the inner beauty of security camera in the digital world

look at the world a little differently

Have you seen an ad that featuring from stealing, robberies and traffic accidents to couple kissing and random person dancing with a broom in a shop?

 YES, they are clips of security camera footage from different countries of the world that capturing and expressing the element of love, exuberance and heroism. This is a different, unsual amd non-old fashioned approach to look at the world a little differently. Coca-cola understands that the lack of love among all communities that faces challenges in daily lives from this hectic world. I personally love the idea of adding a touch of ‘random act of kindness’ and ‘happiness elements’ in this video demonstrating Coca-Cola’s mission to spread happiness and optimism. Many big successful brands are using video as part of their digital marketing strategies. But how many of them actually make you feel and touch the bottom of your heart and get you thinking the presence and beauty of the love in every corner of this world?

(Ideas taken from thedifferentbrain and Digital trends)

the new Sticky Specials by Woolworths

Woolworths' new Sticky Specials 

firstly, let's start off with this....

The following ads give you an idea what is Woolworths'sSticky Specials.

Woolworths has introduced Sticky Specials, a new ‘price-saving’ marketing strategy that come in a catalogue and works like coupons but in the form of stickers.  Consumers can ‘PEAL, STICK and SAVE’ on selected products at all Woolworths stores from 12-15 Sept 2012 (YES! Only for this period of time).  

On the 12 September 2012, 7.7 million of Sticky Specials sticker sheets were bundled with each weekly Woolworths catalogues, both were delivered to household across Australia.

Woolworth claimed they are paying for this multi-million market give-aways, promising money off hundreds of big brand items to their consumers. This discount would be on top of the existing Woolworth everyday reward and regular weekly special, creating another alternative for customers to shop.

Consumers are allowed to decide what is on special and when to use (as long as within the promotional period). Here, they are feeling superior and excited as they have the power and control over the product prices they are after rather than the discounts are guided and fixed by the grocery stores.

The PROs 

These concepts are innovative and interesting in Australian market in which can create customer engagement and a great potential to encourage consumers to buy items that they won't ordinary buy (eg. Blackmore health products ) they are definitely another new spin on the traditional coupon techniques. It only requires three simple and easy steps:

The CONS L

However, it does not seem incredible and impressive to me.

1) how much exactly can consumers save when they use this? 

2) it requires additional effort and time just to save approximately a dollar or two? 

3) the-first-time-using-sticky-special consumers want to explore this new for a different shopping experience and adventure, but they are not long lasting. Consumers use this Sticky Special for the first time, because everyone (majority) loves to trying new things; but does it worth the effort for the second time? (children would but definitely not for busy working adults).

4) their main target audience are housewife who loves reading catalogue to compare products’ prices.  Those who is not given a catalogue or not aware of the Sticky Special special attachment in the catalogue are not involved in this

Comparing this (Woolworths' new Sticky Specials) to Coles my5, which do you prefer?

ending with... (have you been in such situation?)

(this passage is inspired by  Campaign Brief and Mumbrella, you can check out for more details at MSN page)

World’s smallest IKEA store: 2,800 products in 10.5cm x 8.8cm

IKEA's new online advertising method 

The following two diagrams are the pictures of the traditional Ikea store. 

Presenting… one of the world’s BIGGEST retailers making an attempt on the possible SMALLEST new advertising campaign.

Yes, what you have seen is IKEA’s smallest store worldwide, yet it also could be the BIGGEST web banner ad, fitting every single products - 2800+ products in an entire IKEA store with a 10.5 cmx 8.8 cm online banner.

 

This online banner can be placed on any website, directing customer to the IKEA official website within a simple click on it - EXAMPLE.

IKEA’s commitments:

Making the most of ANY space &  smartest storage solution

They clearly demonstrate the above simple concept in which that can lead customers to make purchase within few clicks – easy and convenient Although this online banner allows customer to browse all of IKEA's products by department (see third diagram above), but in terms of usability and time issue, online user most likely require additional time and effort in searching for the item they intended to buy than going directly to IKEA's official website to make their product preferences and purchase. 

I personally feel excited for such a cool and creative advertising idea. Firstly, they are attention grabbing, something that’s getting people talking later on, even its not actually effective and impactful as expected, or perhaps the practicality issue remain questioned. But I really love how the great use of online banner representing Ikea’s branding and, of course, not to deny that it is a really clever twist on other big traditional box banner advertising.

Wow interesting? Or .. oh well… just another usual advertisement? Please share your thoughts and your comments are much appreciated! (in return, I will leave a feedback on your blog too!)

note: this article is inspired by The next web

Online photos x postcard = ? please solve

The chemistry begins when online photo on social media meets postcard…. And they fell in love and starting to make some money out from their love journies…

E-cards were immensely popular couple of years back, however they seem to have lost its good old charm. Now, they are numerous companies or applications (integrate with social media) that allows consumer to send a REAL mail to their loves one in the form of custom cards that they created.

(taken from You Regards)

An example of this could be like...

The names of companies and applications are listed as below:

• Post Cards Anywhere 

• Postagram App

• You Regards

• Touch Note

• Postino

• Photo Mapo and a lot more.

 These services share the same approach - using social media as a platform eg. facebook, Instagram and Twitter, bringing back a more personal and customized touch back to the way we communicate. They have time- and energy-saving benefits. Most of the services all provided at a reasonable price or no cost. It also helps the development in digital printing industry and creating more interaction and engagement among consumer. Most importantly, companies can generate revenue by encouraging people to upload or share more photos to their profile, and fulfilling their consumer personalization need (everyone wants to the one and only special, don’t you?). However, their novelty value is remained question whereby users might use these services once or at most twice. Further developments of all kind new features are necessary and definitely recommended. Most importantly, how do they plan on protecting copyrighted photos - if there are some customers stealing awesome photos from a great photographer without obtaining any permission and rights.                                                                                                                         

(taken from Photo Mapo)

Personal opinion

Despite the cool concept of this online-generated card (some integrates with Google map where we can attach where exactly we were located - see diagram above), I personally prefer the traditional post card (non-digital ones) where I always purchase the physical card from the country of origin (eg. whenever I travel to a foreign country I would pick up a postcard and deliver them to someone that I love who are at other country). They provide additional touch of sincerity and more meaningful, memorable. I had received a Touch Note postcard delivered from my friend early this year, that was my first e-post card and i was surprised with their quality and delivery speed (took them approximately 5 days according to my friend). i would definitely check them out soon! 

E-post card or traditional post card. Which one do you prefer? Please make your choice and share them below.

note: this article is inspired by Van Grove, Elliot and Price.

Where is my TimTam? the awesome camouflage pack

Being a regular YouTube users and sweet addict, I came across the following video recommended by my favourite site - Mumbrella. 

This video is part of the ‘Truly, Madly Tim Tam’ campaign, releasing on the 13rd August 2012 that demonstrate how to camouflage a packet of Tim Tams to avoid them getting found and eaten. This Tim Tams Camouflage packs were inspired by the imaginations of passionate Facebook fans.

Now, this video has received over 47,100 YouTube views, and 3,981 Facebook 'likes’ and 1,896 Facebook 'shares’ within a short period of time. 

I personally like how the choices of different setting or method TimTam had provided: 

a)   Book cover

-       Perfect for keep on the book shelves or in the racks

b)   Pencil case

-       Convenience to store in a desk drawer

c)    Chopped sprouts

-       Ideally for those who loves their TimTam cold

Although this camouflage method might not be long lasting, as they require significant effort, especially time to print, cut, paste, and hide. Additionally, people who can manage to find or detect them, might not work for the second time if the same people encounter the same situation. (Let say, your little brother has found them from whenever you try to hide them, he definitely will be extra aware and alert for the next time, thus the possibility of him finding this ‘hidden treasure’ is close to 100%!)

There are two different viewpoint on this. Majority of public was amazed and love the idea; a small number demanded that this amazing idea should be invented earlier (I was one of them! What about you?). However, numerous responses on Facebook and YouTube claimed that, there is actually no need to hide the TimTams as they most likely will be gone - already eaten by the TimTams lover before they want to keep them!

Despite of this camouflage method might not work, or less likely to be effective for the latter group, (majority of) their positive response on Facebook and Youtube already reflects their massive addiction towards Timtams, particularly the unique love Aussies have for TimTam.

In conclusion, this video has been a huge success with a creative, unique and innovative advertising concept in using social media tools (Facebook & YouTube) at a low budget but definitely effective enough to generate public interest and interaction among internet users. They uses personalised advertising, mainly targeted at those Tim Tams lovers (brand loyal), place more focus on social engagement, and  aimed at getting people to talk amongst themselves about the product.

One last important note to share (from Chris Brown of DDB Group - the principal advertising company for Tim Tam’s parent company Arnott’s):  

The key to social creativity is material that is social and shareable.

My personal perspective:  

Social + Shareable + Personalisation 

= Consumer would start doing advertising and marketing for the company

= Success in social media!  (like Coca Cola’s share a coke!)

Link to download these ‘camourflage’ packages.

This TimTam video have successfully caught my attention and interest to follow exactly what they have suggested. Unfortunately, their methods do not work on me, it took few seconds for my sister (a 25 yo working adult) to found out as soon as she sees them laying on the book shelf at our house because the paper cut out looks indeed unreal that actually draw more of her attention and curiosity to grab the 'book cover' that i recently just placed on top of the shelf. 

what do you think about this marketing method? does they seem to be attractive to you at first but feeling just mehhh, blehhh *insert any possible neutral or negative thoughts here* later on. i would appreciate if you can drop a comment below (and i will definitely visit your site as a return!) :D