IFIND 34600 TV COMMERCIALS USE HUMOUR AND GET IT RIGHT
Monday, 16 May 2005
The recently launched iFIND 34600 TV commercials have audiences laughing out loud.
The adverts showcase real 'slice of life' action with unexpected humour in order
to generate awareness for the world's first and biggest instant SMS directory enquiry
service.
Cycad Communications had the challenge of devising a creative concept that would
build the desired brand values for this new brand and service. According to Fanie
Venter, MD of iFIND 34600, "We wanted to create a brand which would be perceived
as fun, high energy, modern, young, instant and fun loving. It should be perceived
as a new friend with whom you can comfortably interact on a daily basis or one that
doesn't let you down and to whom you can turn to for information and advice".
Since the directory service is location enabled, users across all networks need
only SMS the word of the service or product and the desired location to the iFIND
34600 service number and within seconds, up to eight matching directory listings
are SMS'd back to the user. For example, users can SMS 'Plumber Durban' to 34600
and up to eight options will be sent back with telephone numbers.
The creative intention was to craft a potential dilemma in a humorous manner and
then offer a solution which naturally involves the use of iFIND 34600. For example,
one of the three ads shows a woman with exceptionally hairy armpits and the solution
offered is a lawnmower.
"We believe that the overall objectives have been achieved through the eye-catching
and witty TV commercials as well as the strong 'theatre of the mind' radio commercials,
which were created in the same vein" explained Venter.
Advertisements in other media have been designed purely to explain or demonstrate
how the new service works, although we envisage that in future the advertising in
all media will be of a brand building nature aimed at ensuring top of the mind awareness
in an entertaining way" added Venter.
Since the target audience has been defined as fun, modern and constitutes the new
mobile age, the agency fashioned their approach appropriately and believe that the
idiom of humor is not only relevant, but adds entertainment value to encourage users
to use the service.
Ends
On behalf of
iFIND 34600
Fanie Venter
Tel: 012 347 7530
INTRODUCING iFIND 34600 powered by SABC Mobile!
iFIND 34600 is the latest in a growing list of innovative mobile services offered
by the SABC, in partnership with the mobile industry in South Africa. For this reason,
SABC is launching a new business unit, SABC MOBILE, that is dedicated to leveraging
mobile technologies. SABC MOBILE will actively partner with mobile networks, technology
providers, service providers and content aggregators, and will also assist in the
empowerment of the mobile Industry, through various BEE initiatives.
iFIND 34600 - the instant SMS directory that helps you find info fast! It's easy
and always available! This is how you use it:
Step 1: Type a SMS with what you need and where you need it e.g. 'Insurance pretoria'
or 'Hotel sandton' or 'Pizza bloemfontein'
Step 2: SMS to 34600
Step 3: Get up to eight matching directory listings within seconds!!
You can find anything!!!
...pizza, doctor, plumber, hotel, estate agent, apartment, property, farm, attorney,
architect, restaurant, take away, steakhouse, bakery, school, creche, college, clothing,
jewellery, leather, shoes, queens park, curtains, freezer, interior decorator, accommodation,
self catering chalet, travel, spa, casino, taxi, laundromat, tyres, car, forklift,
truck, avis, bmw, battery, shocks, gearlock, carwash, panelbeater, florist, airtime,
vodashop, stationary, nursery, gym, church, homeopath, nutritionist, wheelchair,
museum, art gallery, motorbike, jet ski, paintball, photographer, jumping castle,
butchery, cameras, pet shop, brain books, tow-in, electrician, locksmith, garden
services, ceiling refurbishment, bricks, aircon, blinds, paving, tiles, carpets,
waterproofing, paint, pool, computers, hairdresser, facial......etc etc etc !!!!
Mark Jakins, Chief Executive of the SABC's Commercial Enterprises, expressed his
satisfaction with the joint venture with iFIND (Pty) Ltd. "The SABC is fully committed
to developing mobile applications and services that will extend our brands and unlock
value for our advertising clients and South African audiences".
iFIND 34600 is also available through a call centre (0822 86 7000), the Internet
(www.34600.co.za) and USSD (Vodacom only - call *120*34600#. Calls cost 67c for
20 seconds). SMS costs R2. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.34600.co.za for
more information. SABC MOBILE can be contacted at the following email address: mobile@sabc.co.za
If you want to register a company on iFIND 34600: SMS the word 'sabc'
to 34600 and a iFIND consultant will contact you with all the necessary
information.
INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
iFIND 34600 is the leader in the SMS directory listing market that provides cellphone
users with contact details for businesses or services, while offering businesses
a cheaper form of advertising directly to people with specific needs. It's also
the first listing service that is accessible across multi-platforms, namely SMS,
USSD, Internet and a Call Centre.
The service is easy to use. To find a service or product, users need to decide on
a word that best describes what they need and where they need it, i.e. 'Pizza Rosebank'
or 'Dentist Cape Town' and SMS it to 34600. After a few seconds, up to eight matching
directory listings are SMS'd back to the user. Users are charged R2 per search (terms
and conditions apply).
Advertisers can make use of this uncluttered marketing space at a low rate and have
the option to list up to ten categories. Search results have the potential to generate
'hot leads' for the listed company which automatically shares the listed company's
business card. The service is available to all cellphone users, at any time and
with the latest market consolidation, iFIND 34600 can now generate even more exposure
and better results for its advertisers. Monthly advertising rates are a low R171
for a standard listing and R399 for a premium listing.
User satisfaction is of a priority for both iFIND 34600 and advertisers alike. Increased
user confidence in the service as affordable and convenient medium ensures a better
return on investment for advertisers.
Statistics show that South Africans are using iFind 34600 every minute of the day
until late at night, to find what they want and where they want.
For more information visit www.34600.co.za or phone the iFind 34600 call centre
on 0822 86 7000.
iFIND 34600 REINFORCES LEADERSHIP STANCE
Thursday, 11 August 2005
In-line with the mobile directory market consolidation, iFIND 34600, South Africa's
biggest SMS directory service has taken another competitor out of the way, 'The
Network SMS Corporation (Pty) Ltd' which owned the SABC Mobile Pages brand. This
transaction is expected to generate and significantly increase iFIND 34600's revenue
stream and market share in terms of consumers and advertisers.
According to Fanie Venter, Managing Director of iFIND 34600, "This deal will result
in nearly 90% of all SMS directory enquiries being directed through iFIND 34600's
service."
"Through this transaction iFIND 34600 addresses user confusion in the marketplace,
as there will now be fewer SMS directory services and SMS numbers to remember. Also,
iFIND 34600 can now offer added value to its advertisers, who will benefit from
increased data traffic coming through its system. SABC Mobile Pages had built up
a large database of business listings, which included blue chip advertisers. With
more exposure and better results, advertisers will experience a definite impact
on their respective businesses and we trust that this will attract more advertisers
in the near future."
Venter adds, "Our overhead structure will remain unchanged, while several notable
synergies, especially in the administrative side will be adapted by the organisation."
The SABC Mobile Pages database of users and advertisers will automatically be notified
that are part of iFIND 34600's and will be supported by the established infrastructure.
The unification of this SMS directory portal will increase marketability and customer
satisfaction as the advertisers will have increased exposure, whilst the cellphone
users receive more options to choose from.
According to Venter, "Consolidation of the market results in a centralization of
services which users will identify as a strengthening of the brand and its credibility.
As the leading directory with the most users and a potential to tap into 23 million
cellphone users countrywide, we will be in an even stronger position to attract
more advertisers."
Advertisers can make use of this uncluttered marketing space at a low rate and have
the option to list in ten categories. Search results have the potential to generate
'hot leads' for the listed company, which automatically share the listed company's
business card. The service is available to all cellphone users, at any time.
Currently iFIND 34600 is experiencing an phenomenal growth of recurring usage i.e.
unique cellphone numbers accessing the system on a continuous basis. More than 60%
usage of the system is recurring and is growing considerably on a weekly basis.
As the market leader in the instant SMS directory industry, iFIND 34600 expects
significant growth over the next two to five years. The business will continue to
be steered so that it will offer cellphone users a cost-effective and convenient
means of obtaining business information, while encouraging more businesses to advertise
their services, using the invaluable and cost-effective platform to reach a potential
market of 23 million consumers.
For further information, please visit www.34600.co.za or mail the iFIND 34600 team
info@34600.co.za
Ends
On behalf of:
iFIND 34600 (Pty) Ltd
Fanie Venter - Managing Director
Tel: (012) 347-7530
IFIND 34600 ACQUIRES MARKET COMPETITOR
Friday, 1 July 2005
The world's first and biggest SMS directory service, iFIND 34600 (Pty) Ltd is getting
even bigger, as it closes the market gap by acquiring '35500' into its stable. This
is the first and biggest acquisition in the mobile directory market space and the
organisation has only been operating since April this year. It already boasts more
than 1,000,000 user search results (one SMS contains eight listings or eight different
companies).
Companies who were already listed with '35500' as advertisers will enjoy the benefits
of a successful and growing business through iFIND 34600. The ever increasing user
base and awareness of the brand has entrenched the SMS number into the memory banks
of South Africans. According to Fanie Venter, Managing Director of this pioneering
company, "Through the simple, catchy jingle used in the advertising campaign, iFIND
34600 has built up an uncomplicated, easy-to-remember SMS number which consumers
will remember when in need. That's the tool that makes a company in this business
survive."
iFIND 34600 offers users access to information about where to find businesses or
services, whilst offering businesses a cost-effective means of advertising directly
to people with specific needs. It's also accessible across multi-platforms, namely
SMS, USSD, Internet and Call Centre.
For further information, please visit www.34600.co.za or phone the iFIND 34600 call
centre on 082 286 7000.
Ends
On behalf of:
iFIND 34600 (Pty) Ltd
Fanie Venter - Managing Director
Tel: (012) 347-7530
CAN YOU AFFORD TO NOT BE REGISTERED?
Monday, 16 May 2005
iFIND 34600 is a world first and it was launched in South Africa last month. This
innovative product is an instant SMS-based mobile information directory service,
which allows businesses the opportunity to list and reach customers with specific
needs. The user is only given relevant required information eliminating the usual
clutter associated with traditional advertising.
This cost-effective means of advertising promises advertisers excellent exposure
to their specific target market by providing a location-specific service, using
efficient delivery mechanisms based on user preference (SMS, USSD, Call Centre or
Internet).
Businesses are listed per location and not per category as is usually the case with
directory listings. For example, when users need to locate a florist in Sandton
they would have to SMS the product or service they are looking for and the relevant
location, i.e. 'Florist Sandton' to 34600.
The unique business model and cellular technology allows iFIND 34600 to list a business
in up to 50 categories that they wish to be available in. A combination of keywords
describing the products or services that a company offers (relevance to user), search
area (distance from user), listing status and advertiser status (standard or premium)
are used to determine the prioritization of search results.
User satisfaction is of primary importance for both iFIND 34600 and advertisers
alike. Increased user confidence in the service as a cost-effective and convenient
medium ensures a better return on investment for advertisers.
This niche market space has the potential to reach 18 million cellphone users in
South Africa and monthly advertising rates start from a low R171 for listing in
10 categories.
To list your business, SMS the word 'register' to 34600 or alternatively visit www.34600.co.za
or phone the iFIND 34600 call centre on 0822 86 7000.
On behalf of:
iFIND (Pty) Ltd
Fanie Venter
Tel: (012) 347-7530
SIMPLE SEARCH MADE SIMPLER FOR VODACOM USERS
Monday, 16 May 2005
iFIND 34600 is a world first and it was launched in South Africa last month. This
innovative product is an SMS-based directory enquiry service that offers users access
to information about where to find businesses or services. It's also the first listing
service that is accessible across SMS, USSD, Internet and Call Centre.
This instant directory service is unique in that it provides location specific results
to users' searches, plus a wide range of search content across all categories which
will be available at affordable rates for users.
The service is simple to use. Users need to decide on a word that best describes
what they need and where they need it, i.e. 'Pizza Rosebank' or 'Dentist Cape Town'
and SMS it to 34600. After a few seconds, up to eight matching directory listings
are SMS'd back to the user - all results will be relevant to the area of the searcher's
requested location.
Since the service is location enabled, Vodacom subscribers have an advantage or
service value-add. Vodacom subscribers don't need to type in their location, since
iFIND will locate their handset and find the suppliers nearest to the user. This
is when the person wants to find something where they are at that moment.
Users are charged R2 per search (terms and conditions apply).
For further information, please visit www.34600.co.za or phone the iFIND 34600 call
centre on 0822 86 7000.
On behalf of:
iFIND (Pty) Ltd
Fanie Venter
Tel: (012) 347-7530
NEW INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Monday, 16 May 2005
Need to know where to find a service or product? Now there's a service that will
help you find whatever you need, where ever you are and whenever you need it. Simple,
all you need is a cellphone.
The service is simple to use. Users need to decide on a word that best describes
what they need and where they need it, i.e. 'Pizza Rosebank' or 'Dentist Cape Town'
and SMS it to 34600. After a few seconds, up to eight matching directory listings
are SMS'd back to the user - all results will be relevant to the area of the searcher's
requested location.
Users are charged R2 per search (terms and conditions apply).
For further information, please visit www.34600.co.za or phone the iFIND 34600 call
centre on 0822 86 7000.
On behalf of:
iFIND (Pty) Ltd
Fanie Venter
Tel: (012) 347-7530
INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
iFIND 34600 is the leader in the SMS directory listing market that provides cellphone
users with contact details for businesses or services, while offering businesses
a cheaper form of advertising directly to people with specific needs. It's also
the first listing service that is accessible across multi-platforms, namely SMS,
USSD, Internet and a Call Centre.
The service is easy to use. To find a service or product, users need to decide on
a word that best describes what they need and where they need it, i.e. 'Pizza Rosebank'
or 'Dentist Cape Town' and SMS it to 34600. After a few seconds, up to eight matching
directory listings are SMS'd back to the user. Users are charged R2 per search (terms
and conditions apply).
Advertisers can make use of this uncluttered marketing space at a low rate and have
the option to list up to ten categories. Search results have the potential to generate
'hot leads' for the listed company which automatically shares the listed company's
business card. The service is available to all cellphone users, at any time and
with the latest market consolidation, iFIND 34600 can now generate even more exposure
and better results for its advertisers. Monthly advertising rates are a low R171
for a standard listing and R399 for a premium listing.
User satisfaction is of a priority for both iFIND 34600 and advertisers alike. Increased
user confidence in the service as affordable and convenient medium ensures a better
return on investment for advertisers.
Statistics show that South Africans are using iFind 34600 every minute of the day
until late at night, to find what they want and where they want.
For more information visit www.34600.co.za or phone the iFind 34600 call centre
on 0822 86 7000.
|