The service will bring the exciting Blyk brand and innovative media model to consumers and advertisers in the Netherlands and it is aligned to both companies’ strategies for growth and leadership in mobile advertising.
Blyk’s launch advertiser partners include local and global brands e.g. Nike, Beachmasters, Universal Pictures, McDonald’s, Pearle and Electronic Arts. The consumer offer includes 1.000 free SMS and 1.000 free Blyk-to-Blyk minutes per month. Blyk is targeted to the young people of 16 – 29 years and subscriptions are based on a membership (opt-in, profiled). Members need to have a SIM-lock free, MMS capable mobile phone.
“Together with Vodafone, we intend to build a game changing youth media in the Dutch market” says Eric Kip, Managing Director for Blyk Netherlands. Our relationship will include a co-development of the consumer proposition for the Netherlands and audience management. Blyk will have responsibility for the brand, advertising sales and technology.”
He continues: “The Netherlands has the third highest advertising spend per capita in Europe and is a hub for many global companies and ad agencies, so is an obvious territory for Blyk’s expansion. The advertising market, whilst both creative and dynamic, is also cluttered so we believe youth brands will welcome a highly engaging communication channel like Blyk. We are confident that both Dutch advertisers and global advertisers will make use of Blyk’s unique ability to connect them with an important consumer segment.”
Sten van der Ham, Head of Consumer Marketing Prepaid, Vodafone Netherlands comments: “The Blyk brand and the whole concept behind it, is a proven success for young people in the UK. Mobile Advertising is still an infancy media, which we expect to grow significantly within the next years. We are convinced this will be a successful partnership; where Vodafone stands for its high quality telecom services and Blyk stands for a unique mobile media experience for young people.”