"Building & Protecting Brands Through Entertainment Marketing"

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Is Sponsoring A Web Series A Good Investment For Brands? By Ian McQueen


The web is exploding with content, with shows being produced and distributed in every genre imaginable. In addition, online networks such as Blip.tv, KoldCast.tv, Yahoo and YouTube have joined the party as well. The question is, should brands be as excited as the networks and producers behind these shows?


Well, it depends... As with traditional network and cable productions, some shows are worthy of brand partnerships and some are not. First and foremost, potential brand partners need to review the project to determine if it is a fit for them (demographics, storyline, rating, etc.). Secondly, find out what type of distribution is in place and how the series will be marketed and promoted. The next step would be to discuss key sponsorship opportunities---brand integration, consumer driven cross promotions, social media initiatives, webisodes, etc. For major sponsorship, brands need a production team that is willing to be flexible and open to their marketing and branding initiatives.

There is great content on the web that is packaged and distributed to millions of viewers, offering brands afforable and attractive partnership opportunities. Compared to traditional television series, the barriers of entry are much lower while still delivering "win, win" results. Apple's iPad has revolutionized how consumers view content, further advancing the web series model. Not to mention the fact that several web series networks are now available on connected TV's, allowing viewers to watch in their living rooms as well.

The right property combined with a comprehensive entertainment marketing campaign will deliver incremental sales, millions of consumer impressions and invaluable branding for web series sponsors.


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