Textopoly Mobile Blog » marketing

Mobile’s Bright Future: Mobile Advertising

tyler@textopoly.com — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:09:38 +0000

The winds of change are aggressively sweeping through the mobile ecosystem with no signs of slowing down. Mobile advertising dollars are set to break the $1 billion mark in the U.S. by the end of 2012. Even better, mobile growth is higher than expected with forecasts placing mobile advertising at $4.4 billion by the year 2015. The success and growth of mobile advertising can be attributed to messaging-based, search-based, video based, and rich media banner ads. Currently messaging based ads still account for the largest revenue income in the mobile world at $442.6 million. However, that may change as the mobile movement skyrockets. Future projections place banner/rich media ads, ahead of messaging ads in the coming years. Textopoly is deep into the mobile media game by creating and developing highly interactive rich media mobile ads for Paramount summer hits Thor and Transformers. Want a taste of what we did for Thor and Transformers?! Schedule a TOK Session today!

All data, stats, and charts credited eMarketer.com

HTML5, It’s Cool Cause Apple Says So

Kang — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 01:03:33 +0000

Years ago, there was a program developed that has since penetrated the hearts and jobs of graphic designers worldwide. Adobe Flash. As Flash was being adopted, upgraded and loved, a new platform for advertising was growing exponentially: mobile. With such an immense platform, the world wasn’t sure that Flash could succeed. The world may not have been, but Apple was. Intro: HTML5.

If Apple refuses to support something (Flash) and then fully backs another product (HTML5), the world will usually follow. Recalling Conan’s recent review of the iPad 2: “You’ll buy it no matter what we say.” Yes, it was a jab at Apple. Yes, it was a hilarious video. But does the message change? Not really. Apple is a giant in the industry and with the magnitude of iProducts alone, any developer would be remiss not to develop HTML5 advertisements.

But aside from the Jobs endorsement, there are numerous new things that HTML5 brings to the table. Alex Linde, Yahoo’s director of mobile advertising, summed it up perfectly: “With iPhone, Android and others now adopting HTML5 we have, No. 1, a standard that allows us to ‘write almost once, run almost everywhere,’ No. 2, an installed base to do it at scale and No. 3, enough bandwidth and screen real estate to do something really interesting for the consumer.”

But, can HTML5 do what Flash did? Yes, and more. Users can swipe products across the screen, drag and drop, spin, flip, and generally control their experience with the advertisement. The glory of HTML5 is summed up by Apple. [Cool HTML5 examples.]

So far, HTML5 is dominating the mobile and tablet market, while Flash is holding its dominance in the computer world. Whether HTML5 expands its reach or Flash steps up its technology for mobile (or both) time will soon tell. Regardless of the channel, we are bound to be impressed by the innovative ways companies try to get their consumers to interact with the brand.

Fruit Ninjas…Now Available at Ralph’s

Taj — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:09:36 +0000

So, I must admit – my mobile app addiction has transferred from Angry Birds to this game called Fruit Ninjas.

How appropriate, as I have been analyzing commodity food prices, especially general staple foods including milk, eggs and fruit. I noticed that on a wholesale examination, prices have risen nearly 27% within 16 months with economic indicators pointing upwards. A majority of those price increases reside in our produce, mainly because of the fact that we can have formerly seasonal fruits year round thanks to our good friends down in Chile.

However, with anything global, there are unintended consequences in regards to food tracking and the resurgence of the “locally grown” movement.

So like everything in our lives, technology comes to the rescue.

There is a new technology that allows smartphone users (that are able to scan barcodes via their camera) an opportunity to get additional information directly in store about the produce they consume — including where the product came from, shipment date and such. Additionally, consumers would be to immediately share that information (as well as how delicious, or not, the produce was) over social media via mobile.

January 25th’s show on Larry Mantle’s Airtalk Show delves deep into this idea on the following link:

http://leep.it/su

Now, if grocery stores would realize that they can stop sending me circulars in the mail and push coupons to me on my mobile…

Apple vs. Android vs. RIM vs. Palm

Asif — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:50:04 +0000

Fans rejoice! Your favorite blogger is back! It’s been awhile since my last blog post, I’ve been a busy man. Happy New Year to all of you!

So, what’s been going on in these past few months? Well, Textopoly is now one of the fastest growing companies in Orange County, we won the 2010 Interactive Marketing Award, our mobile lab has been running on all cylinders with projects for Yamaha, Google, Scanbuy and others, and on top of all that, my brother just got married! Needless to say, it’s been a busy few months. And yes, for those who are wondering, the bachelor party was awesome!

Now that we got that out of the way, what’s going on in mobile!? Well, as always, A LOT! With the high success of the iPad, and the app store in all its glory, rival companies have been trying to get a piece of the action! Samsung’s Galaxy seems to be OK, its running off the popular android system which leaves an open market for applications. However, the more anticipated Blackberry Playbook seems to be a more comparable rival. As of now, we don’t know much about it, except for the fact that it’s going to have the fastest processor available, a video chat function, true multitasking (although it just so happens to be very reminiscent of Palms’ multifunction technology), and a much needed USB drive.

My personal opinion is that this Blackberry product will finally give the developers a reason to improve their app store! Because really, besides downloading the Facebook and Pandora application, what other application would you ever download from the blackberry app store? I’ve always loved blackberry, I think they have a high quality product, but it just needs to be attractive! I’m hoping that with the playbook (great name) they can finally start getting the high recognition that will eventually lead to more app development.

The other highly anticipated product is Palms Topaz Tablet. As many of you know, HP acquired Palm, and initially had not intention of continuing the mobile side of Palm! However that’s changed (thank god) and we’re all awaiting the big announcements of the tablet, as well as the new mobile handsets rumored to be show cased on February 9, 2011.

I for one can’t wait for all of these new products to come out! I’m definitely going to purchase one of the personal tablets, just not sure which one yet!

- Want to chat more about the iPad, Playbook, and Topaz!? Contact me at asif[at]Textopoly[dot]com. You can help me pick one! Till next time friends!

Social Media: Are You In or Are You Out?

Guest — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:05:03 +0000

As I think back to the ancient days of MySpace and how far social media and social networking have come since then, I realize that the future only holds greater and more advanced outlets for communicating, advertising, and relaying information. The most popular form of social media at this moment continues to be Facebook but it is followed closely behind by a vast number of social media sites including Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Renren, and Flickr.

Erik Qualman, author of Socialnomics, put it best when he said that, “we don’t have a choice of whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.” This is why companies such as our very own Textopoly are exploding into the social media world with full force. Facebook users, bloggers, and video downloaders have the ability to control how the world thinks about brands and their products. “Do you like what they are saying about your brand?”

Because brands are asking this question, companies such as Textopoly are leading the industry with their ability to use these social networks and other forms of social media to capture consumers and promote products. This industry is growing faster than seems possible yet the innovative minds that are powering these companies continue to challenge its speed. Can it be possible that social media is just a fad? Only time with tell. However, until the day that MySpace, Facebook, and upcoming social networks no longer exist, I highly recommend that brands take the leap into the social media world.

To see more about just how influential social media has become, check out the video below. (From where else but the social media site, YouTube)

Social Media Revolution

Vitaminwater’s Going Mobile

Naushad — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:33:44 +0000

Vitaminwater recently launched their newest campaign staring the genius that is Gary Busey. In the new ads Gary Busey plays Norman Tugwater, Fantasy Sports Attorney. He’s fighting to get monetary compensation from fantasy sports players for the athletes that he represents. The whole thing is pretty funny and quite entertaining, but Busey’s nut-job cheesy TV attorney character takes the cake.

The most interesting part of the whole campaign would be the texting component that they have going on – we are a mobile company and into the whole mobile thing. It’s nice to see a campaign with integrated mobile components. By texting in TUG to 70734, users receive a call from Gary Busey followed by an SMS with a link to their mobile site. Once on the mobile site, users can watch the viral video and share it via Facebook and Twitter. It’s a pretty robust campaign, from the Facebook page, videos, billboards, and OOH. We salute you Vitaminwater, welcome to the mobile club!

Kickin Facts…

Asif — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:26:17 +0000

You want exposure? You want people to know about your brand, your product, or your service; well the answer is in your pocket!

Mobile usage across the globe is growing faster and stronger than a 13 year old girl can say Justin Bieber! First, let me hit you with some facts:

- According to the International Telecommunications Union, mobile subscribers will surpass 5 billion in 2010, which is over 70% of the global population! The world population in April was 6.8 billion! The ITU says growth is being driven by advanced services and handsets in developed countries and increased take-up of mobile health services and mobile banking in the developing world.

- Gartner (March 2010) predicts that by 2011, over 85% of new handsets will be able to access the Mobile Web!

- LeBron was never the king, SMS ruled all! According to Portfolio Research (Feb. 2010)

SMS is used by 4 billion consumers worldwide
In 2009 worldwide SMS traffic topped five trillion messages, and that figure is set to exceed 10 trillion in 2013.
MMS, mobile email and mobile IM are all growing strongly. The driver for MMS is the number of camera phones, for mobile email is the business market and while IM is popular with the youth market.
The global mobile messaging business is worth over US$150 billion, and will hit US$233 billion by 2014.

If your brand isn’t capable of reaching more than 2 million people, you’re not using mobile! And if you’re not using mobile, you are definitely not at full potential! Check the facts, call us up, let’s have some lunch, and then drop it like it’s hot.

Want to be at full potential? Email me at: asif[at]textopoly[dot]com. – P.S. – I don’t think Miami is going to win the championship this year.

Disney takes over

Asif — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:54:01 +0000

So, ever since Avatar exploded onscreen with a 3-D extravaganza of color and ‘in your face’ goodness, 3-D movies, TV shows, and even video games have been popping up everywhere! Check out how Disney plans on using this reborn technology!

http://leep.it/jy

Let’s chat about it! Holla at me at: asif[at]textopoly[dot]com

Mobile Marketing Software Provider iVision Mobile And Textopoly Announce Strategic Partnership

Naushad — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:00:32 +0000

We’ve partnered with iVision Mobile! Check out the release below!

Mobile Marketing Software Provider iVision Mobile And Textopoly Announce Strategic Partnership

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2010 — iVision Mobile, a leading mobile marketing company, and Textopoly, Inc., a bleeding-edge mobile & social engagement agency specializing in all things interactive, today announced a strategic partnership that will offer expert strategy, consultation, and innovative mobile solutions to the extensive network of leading brands and content publishers that comprise Textopoly’s and iVision Mobile’s customer base.

iMessenger, the web-based mobile marketing software developed by iVision Mobile is used by businesses across all industries to create and manage interactive mobile marketing campaigns. From the world’s top brands to small businesses nationwide, iVision Mobile and Textopoly have delivered millions of messages that have provided their clients with revenue generating mobile initiatives to maximize ROI.

“We believe that iVision Mobile’s platform for creating and managing mobile campaigns is one of the most comprehensive and user friendly software systems in the marketplace,” says Naushad Huda, CEO and Founder of Textopoly. “This partnership enables us to continue to deliver upon our promise to harness the most valuable mobile applications and deliver a fully integrated solution with best-of-breed technology from iVision Mobile.”

“Textopoly is a terrific partner to help us expand our business and penetrate the marketplace,” said Omer Samiri, CEO and co-founder of iVision Mobile. “Hundreds of our mutual clients have independently made the decision to use our software and engage their end consumers with interactive mobile communication. Together, we’ll deliver an enterprise class solution that combines Textopoly’s expert consultative approach with iVision Mobile’s advanced messaging technology.”

Under the terms of the agreement, all iVision Mobile messaging and short codes will be managed by Textopoly. Additionally, Textopoly will market, resell and service the joint solution to enterprise customers, simplifying their mobile marketing efforts while maintaining the high caliber of service their customers demand.

“The announcement of the strategic partnership between iVision Mobile and Textopoly seems to be a logical move for both parties, capitalizing on each company’s area of expertise” said Alykhan Govani, CEO of MX Telecom, the connection aggregator for the two companies. “I’m hopeful that the result of this collaboration will lead to the continued development of innovation and strategic engagement via the mobile channel, benefitting brands and consumers across the board.”

About iVision Mobile
iVision Mobile provides mobile marketing and text messaging software solutions for businesses. iVision Mobile empowers companies across all industries including healthcare, automotive, sporting, religious, nightclubs/restaurants, finance, advertising agencies and more with mobile marketing solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.ivisionmobile.com

About Textopoly
Textopoly is a mobile & social engagement agency that creates highly customized campaigns for brands and agencies. Whether it is through texting, the mobile internet, applications, or social media they bring the brand straight to the users fingertips through easy and fun interactions. Through an evolving form of marketing, as well as research and dedication to both technology and its best practices, Textopoly is the leading pioneer in setting the trends in mobile and social engagements. Visit Textopoly at http://www.textopoly.com

Mobile Hardware in a Soft Market

Asif — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:31:11 +0000

When was the last time you were in Ace Hardware? Better yet, when was the last time Ace Hardware crossed your mind when doing any kind of home improvement?!

In 2007: Ace Hardware Corp. ends bid to transition from a co-op after discovering $154 million accounting error. – http://leep.it/eE

In 2008: Total revenues for the first quarter of 2008 decreased $67.8 million, or 7.2 percent, to $872.1 million. Total continuing merchandise sales in the first quarter of 2008 declined 6.4 percent while retail service revenues declined 13.1 percent. – http://leep.it/eF

In 2009: After excluding certain non-comparable items, Ace reported adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expenses) of $30.9 million for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $31.2 million in the prior year quarter. – http://leep.it/eG

In 2010: Ace Hardware mobile ads drive 60 percent increase in brand awareness – http://leep.it/eH

Ace Hardware went from a company that reported losses, after losses, after losses, to a company now tapping into a market they never knew existed! Ace Hardware is now, all over the place – over 15,000 fans on Facebook, over 4,000 total followers on Twitter, and now a mobile WAP site! Check out .m.acehardware.com on your mobile and download coupons, find a store, and get linked to either there Facebook page, or their Twitter! All I have to say is, GO ACE!

Want to chat about mobile or Ace Hardware? Email me at asif[at]textopoly[dot]com.