December, 2009
GEICO is targeting new and existing customers with the “Glovebox” app for iPhone and iPod Touch. The app is useful to on-the-go consumers, as it provides a way to pay monthly insurance bills and viewing of electronic insurance card. It also provides roadside assistance with a rental car finder and informational texts that teach users how to change a tire.
December, 2009
The Kroger Co. is targeting loyal customers with a campaign that rewards repeat visits with free wireless minutes on their mobile service, i-Wireless. For every $100 a consumer spends in Kroger stores, they receive 20 free minutes of calling time. Consumers are notified on the amount of minutes they received via register coupons and text messages. Kroger offers several regional brands of supermarkets including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Gerbes and City Market.
December, 2009
Borders is targeting on-the-go readers with a digital book store on its mobile site. With the new service, consumers will be able to browse over 2 million titles and purchase ebooks from any mobile device.
December, 2009
Citysearch is targeting on-the-go consumers with an application for Android-based mobile devices. Users can ultilize GPS to search and share information on local business listings and get directions via Google Maps. They can then share listings and feedback on locations via email, SMS or twitter. The application is already available for other platforms including iPhone, BlackBerry and Palm.
December, 2009
Wendy’s is targeting on-the-go consumers with a campaign that allows them to opt-in to receive mobile discounts. The fast food chain is currently testing the promotion with its Northeast U.S. demographic.
December, 2009
AccuWeather’s mobile site is targeting parents by adding “School Closing Outlook,” a feature which alerts parents on school cancellations due to severe winter weather. With the new feature, parents can find out about school closings while on the go and plan their days accordingly.
December, 2009
AT&T is targeting football fans with a promotion, which urges consumers to upload images via MMS, email or online to become a part of the “AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Photo Mosaic” and enter for a chance to win tickets to the football game at the new Cowboys Stadium.
December, 2009
United Parcel Service is targeting small businesses with a free, new app for BlackBerry that allows users to ship and track packages while on the go. The app also calculates shipping rates and estimates the amount of time parcels will be in transit. Additionally, consumers can use their BlackBerry contacts to print package labels and give each package a “nickname,” so they don’t have to remember long tracking numbers.
December, 2009
Budweiser reached consumers last summer by promoting Bud Light on the Weather Channel’s app for iPhone. Some of the mobile ads had videos and clicked to link to the brand’s mobile site. A separate execution promoted the Bud Light Paradise Sweepstakes by urging consumers to text-in a short code and enter to win a cruise. The ads were banner-size, but expanded to cover the entire mobile device screen when rolled over by the consumer.
December, 2009
Mobile technology company MyScreen, brings mobile ads to smart phones in exchange for minutes. The company is now focusing on CPG with redeemable coupons that consumers can now use to obtain free minutes from their cell phone carrier. The new technology is a utilization of two other technologies: mobile coupons & mobile carrier incentives. Visit the MyScreen website for more information.
December, 2009
Disney studios has launched a Muppet mobile app for general consumers called “Animal Drummer.” Adding to the plethora of Disney mobile apps, the Muppet “Animal Drummer” app allows consumers to sit behind the set and mimic Animal’s songs through a watch-and-repeat system. The application gives any Muppet fan or music fan, the chance to interact with the brand on a new level. The app is unique in the world of branded apps in that engages consumers with a more fully developed game while still presenting brand attributes. Visit the Apple App Store for more information.
December, 2009
Domino’s, in an attempt to connect with its consumers and set the story straight about the ingredients and the quality of its pizza, has launched a website about their recent pizza turnaround. In addition, Domino’s has taken steps to listen to what their consumers have to say about their product through Twitter and take into consideration the recommendations.
December, 2009
Skateboarding magazine, Concrete Wave, is targeting advertisers by allowing those who purchase space in their print app to be featured in their new app for iPhone. The company will run the ads for the iPhone in full-page format with full graphics.
December, 2009
Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica targeted Los Angeles consumers with a five week-long promotion that urged them to text in for an MMS video or unlimited cocktails during Sunday Brunch. Hotel Casa del Mar recorded 250 mobile offer redemptions and built a sizable mobile database through the short promotion, which was advertised through in-hotel posters, the hotel website, email and on social networking sites.
December, 2009
Kraft is targeting its core consumer with a free version of its “iFood Assistant” application for BlackBerry and iPhone. The app includes shopping list, recipe box, holiday entertaining and daily recipe catalogue functions, but users do not have access to all the information that paid app users do. Kraft hopes to expand the usage of its app to consumers who are not willing to pay for apps and hopefully recruit more consumers who will pay extra for the expanded features.
December, 2009
Polo Ralph Lauren is targeting fashionable males and promoting its fragrances by sponsoring the “GQ Style Picks” iPhone app. In addition to fashion tips from the Condé Nast-owned magazine, users will gain access to exclusive Polo Ralph Lauren content.
December, 2009
Hollywood Video is targeting movie watchers, ages 18-45, with a “DidjaC” app for iPhone. With the app, users are given video rental recommendations according to their likes and dislikes. It’s also a resource for information on the latest releases and location of stores.
December, 2009
Discovery Communications-owned HowStuffWorks.com is targeting trivia lovers with a “Stuff to Rattle Your Brain” iPhone app. Users can test their knowledge using different question categories, which draw from information that can be found on the website. The app is ad-supported and free to consumers.
December, 2009
NearbyNow Inc. provides a gift giving guide for hard-to-shop-for people on your list this year. Available from the Apple App Store for free, the mobile app allows consumers to discover the perfect gift. Once a consumer enters in some information about the giftee, the application will find an array of gifts from stores including Macy’s, Cosmo, Armani and Nordstrom, to name a few. Consumers can also sort through larger presents or stocking stuffers. Visit NearbyNow’s website for more information.
December, 2009
New York City Jewish Community food writer Gloria Kobrin provides over 300 recipes for a kosher holiday season. The well-known foodie provides a plethora of recipes that all fall within the guidelines of the kosher dietary rules. The mobile app allows consumers to browse through recipes and plan what to cook for their celebration in an easy-to-use platform. Download the Kosher Cookbook from the Apple App Store for $2.99.
December, 2009
Electronics chain, Best Buy, releases mobile app for general consumers to shop with ease this holiday season. The “Deals” mobile application allows consumers to access exclusive mobile sales, product reviews and click-to-buy features. Also featured is a Best Buy location finder to find the closest retail location near you. The application makes holiday shopping easier as consumers can browse aisles with ease and make a large holiday purchase without the line. Visit the Apple App Store for a free download of the mobile app.
December, 2009
“Sesame Street” is targeting parents of young children with its first mobile app, “Grover’s Number Special” for iPhone and iPod Touch, available for $2.99. The app includes video content and allows children to interact by “catching” and counting ingredients to help Grover complete his dishes. The television show is celebrating its 40th anniversary by going mobile – in addition to the app, episodes of the new season will now be available via podcast.
December, 2009
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is targeting holiday shoppers, ages 18-24, with mobile ads with commerce capabilities. The ads promote the release of Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” on Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD. Consumers can simply enter their credit card information directly into the ad in order to pre-order the film.
December, 2009
7-Eleven, Inc. is targeting its core consumer with an SMS campaign. Consumers simply text-in a short code to receive a response text informing them of which beverage they have won. Those who participate can redeem the offer by either giving the cashier a numeric code to enter or by following a link for a UPC code to scan. 7-Eleven is testing this campaign through December 30 in 200 of its stores in order to measure the success of mobile marketing with their consumer base.
December, 2009
Diageo is targeting consumers of legal drinking age with a mobile version of its website, TheBar.com. The site offers a database of more than 750 cocktail recipes for Diageo spirits and beer including Smirnoff Vodka, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and Guinness Draught.
December, 2009
24 Hour Fitness is targeting health-conscious consumers with “My24,” an iPhone application and a mobile site. Consumers can use either version to locate the chain’s clubs, look up class schedules and find information on the clubs’ amenities. My24 also has tools like a Body Mass Index Calculator, Calorie Burner Tracker, Resting Metabolic Rate and Daily Calorie Calculator to help users monitor their health.
December, 2009
CouponAlbum.com is targeting thrifty shoppers with a mobile site version of its free online coupon listings. Consumers can use the site to search offers by name, area code and more. The company believes that the service will help consumers make informed decisions, as they will be able to search for the lowest price on an item before purchase.
December, 2009
Dooney & Bourke is targeting luxury consumers with a mobile site that allows for purchase of their handbags and accessories. Similar to their company website, consumers can search by category, find retailer locations and track and manage their accounts all from their mobile phone.
December, 2009
Warner Bros. is targeting fans of the Harry Potter franchise and promoting the release of the “Half-Blood Prince” blu-ray and DVD with the “Spells” app for iPhone and iPod Touch. Users are first “sorted” into one of the Hogwarts School of Widardry’s dormitories before they begin practicing their magic skills. Once they have perfected their spells, consumers can “duel” with their friends, post scores to their Facebook page or find out their global ranking. The app is available in the iTunes store for $4.99.
December, 2009
Automotive company AAMCO launched an iPhone application geared for Gen-Y consumers. The application allows consumers to schedule inspections,find near-by gas/maintenance stops, troubleshoot car problems and follow up-to-the-mile car stats. For a short time iGAAUGE is available in the Apple App Store. For more information visit the App Store, or the official AAMCO website.
