YouTube adds cars and travel to its channel line-up
YouTube has launched two new motor channels to add to its ever increasing range of original content.
The Motor Trend channel is described as a “never-ending car expo” and will broadcast programming from brands such as Hot Rod, Motorcyclist, Lowrider and FourWheeler.
Ford launches social sales tool for US dealers
Ford has launched a new tool that allows its US franchises to show real time vehicle inventory information through their own social media profiles.
FordDirect DealerConnection Vehicle Showroom (VSR) integrates with Facebook pages, YouTube channels or blogs to allow customers to browse new and used car information without clicking out of their original destination.
Super Bowl fail: Toyota spams Twitter
The Super Bowl is an exciting time for the brands that shelled out big bucks to reach millions of consumers on one of the biggest days in the world of sport.
That was certainly true for Toyota. The carmaker had high hopes for its Camry Effect campaign, which it described as one of the "most ambitious social media campaigns we've ever implemented." But did it get a little too excited?
Three steps to keeping email marketing simple but effective
The online space has opened up creative avenues marketers could only have dreamt about.
While you’re thinking up the latest bells and whistles to make your emails stand out, consider a few simple steps that should form the building blocks of any successful campaign.
Quick wins can be gained from analysing the time you send your communications; finessing the sender address and subject line; and, most importantly, testing your messages.
Toyota turns to social media, mobile for car giveaway
In the multi-channel, multi-platform age, running marketing campaigns is a lot different than it used to be. There are more options, and a lot more to think about. The same is true when it comes to giving away a car.
That's what Toyota is doing as part of its Camry Effect, which the company describes as "a social media initiative developed to unite the nearly seven million Camry owners in this country through an interactive, online experience."
Four proven steps to boost your online testing
Many businesses have dipped their toes into the world of online testing, and sometimes expectations of high returns from simple tests can outweigh reality.
The truth is that there are genuine and continuous benefits to be had, but you should think outside the box to drive real change.
Mini builds interactive social installation at Brussels Motor Show
Mini has built an interactive installation at Brussels Motor Show to promote its new Countryman vehicle.
Created by Agency.com and TBWA (it's actually reminiscent of the latter agency's work with Skittles), every 'Like' of the Mini Benelux Facebook page takes customers closer to winning a car.
Audi launches Foursquare campaign with US Ski Team
Audi has created a new Foursquare badge with the support of the US Ski Team, which it has sponsored since 2007.
Fans of the luxury car that follow Audi on Foursquare and check-in to ski resorts this winter will unlock the exclusive 'Audi Winter Ride' badge, which gives them 20% off all items in the Audi collection.
Branded content strategies in 2012: from predictions to reality
Over the past month I’ve read a great deal of trend forecasts and predictions for 2012.
They range from a renewed interest in advertising on mobiles to connected TVs, more creative thinking from marketers to the resurgence of email marketing.
But overall it seems the industry is in agreement over one key trend: online video.
Toyota launches personalised ‘shout out’ social media campaign
Toyota has launched the social media arm of its recent Outsmart Life campaign for the Yaris, with rapper Gadget.
Consumers can have their own personalised video created for them by Gadget and Slick, the puppet which was featured in a previous Toyota Yaris campaign.
