Ford Focus Emoji Keyboards and Digital Sticker Packs to Drive Engagement with Young Consumers in Red Hot Mobile Messaging Space
Swyft Media, the company helping brands and advertisers become a part of the world’s largest conversation, today announced it is collaborating with Ford Motor Company to pilot a new mobile communications initiative. The initiative includes free iOS and Android emoji keyboards as well as emoji sticker packs that will run across the Kik, PalTalk and Tango mobile messaging application platforms, which are part of the Swyft Media Partner Network. Ford is the first automaker to use branded emoji and stickers to create fun and personalized relationships with customers. Swyft Media Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:TYPE).
“We are always looking for creative and fun ways to engage our fans and customers. Our Ford Focus stickers and branded emoji keyboard reach an audience that has embraced the concept of personalizing their communications with friends and making their favorite brands a part of that dialogue,” said Angie Kozleski, Global Digital Communications Manager, Ford Motor Company. “Mobile messaging applications are channels through which a younger generation of consumers are increasingly connecting with their peers. Designing a sticker pack and emoji keyboard is an exciting way for Ford to entertain fans and participate in the conversation. Collaborating with Swyft Media was a natural fit as the team knows this space inside and out and has been a strong partner throughout the process.”
The initiative, which went live on September 8, 2015, includes more than 30 digital stickers of various Ford Focus models including sayings and chat messages such as “LOL,” “Let’s Go” and “Meet Me There.” The emoji keyboards can be downloaded in the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. The digital sticker packs can be downloaded and used in the Kik, PalTalk and Tango mobile messaging apps.
“Ford’s emoji campaign is a perfect example of how brands are getting more strategic and creative about the way they interact with young consumers,” said Evan Wray, co-founder and vice president at Swyft Media. “Creating content that conveys a brand message in a way that is cool or enticing to young consumers is becoming the new standard in advertising and marketing. We’ve seen a number of our brand partners experience an incredible ripple effect of consumer interest and engagement as a result of the viral impact of the emoji within mobile messaging and social media apps.”
Strategically, Ford is piloting this initiative through the personality of the Ford Focus because it is the gateway vehicle for Ford’s youngest customers. By targeting some of the brand’s youngest and most active app users, Ford is engaging customers in the spaces they live in, while providing content which organically interests them.
