a totally different message? 

Well, i have to be honest i did not get the right message straight away.. i thought they are trying to sending off a completely different message (something have to do with "used women = used car?")

This sort of sexy alluring ad may have attracted most of the male population, but it might also alienating the potential BMW female consumers at the same time. Not just that, they are provoking a certain perception of female which may  find this offensive. Sex, women, luxury and car industry may have diddling each other for decades, but do they really have to go this path?

So, i guess wouldn't it be better if you run through it to many (more) different audience before you officially launch it to the public, BMW? 

What do you think?

Toyota gets social with "Social Snapshot" application

Recently Toyota has launched a new features on their website called “Social Snap Shot” that was developed by Glueisobar, that allows the user to select a maximum of ten off the user’s facebook friends, and it allows you to get a video summary of your friends updates depending on the updates time period you would like to receive (usually: daily, weekly, and monthly).

I must say, I am impressed by the idea of developing “social snap shot”, however, I don’t see how it relevant to the total brand image of Toyota Yaris. Yes, they might want to be perceived as youthful, upbeat, and exciting brand, but do you have to go to that extend and develop your ‘own facebook’? I don’t personally see how it relevant in developing a social updates summary of your friend with a car brand.

That is what I feel with some of the facebook or the ‘so-called-social media’ tools that has been used by numerous brands these days. Somehow they don’t seem to fully understand how to engage with customers through the help of social media while being relevant to their brand message or image at the same time; and merely seen as a ‘social media trend follower’.

What do you think?is this "Social snapshot" idea are relevant to their product? 

Leave you comments below, and tell me what you think! :)

cracking the "QR Code"

How often did you see a rectangular matrix at the bottom of an advertisement?at the back of a business card? product tags and packaging? It may seem unusual at first, but more and more business and advertisers are utilizing such matrix or codes to provide their audience more informations about the business. Let me first start off by explaining what is QR Codes.

QR Codes is rectangular-shaped and two-dimensional bar codes that often contains URL which able to direct users to access informations provided within that code; which often known as ‘mobile tagging’.   The trend of having QR Codes placed on every print advertisement was initially started in Japan, their escalating popularity reach the United States and Europe along with the immense popularity of Smartphone and 3G networks.

The innovation of QR Codes has literally diminished the term “boundaries”, which it allows unlimited sharing of informations.  When people are passing through informations on the Internet, they are indirectly building a community on their own, for example QR Codes that direct the users to their facebook fan page. Not just building a community on their own, but they also stimulating a different mindset and acts as ‘call of action’ tool. In recent studies by Baltimore advertising agency MGH, they have found numerous reason why people use QR Codes, such as: 

• ·      Secure a coupon, deal or discount (53%),
• ·      Access additional information (52%);
• ·      Enter a sweepstakes (33%);
• ·      Sign up to receive more information (26%);
• ·      Access video (24%)

But the remaining question is, HOW EFFECTIVE THE QR CODE IS?

In the studies by Baltimore advertising agency MGH also found that approximately 72% of smart phone users have the tendency to recall an ad with QR Codes; how cool is that?! This study indicates that people are getting more and more interested and willing to participate in the interactions with ‘QR Coded’ advertisements that signal other additional benefits like deals, coupons, and social media interactions. (further studies: MGH,Inc QR Codes survey results)

It may seem as a potential powerful tool for marketers, but bear in mind that not everyone is aware of QR Codes, quite heartbreaking actually, ... It is such a great technology innovation.

Have you ever try QR Codes? What do you think? Does it have the potential to survive or will it eventually be dead?

Leave your comments below, and share your experience with QR Codes!

Social Media breakthrough for Disney "Toy Story 3"

I have recently developed a video about: How The Walt Disney Company utilize Social Media. And i have to be honest, i am totally impressed with their initiatives and efforts in utilizing every media platform out there to delivering their message for Disney fans around the world. And particularly in this video, i analyze how they utilizing social media like: Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, and Facebook in promoting Toy Story 3.

There are two innovative methods that they implement within the period of promotion. 

1. Promoted Trending Topic on Twitter.

     While i was researching about their means of promotions during the release of Toy Story 3, i found that The Walt Disney Company has utilize every single possible way of promotions in the internet. And they are not just utilizing them, but they also innovating new platforms, like the sponsored trending topic. They are the FIRST company that ever sponsored a trending topic on twitter.

2. 'Disney Tickets Together' on Facebook.

    Just how aggressive they are in finding new and interesting methods for promoting their movie release, Disney launched Disney Tickets Together. An  application that allows users to purchase tickets without having to leave facebook site, and allow them to see of which their friends have purchased tickets of the film or inviting their friends along when purchasing tickets. Talking about innovations ...

Looking at these efforts that Disney Company had given for the success of Toy Story 3 had made me realize that The Walt Disney Company are continuing to be innovative and always give their best for their fans around the world. It may seem like a business gimmick for some people, but i personally think it is their effort to continually be relevant and delivering the best innovations.

What do you think?is it only just a business gimmick from Disney?

Let me know what you think, and enjoy the video! :)

Should Louis Vuitton get Social Media friendly?

While I was sitting in the lecture theatre at Building B, Monash University Caufield campus, listening to Wagstaff’s amusement at Coca Cola’s recent “Share a Coke” campaign (total marketing gimmick!); it got me thinking that there’s plenty other brands that does this sort of personalization gimmick too! Not to mention Heinz canned soup, Build-A-Bear, Personalized storybook, and the list goes on. These campaigns are turned out to be gimmicky genius! But will it work to a more high-end brand like Louis Vuitton?

I recently dropped by Louis Vuitton’s facebook page, and surprisingly, it is well managed and well thought, unlike any other high-end fashion brands facebook page. And to be honest, I was amazed by how Louis Vuitton designs their facebook page. It may be still in the standard facebook layout, but the features included were beyond my expectation. There are two features that stand out the most, which are their ‘Fashion Show’ and ‘MonMonogram app’.

The ‘Fashion Show’ feature showcase the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 Collection fashion show, allowing all Louis Vuitton fans or fashionista around the world to have the chance to experience the full show.

And the most interesting on the LV’s facebook fan page was the ‘Mon Monogram app’ where it allows the users to personalize Louis Vuitton bags with stripes, colors and initials through facebook application. After the bag has been personalized, then the users are able to send it to their friends on Facebook, or inviting them to join the application. The payment method could also be done through the application or simply go to the Louis Vuitton website.

I personally don’t think that it is such a great idea to have the ‘Mon Monogram’ facebook application for a high-end brand such Louis Vuitton. I have to say that their online presence was great, the whole personalized bag was brilliant and the personalization done through their website are fantastic; but through facebook application? Well, I guess it is just me, but I do think it is kind of risky step to be taken by an established high-end brand such Louis Vuitton which this initiative have the potential of tarnishing the brand image; I guess facebook should really develop facebook business (a world of online store) afterall...

What I admire the most from Louis Vuitton are their effort to engage and establish relationship with their customers, through their initiative of ‘Fashion Show’ feature on their facebook page, as well as their twitter account (@LouisVuitton_HQ).

But I somehow still feel doesn’t quite right, maybe i'm being pessimistic of this idea... Should luxury brand go social media without risking their brand image?

Leave your comments below, and tell me what you think! :)