Springwise - Marketing & Advertisingtag:springwise.com,2008-12-18://12010-07-23T15:27:49ZYour daily fix of entrepreneurial ideas.Movable Type Commercial 4.24-enWith every box of dog food, a meal for a homeless pettag:springwise.com,2010://1.83362010-07-23T15:28:04Z2010-07-23T15:27:49Z The “buy one, donate one” initiatives are coming fast and furious. Hard on the heels of our stories about two such efforts targeting children—namely, Happy Blankie and Whitten Grey's Project Little Grey Dress—comes news of one designed to help...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://springwise.com/non-profit_social_cause/ilovealldogs/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/ilovealldogs.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>The “buy one, donate one” initiatives are coming fast and furious. Hard on the heels of our stories about two such efforts targeting children—namely, <a href="http://springwise.com/style_design/happyblankie/" class="unbold">Happy Blankie</a> and <a href="http://springwise.com/non-profit_social_cause/whittengrey/" class="unbold">Whitten Grey's Project Little Grey Dress</a>—comes news of one designed to help homeless pets.</p>
<p>Launched this spring, the <a href="http://www.ilovealldogs.org">Plus One Movement</a> from Canadian pet food maker Darford International aims to provide fresh, quality food to abandoned dogs awaiting new homes. How it works: Attached to every Darford box of treats and food is an extra meal of the company's Zero/G dog food intended specifically for donation to a dog in need. Specially designed collection hampers have been placed in-store at the roughly 3,000 US and Canadian retailers that carry the Darford brand. Consumers can simply drop their donation meals into those hampers, and participating animal shelters will pick up and use the donated food for local homeless dogs. The video below explains the project:</p>
<p><object width="700" height="418"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ns52aQTikQA&hl=en_GB&fs=1?rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ns52aQTikQA&hl=en_GB&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="700" height="418"></embed></object></p>
<p>Some 4 million dogs are euthanized each year in the US and Canada alone, primarily for lack of room and food, Darford notes. Other pet-friendly brands and retailers: time to step up and do your own <a href="http://trendwatching.com/trends/generationg/" class="unbold">generous</a> part...?</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.ilovealldogs.org">www.ilovealldogs.org</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:info@ilovealldogs.org">info@ilovealldogs.org</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Peter von Hahn</p>From 12 tons of trash, a pop-up hotel with a messagetag:springwise.com,2010://1.83252010-07-19T12:55:24Z2010-07-19T10:59:59Z For St. Louis's City Museum, salvaged garbage helps create a hyperlocal feel. For the Save the Beach Hotel, it's not just a building material but also a warning about the current state of Europe's beaches. Led by Mexican Corona...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/eco_sustainability/savethebeach/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/savethebeach.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>For <a href="http://springwise.com/tourism_travel/citymuseum/" class="unbold">St. Louis's City Museum</a>, salvaged garbage helps create a hyperlocal feel. For the <a href="http://www.coronasavethebeach.org/contacto/">Save the Beach Hotel</a>, it's not just a building material but also a warning about the current state of Europe's beaches.</p>
<p>Led by Mexican Corona Extra beer brand, the Save the Beach effort aims to recover at least one European beach per year from destruction by pollution and other human-caused damage. Last year it was Capocotta beach in Rome, and votes are currently being accepted online for this year's choice. To draw more attention to the challenge, the Save the Beach effort this summer built a hotel from garbage collected off Europe's beaches. Created by German artist <a href="http://www.haschult.de/" class="unbold">HA Schult</a> and installed next to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, the Save the Beach Hotel was open from June 3 through 6. Some 12 tons of garbage collected from Europe's beaches—more than a million pieces—were used to build the two-story structure, which could accommodate up to 10 people. Its very first guest was former supermodel Helena Christensen.</p>
<p>Schult explains: “The philosophy of this hotel is to expose the damage we are causing to the sea and the coastline. We live in the era of trash and we are running the risk of becoming trash ourselves. Do we really want this world?”</p>
<p>If a picture is worth a thousand words, just imagine how many could be packed into a trash-based hotel—not just about the problem at hand but also about the Corona brand's <a href="http://trendwatching.com/trends/ecobounty/#ecogenerosity" class="unbold">eco-generosity</a>. One to be inspired by! (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/eco_sustainability/pop-up_cafe_is_a_straw_monumen/" class="unbold">Pop-up cafe is a (straw) monument to sustainability</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.coronasavethebeach.org">www.coronasavethebeach.org</a><br />
Contact: <a href="http://www.coronasavethebeach.org/contacto/">www.coronasavethebeach.org/contacto/</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Martina Meng</p>Market researcher taps social media for survey resultstag:springwise.com,2010://1.83112010-07-19T10:43:54Z2010-07-20T18:57:23Z The failings of survey panels are nothing if not well-known to market-researchers and clients alike, but still they remain widely used—albeit expensive and slow—tools for collecting data. Aiming to provide higher-quality results at a lower price, Chicago-based Lab42 conducts...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/lab42/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/lab42.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>The failings of survey panels are nothing if not well-known to market-researchers and clients alike, but still they remain widely used—albeit expensive and slow—tools for collecting data. Aiming to provide higher-quality results at a lower price, Chicago-based <a href="http://www.lab42.com">Lab42</a> conducts its clients' surveys not in artificially assembled panels but in the social networks where target respondents naturally spend their time.</p>
<p>Clients begin by telling Lab42 about their products and their target consumers. Lab42 then helps to craft a survey, with the option of focusing it based on gender, age, location, lifestyle and interests. Next, Lab42 takes the resulting survey to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and smaller niche social networks, using highly targeted incentives to garner attention and responses while consumers go about their day-to-day activities. Two packages are available from Lab42: a premium one for USD 500, with results in three days or less; and a preliminary one for USD 300, with results in 5 days or less. Custom arrangements are also possible. </p>
<p>It's always refreshing to see services that have traditionally been performed slowly and expensively rethought and remade to reflect new technologies and new societal shifts. One to try out when researching <em>your</em> next big thing...? (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/life_hacks/opinionaided/" class="unbold">Advice from the crowds, with a market-research twist</a> — <a href="http://springwise.com/media_publishing/open_polls_gauge_popular_opini/" class="unbold">Open polls gauge popular opinion in minutes</a> — <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/ideasculture/" class="unbold">Brainstorming service uses Twitter to crowdsource ideas overnight</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.lab42.com">www.lab42.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:info@lab42.com">info@lab42.com</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Sara Robinson</p>In cycle-friendly cities, advertising on bicycle seat coverstag:springwise.com,2010://1.83212010-07-15T19:10:10Z2010-07-15T19:25:31Z As bicycles grow in popularity, so do related opportunities for smart entrepreneurs and marketers. A concept we've increasingly spotted in bike-loving European cities—including on our own rides in Amsterdam—is bike seat advertising. Ads are printed on plastic bike seat...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/zadelhoesje/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/zadelhoesje.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>As bicycles grow in popularity, so do related opportunities for smart entrepreneurs and marketers. A concept we've increasingly spotted in bike-loving European cities—including on our own rides in Amsterdam—is bike seat advertising.</p>
<p>Ads are printed on plastic bike seat covers, which are then placed over the seats of parked bicycles, keeping seats dry and leaving an unavoidable impression. By selecting specific locations or even certain types of bikes, advertisers can focus on an audience that's as narrow or wide as needed. Parked bikes near universities to reach students, for example, or schools and cargo bikes—the Amsterdam version of the minivan—to target parents.</p>
<p>In Europe, the covers are sold by numerous companies, including <a href="http://www.zadelhoesje.com">Zadelhoesje</a>, which addresses environmental concerns by selling seat covers made of recycled plastic. One to look into if you're in advertising or promo products. Or why not set up a standalone business, offering both printed covers and promotional teams to distribute them? </p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.zadelhoesje.com">www.zadelhoesje.com</a></p>Site connects athletes with brands seeking endorsements, from local to nationaltag:springwise.com,2010://1.83152010-07-13T17:00:09Z2010-07-13T17:14:38Z It's long been recognized that celebrity endorsements can help sell products, but typically it's only the biggest brands and the brightest stars that are lucky enough to strike such deals. Aiming to bring celebrity endorsements into the realm of...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/brandaffinity/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/brandaffinity.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>It's long been recognized that celebrity endorsements can help sell products, but typically it's only the biggest brands and the brightest stars that are lucky enough to strike such deals. Aiming to bring celebrity endorsements into the realm of possibility for all the other brands and professional athletes out there, <a href="http://www.brandaffinity.net">Brand Affinity Technologies</a> has created a platform focused on creating the right match.</p>
<p>Founded in 2007, California-based BAT gives advertisers of every size and shape the ability to quickly and easily launch endorsement campaigns using its endorsement platform, which currently includes more than 3,300 contracted athletes and celebrities covering every U.S. DMA. BAT's celebrity roster includes Olympic athletes and marquee active and retired players in nearly every sport, including Drew Brees of the NFL, Jorge Posada of the MLB and the NBA's Rajon Rondo. Advertisers can browse that talent based on geography, branding and targeting considerations; included in the platform are detailed talent profiles with photos, videos and personal information—what type of cellphone they use, for example—as well as proprietary metrics that can help compare talent by region, sport and status. Endorsement offerings include digital, radio, outdoor, print and television advertising as well as appearances and virtual memorabilia that advertisers can provide to consumers as incentives and rewards. The BAT platform's interface mimics an “iTunes experience,” the company says, and standardized contracts help get campaigns up and running quickly. Pricing is on a pay-for-what-you-use, CPM or flat-rate basis with no long-term lock-ins or additional costs for talent or targeting. </p>
<p>Some 80 percent of all Americans are self-proclaimed sports fans, and half of all U.S. adults closely follow sports, BAT says. One to emulate for all the fans and brands in your part of the world...?</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.brandaffinity.net">www.brandaffinity.net</a><br />
Contact: <a href="http://www.brandaffinity.net/contactus">www.brandaffinity.net/contactus</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Wired Magazine</p>Television ad for muesli, shot and edited on iPhone 4tag:springwise.com,2010://1.83132010-07-13T11:26:13Z2010-07-13T11:30:14Z While we usually feature companies when they launch, we love seeing their creativity develop and grow after that initial period. And we just spotted a fun example: the made-to-order muesli mixers of mymuesli recently created the first TV commercial...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/mymuesli2go/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/mymuesli2go.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>While we usually feature companies when they launch, we love seeing their creativity develop and grow after that initial period. And we just spotted a fun example: the made-to-order muesli mixers of <a href="http://www.mymuesli.com">mymuesli</a> recently created the first TV commercial filmed and edited entirely on the iPhone 4. </p>
<p>In the three years since <a href="http://springwise.com/food_beverage/mixed-to-order_muesli/" class="unbold">we first featured mymuesli</a>, they've expanded to the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands, and have been joined by similar concepts in other countries, including <a href="http://springwise.com/food_beverage/more_mixed-to-order_muesli/" class="unbold">[Me]&Goji</a> in the US. They've also forged smart alliances with established health, fitness and beauty brands, and developed a convenience product: mymuesli2go. </p>
<p>Which brings us back to the iPhone. mymuesli's founders were so impressed by the phone's video quality, that they decided to use it to shoot and edit an ad for their new product. Highlighting the convenience aspect of mymuesli2go, the ad features a skydiver eating cereal before jumping out of a plane. (The video below shows both the ad and 'the making of'.) The commercial aired on German and Austrian television over the weekend.</p>
<p>Whether or not you're an Apple fanboy, there's no denying the buzz surrounding their product launches. And latching on to that early fervor can be an inexpensive way for young brands to draw some attention their way. Watch and learn ;-) (Related: <a href="http://blog.iso50.com/2010/07/08/iphone-fashion-shoot/" class="unbold">Fashion shoot uses iPhone 3GS</a>.)</p>
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<p>Website: <a href="http://www.mymuesli.com">www.mymuesli.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="http://www.mymuesli.com/kontakt">www.mymuesli.com/kontakt</a></p>Volvo supplies cars for new London drive-intag:springwise.com,2010://1.83102010-07-09T16:13:21Z2010-07-09T16:13:16Z The concept of the pop-up drive-in movie is not brand-new—we covered a California-based effort back in 2006, after all—but we're pretty sure the involvement of a major car brand has not been seen before. Sure enough, though, that's exactly...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/automotive/starlite/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/starlite.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>The concept of the pop-up drive-in movie is not brand-new—<a href="http://springwise.com/entertainment/pop-up_drive-in_movies/" class="unbold">we covered a California-based effort back in 2006</a>, after all—but we're pretty sure the involvement of a major car brand has not been seen before. Sure enough, though, that's exactly what's enabled the <a href="http://www.starliteurbandrivein.co.uk">Starlite Urban Drive-in</a>, which recently sold out a three-night run in London's East End.</p>
<p>Situated in the cultural heart of London at the Truman Brewery, the Starlite featured a full-sized, outdoor screen along with 25 pre-parked Volvo cars, ready for patrons' viewing, reminiscing and snacking pleasure. Tickets were GBP 25 per person, with a maximum of two people per car—included among those were the Volvo XC60, C30 and convertible C70, all wired to play the soundtrack on their radios. Snacks were even available from waitresses on roller skates at the event, which began on July 1 with a specially commissioned short film about the story of the drive-in movie. “Dirty Dancing” was featured the next night, followed by “Grease” on the last of the run. Tickets to the Startlite's events sold out in two minutes, causing its creators to begin planning a nationwide expansion of the theater, which is even carbon-neutral.</p>
<p>“The opportunity seemed to be one that fit well with our brand," a Volvo spokeswoman <a href="http://adage.com/globalnews/article?article_id=144824" class="unbold">told AdAge</a>. "It also gave us a fun and unique opportunity to reach a younger audience that may not have been exposed to the Volvo brand before. We've been delighted with the success of the Starlite Urban drive-in." Other car brands and entertainment entrepreneurs: time to embark on your own trip down memory lane...?</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.starliteurbandrivein.co.uk">www.starliteurbandrivein.co.uk</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:info@starlite.co.uk">info@starlite.co.uk</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: <a href="http://adage.com/globalnews/article?article_id=144824" class="unbold">AdAge</a> via Raymond Kollau</p>Site helps businesses reward consumers for positive actionstag:springwise.com,2010://1.83062010-07-08T13:58:11Z2010-07-08T14:01:01Z It's one thing to entreat consumers to change their behaviour for the better, but when corporate rewards are involved, the win-win turns into a win-win-win... or more. Much the way Plus 3 Network matches corporate sponsors with consumers who...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://springwise.com/non-profit_social_cause/bolder/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/bolder.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>It's one thing to entreat consumers to change their behaviour for the better, but when corporate rewards are involved, the win-win turns into a win-win-win... or more. Much the way <a href="http://springwise.com/non-profit_social_cause/turning_workout_miles_into_cha/" class="unbold">Plus 3 Network</a> matches corporate sponsors with consumers who work out for the benefit of the charities of their choice, so <a href="http://www.actbolder.com">Bolder</a> works with businesses to sponsor a different challenge each week.</p>
<p>California-based Bolder teams up with businesses to challenge consumers to complete a certain action every week. This week's challenge, for example, is to “make a car trip a bike trip,” and it's sponsored by <a href="http://www.timbuk2.com" class="unbold">Timbuk2</a>. Consumers who complete the challenge must then log it in along with a tweet-length story about their action; in return, they get the promised reward. In Timbuk2's case, that's USD 20 off a custom-made bag. Such stories also go to the site's action feed, meanwhile, where the Bolder community can see them, comment on them and vote for them. Those voted “boldest” will be featured on the Bolder blog and may receive extra special rewards.</p>
<p>At a time when change needs to happen, consumers need motivation, and companies need to show more generosity, Bolder seems to be positioned nicely to satisfy all three needs—and benefit itself in the process. How can <em>your</em> brand help consumers do good....? (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/raffledog/" class="unbold">Site uses social media to raffle off free, sponsored prizes</a> — <a href="http://springwise.com/non-profit_social_cause/vaivai/" class="unbold">Drink maker features socially minded partners on its packages</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.actbolder.com">www.actbolder.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:feedback@actbolder.com">feedback@actbolder.com</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Henry Mason</p>Helping hotels harness social mediatag:springwise.com,2010://1.83032010-07-07T11:23:08Z2010-07-07T11:32:46Z There are now countless places out there for consumers to voice their opinions about brands large and small, and hotels are by no means exempt. In fact, online reviews are now the most critical measure of guest satisfaction and...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/tourism_travel/revinate/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/revinate.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>There are now countless places out there for consumers to voice their opinions about brands large and small, and hotels are by no means exempt. In fact, online reviews are now the most critical measure of guest satisfaction and the top factor influencing where travelers decide to stay, according to <a href="http://www.revinate.com">Revinate</a>. That, in turn, is why the San Francisco company recently unveiled a hotel-specific service that aims to bring structure, performance tracking and actionable guidance to that never-ending stream of social media.</p>
<p>Launched in March, Revinate collects every review, news story, blog post, photo, video and social media mention of its client hotels and presents them in a single intuitive dashboard that's accessible online. Revinate can also do the same for competitors' reviews and social media activity, giving clients new competitive insight into their relative strengths and weaknesses. Its Social Media Scorecard, in turn, converts those online reviews into a detailed guest satisfaction report, tracking key performance metrics and competitive benchmarks. The tool's powerful analytics, meanwhile, provide real-time, easy-to-use reports that highlight what's important, with charts, exportable data, competitive intelligence and flexible options.</p>
<p>Finally—and perhaps most important—is that, similar to <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/brandsinpublic/" class="unbold">Brands in Public</a>, Revinate also makes it easy for hotels to join the conversation by responding to reviews and communicating with consumers via social media. TweetConcierge, for example, is Revinate's hotel-specific Twitter client with features designed exclusively for hotels, including the ability to track Twitter campaigns and measure click and sales activity generated across multiple promotional tweets. Revinate clients include Peninsula Hotels, Trump Hotel Collection, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels, InterContinental, Andaz, White Lodging and Peabody Hotel Group. A <a href="http://screenr.com/CXh" class="unbold">video tour is available on screenr</a>. The service's pricing is based a hotel's size and average daily rate, approximating the value of one incremental booking per month, Revinate says.</p>
<p>There can hardly be any brands left that doubt the power of social media. Will they be the victim of that transparency tyranny, or will they turn it into transparency triumph and—indeed—<a href="http://trendwatching.com/trends/foreverism/" class="unbold">foreverism</a>, as our sister site would call it? That's up to them, and how actively—and proactively—they get involved. As Revinate says, “millions of travelers are talking, and hoteliers must listen.” (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/tourism_travel/seatguru_for_hotel_rooms/" class="unbold">SeatGuru for hotel rooms</a> — <a href="http://springwise.com/entertainment/gigswiz/" class="unbold">Analytics tools help music bands uncover local demand</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.revinate.com">www.revinate.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="http://www.revinate.com/contact">www.revinate.com/contact</a></p>Airport contest seeks new runway modelstag:springwise.com,2010://1.82952010-07-01T14:21:53Z2010-07-01T14:35:24Z We've seen airports engage consumers with everything from free dancing lessons and light therapy to a four-storey slide that rewards duty-free spending. The latest innovation? Gatwick Airport's Runway Models contest. Launched in late May by the UK airport and...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://springwise.com/tourism_travel/gatwickmodels/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/gatwickmodels.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>We've seen airports engage consumers with everything from <a href="http://springwise.com/tourism_travel/free_dance_lessons_at_paris_ai/" class="unbold">free dancing lessons</a> and <a href="http://springwise.com/tourism_travel/light_therapy_for_weary_travel/" class="unbold">light therapy</a> to <a href="http://springwise.com/tourism_travel/slide_t3/" class="unbold">a four-storey slide</a> that rewards duty-free spending. The latest innovation? <a href="http://www.gatwickevents.com/runwaymodels/">Gatwick Airport's Runway Models</a> contest.</p>
<p>Launched in late May by the UK airport and Storm Model Management, the Runway Models contest invites Gatwick travellers to submit a photo of themselves either online or by taking advantage of the dedicated photo booths in the airport's departure lounges. The closing date is 12 July; all entries are posted online, where they're available for public voting. Once all the entries are in, Storm's model scouts will choose four guys and four girls to go through to the next stage, while public votes will choose an additional guy and girl to advance; those chosen by the public will also win GBP 500 in Gatwick retail shopping vouchers. The Final 10 will then be invited to a “model bootcamp” and photo shoot where they'll spend the day with industry professionals learning the modelling basics as well as having their hair and makeup done. The guy and girl that impress Storm the most will be selected as the final winners of a year's “New Faces” contract and a debut at London Gatwick Fashion Week in August. Gatwick, meanwhile, will donate GBP 1 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity for every photo uploaded.</p>
<p>There are myriad ways to impress and engage consumers, but sometimes there's just nothing like a good, old-fashioned contest; if it can tap into consumers' vanity, so much the better. Beat that, traditional advertising! ;-) (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/luckydog/" class="unbold">Lottery contest appeals to dog owners' gravanity</a> — <a href="http://springwise.com/automotive/hypercube/" class="unbold">Contest replaces ad campaign for Nissan launch</a> — <a href="http://springwise.com/food_beverage/favefan/" class="unbold">Contest asks fans to design their own doughnut</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.gatwickevents.com/runwaymodels/">www.gatwickevents.com/runwaymodels/</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:feedback@gatwickairport.com">feedback@gatwickairport.com</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: <a href="http://www.airlinetrends.com/2010/06/30/gatwick-runway-models/" class="unbold">airlinetrends.com</a></p>Site uses social media to raffle off free, sponsored prizestag:springwise.com,2010://1.82922010-06-30T16:15:38Z2010-06-30T16:14:24Z There's no doubt consumers love free samples, as evidenced by all the tryvertising stores, services and even vending machines we've seen emerge in recent months. The latest spotting? Raffle Dog, a site that raffles off free, vendor-sponsored products. Launched...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/raffledog/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/raffledog.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>There's no doubt consumers love free samples, as evidenced by all the tryvertising <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/clubeamostra/" class="unbold">stores</a>, <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/ups/" class="unbold">services</a> and even <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/boobox" class="unbold">vending machines</a> we've seen emerge in recent months. The latest spotting? <a href="http://www.raffledog.com">Raffle Dog</a>, a site that raffles off free, vendor-sponsored products.</p>
<p>Launched this past spring, New York-based Raffle Dog offers different raffles every week for local and national companies. Brands begin by signing up with Raffle Dog—it's free through today. Consumers can then participate in any raffle, with the option of entering three times: once by simply commenting on the Raffle Dog page, another time by sharing the raffle on Facebook, and a third time by sharing via Twitter. Raffle Dog also taps Twitter to give followers the opportunity to participate in secret raffles as well. Raffle Dog itself, meanwhile, promotes each raffle on the streets, handing out flyers in targeted locations; it also hosts a YouTube video on its site showcasing the vendor's product or service. When the raffle draws to a close, Raffle Dog emulates the contests of the past by picking its winners live online from a fishbowl filled with tickets. Winners are notified via email, Twitter or Facebook and have seven days to claim their prize, which gets mailed out directly.</p>
<p>Raffle Dog donates 5 percent of its earnings to cancer-related charities. Currently, however, it's open only to U.S. consumers. One to bring to a market near you? (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/swagapalooza/" class="unbold">Free products for bloggers at invitation-only events</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.raffledog.com">www.raffledog.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:info@raffledog.com">info@raffledog.com</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Cecilia Biemann</p>Stock art seller uses Twitter to help buyers find right imagetag:springwise.com,2010://1.82902010-06-29T17:47:44Z2010-06-30T06:56:03Z Stock art subscription services have been around for some time, but earlier this year Getty Images introduced Thinkstock, which offers millions of select royalty-free images, vectors and illustrations from multiple providers. Now, Thinkstock is testing Social Art Buyer, a...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/thinkstock/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/thinkstock.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>Stock art subscription services have been around for some time, but earlier this year Getty Images introduced <a href="http://www.thinkstockphotos.com">Thinkstock</a>, which offers millions of select royalty-free images, vectors and illustrations from multiple providers. Now, Thinkstock is testing Social Art Buyer, a service that uses Twitter to help subscribers find the images they need.</p>
<p>Thinkstock brings together more than 5 million user-generated and professionally art-directed images from Seattle-based Getty Images, iStockphoto and Jupiterimages. Priced at USD 149 for a week, USD 249 for a month or USD 199 per month for an annual subscription, Thinkstock lets subscribers download up to 25 images a day or 750 images a month; legal protection against copyright claims is included. Now, with the Social Art Buyer service, users can submit an image request to <a href="http://twitter.com/thinkstock" class="unbold">@Thinkstock</a>. The Thinkstock team will then begin by checking the Thinkstock library for a match; if it's not there, they'll look outside for an image that fits the requester's needs.</p>
<p>It seems fair to say that once a product array is established—whether it's the books on Amazon or the images on Thinkstock—the next step is curation and/or help zeroing in on the right ones. Most sites focus on improved search algorithms, but personalized search services could be a compelling option. One to try out or emulate for your own overwhelmed consumers...? (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/marketing_advertising/customadart/" class="unbold">Marketplace for custom advertising images</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.thinkstockphotos.com">www.thinkstockphotos.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:sales@thinkstock.com">sales@thinkstock.com</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: Rosalie Berns</p>Beer brand provides a loaner if fridge dies during World Cuptag:springwise.com,2010://1.82822010-06-24T16:17:22Z2010-06-24T16:19:10Z We don't have exact numbers for you, but for a large percentage of soccer fans, beer is an essential part of the game experience. Preferably cold beer. Which is why Dutch brewer Grolsch is stepping in to lend a...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/koelkasthulplijn/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/koelkasthulplijn.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>We don't have exact numbers for you, but for a large percentage of soccer fans, beer is an essential part of the game experience. Preferably cold beer. Which is why Dutch brewer Grolsch is stepping in to lend a hand to anyone whose fridge breaks down during this year's World Cup. </p>
<p>Customers can call the <a href="http://www.grolsch.nl/koel/">Koelkast Hulplijn</a> (fridge hotline) and Grolsch will deliver a loaner fridge to tide them over. It's a fun example of the trend our sister site dubbed <a href="http://trendwatching.com/trends/brandbutlers/" class="unbold">brand butlers</a>—brands finding new ways to serve customers, usually free of charge and not directly related to sales. We're just slightly disappointed by the campaign's fine print: loaners were only made available to the first 40 people to call before June 19th (the World Cup runs from June 11th through July 11th). Something to keep in mind if you're planning a brand butler campaign of your own: unnecessarily strict limitations won't do your generosity justice ;-)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.grolsch.nl/koel/">www.grolsch.nl/koel/</a></p>Digital mirrors let customers try on cosmetics without applyingtag:springwise.com,2010://1.82802010-06-23T15:34:56Z2010-06-23T15:47:55Z Earlier this year, we wrote about Shisheido's Digital Cosmetic Mirror, installed at a Tokyo department store to let women test makeup without actually applying anything to their skin. Following in Shisheido's augmented reality footsteps is L’Oréal, which will be...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/fashion_beauty/ezface/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/ezface.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>Earlier this year, we wrote about Shisheido's <a href="http://springwise.com/fashion_beauty/shiseido/" class="unbold">Digital Cosmetic Mirror</a>, installed at a Tokyo department store to let women test makeup without actually applying anything to their skin. Following in Shisheido's augmented reality footsteps is L’Oréal, which will be trying out digital mirrors in the UK this summer. </p>
<p>How it works? Customers snap a digital self-portrait using the mirror's camera. They can then scan a product's barcode to see it 'applied' to their self-portait, using the system's touchscreen interface to select different colours or get recommendations for shades or products that match their skin tone or eye colour. Customers will also be a</p>
<p>Besides offering customers a convenient and hygienic way to try new shades and products, the mirror could help prevent buyer's remorse and therefore reduce (costly) product returns. The system used by L’Oréal was developed by <a href="http://www.ezface.com">EZface</a>, which has also partnered with Boots and Walmart. As reported by <a href="http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletin/digitalambulletin/article/1011339/loreal-weighs-digital-mirror-kiosks/" class="unbold">Brand Republic</a>, "L'Oréal will be trialling the kiosks later this month offering products from brands such as Maybelline, ahead of a possible commercial deal." </p>
<p>Letting customers try before they buy (dubbed <a href="http://trendwatching.com/trends/TRYVERTISING.htm" class="unbold">tryvertising</a> by our sister-site trendwatching.com) can be a remarkably potent way of advertising products. And a virtual approach, using augmented reality, seems like a natural fit for the fashion and beauty industries. </p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.ezface.com">www.ezface.com</a><br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:business@ezface.com">business@ezface.com</a></p>Unilever launches world's first smile-activated ice cream vending machinetag:springwise.com,2010://1.82772010-06-22T12:26:01Z2010-06-22T14:16:32Z While instantly gratifying, buying ice cream from a vending machine isn't as fun as it could be. Which is why SapientNitro and Unilever created the world's first smile-activated ice cream vending machine. The underlying technology is sophisticated, but the...Springwisehttp://www.springwise.com<p><a href="http://www.springwise.com/marketing_advertising/sharehappy/"><img src="http://www.springwise.com/pix/spotlight/sharehappy.jpg" class="spotlight"></a></p>
<p>While instantly gratifying, buying ice cream from a vending machine isn't as fun as it could be. Which is why <a href="http://www.sapient.com">SapientNitro</a> and <a href="http://www.unilever.com">Unilever</a> created the world's first smile-activated ice cream vending machine. The underlying technology is sophisticated, but the concept is simple: consumers walk up to the machine, smile and are rewarded with a frozen treat. </p>
<p>When its motion detectors sense someone is near, the machine beckons them to come closer and interact. Using facial recognition technology, it can then recognize a person's age, gender and emotion, and measure their smile using a "smile-o-meter". If their grin is wide enough, they get free ice cream. Users can also opt to have a picture of their happy self uploaded to Facebook, which ties in perfectly with Unilever's brand message: "share happy". Currently being showcased at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, the smile-activated ice cream vending machine will be rolled out at high-traffic locations across the globe over the next 18 months.</p>
<p>From security checkpoints that recognize eyes, to cameras that spot friends and family, machines are increasingly capable of smart interaction with humans. Throw in emotion and delight, and you'll create a memorable experience that knocks the socks off traditional advertising. One to have fun with! (Related: <a href="http://springwise.com/food_beverage/ice_cream_factory_in_a_vending/" class="unbold">Ice cream factory in a vending machine</a>.)</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.sapient.com/en-us/SapientNitro/Work.html#/?project=157">www.sapient.com/en-us/SapientNitro/Work.html#/?project=157</a><br />
Contact: <a href="http://www.sapient.com/en-us/contact-us.html">www.sapient.com/en-us/contact-us.html</a></p>
<p>Spotted by: <a href="http://www.every-ware.fr/2010/06/un-distributeur-qui-reagit-aux-sourires/" class="unbold">every-ware</a> via <a href="http://www.notcot.org/post/31769/" class="unbold">notcot</a></p>
