Oct
7
Wireless Commercials + Canucks
Posted by: jfung | October 7, 2010 | Leave a Comment
We’ve all seen them. Telus has bunnies, exotic birds, hippos, little pigs, etc. Rogers uses a continuation of the wrong guy on the wrong network vs some other guy on the Rogers network. Most of us pay attention to these because of the continued storyline, animals or music associated with these commercials. Bell doesn’t have any particular commercials that stick out in my head. Does this put Bell behind the other 2 in terms of competitiveness of or brand awareness? I don’t think so. Even carriers new to the scene such as WIND mobile will become competitive without television commercials. Most people will shop around for the best deal before deciding on a carrier. Running expensive commercials is not the way to go. How many people will be swayed by a commercial these days? Many people just record shows and fast forward through the commercials. Only live events (sports, news, etc.) have commercials that are actually being watched by the majority of viewers. Yes, business users are more likely to be with Rogers (usually a company plan, not due to consumer choice), but the average person really doesn’t have a reason to sign a 3 year term with Rogers. Yes, you get a free phone or whatever the promotion is, but per month value usually isn’t quite as good as others. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Creating value for consumers?
Sidenote: If Google can find a way to make their online phoning thing on Gmail work with devices like the iPod touch or Samsung’s version of the iPad (the name doesn’t ring a bell right now, not a good sign if they want to avoid being in the forgotten category), competition will be even more fierce. Does this create more value for consumers? I think so.
On an unrelated note, I just wanted to point out how the Canucks as a business really don’t have to advertise. Fans do it for them. newspapers do it for them. The news does it for them. The radio does it for them. Demand for merchandise and tickets skyrockets. Sounds a great business to own? Phoenix Coyotes anyone? I really don’t understand why the coyotes don’t move from Phoenix (in a busniess perspective). Why advertise and give out free tickets in Phoenix when people in Vancouver would be willing to go to Seattle just to see the same event? I know it’s more complex, but losing money in Phoenix really doesn’t make much sense at this point