Permission Marketing is nothing new for Indian mobile consumers and the latest to join the bandwag
on is Blyk, UK based free mobile service network for 16-24 year olds.
Blyk offers free talk time to users in return for accepting to receive targeted advertising on their phone (there will be a ceiling on free calls/SMSpermitted per subscriber)
Blyk is looking for partners in India and is in talks with Reliance (source).
Why this could work? If you look at mGinger’s target segment, 31% of the total registered users are students trying to earn extra pocket money (read: Permission Marketing and the new Mobile Advertising Mantra in India).
So essentially there is a market validation for the service, and Blyk’s focus on a niche target segment will help advertisers as well.
Having said that, achieving scale has been a challenge (Virgin mobile is a classic example).
What’s your take on Blyk’s offering? Will it fly?
The problem for advertisers will still continue to be the ‘spam’ aspect of it. Mobile SMS is not a great place to do ‘brand building’. Hence the focus needs to be on generating leads / prospects. The new service, while interesting, comes more under the Spam category
U guys got to come to india we need companys like u because now a days each call cost u around 1 ruppes…we dnt have gud cellular companys soo prefer u to come to india …….If u come its ur profit because u gain a much lot money frm INDIA……come on ppl we will be waiting 4 u……………
I have been making all my calls to India absolutely Free for past 2 weeks. Here are the steps:
Use gift code FREE10 while signing up on http://www.dialsimple.com/?joinForm=1
On home page you will see a link “Make All Your Calls FREE!” Click on it and choose any of the options.
Share your findings if you find anything more.