AIM Final Plans Book: NSAC '07-'08
Nov 01, 2014
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We are Chariot, a communications company that propels brands
with high-impact marketing solutions. We act as the vehicle, turning
goals into reality and ideas into market share. We will guide you on
the journey to brand leadership. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
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Chariot has identified our target as Digital Natives, a group of 18-24 year
olds that grew up with AIM as a tool for connecting with their peers; it was
their communication lifeline. Constant connection to friends continues to
be essential for Digital Natives. As Digital Natives live in a world of ever-
evolving communication and social networking, they demand new and
exciting communication alternatives. However, they perceive that the AIM
brand has remained static since it was initially released in 1999. While Digital
Natives still frequent the AIM client, they do so because their friends are
there, not because of a strong brand preference. Digital Natives are moving
on with their lives and they believe AIM has not moved on with them.
Here lies the problem.
Brand loyalty may be lacking now, but we have unearthed two critical
findings about Digital Natives. First, they desire innovation and
technological convergence of products. Second, they face more personal
transitions during the ages of 18 to 24 than at any other time in their lives.
Within Digital Natives we have identified three market segments which
represent an outstanding opportunity to significantly build loyalty to and
usage of AIM products: Social Seekers, Digital Distributors and Ambitious
Advancers. These segments represent 70 percent of the Digital Native usage
of social media.
The aforementioned insights are the inspiration for our campaign. However,
it is much more than just an advertising campaign. It is an exciting and
uplifting set of programs which includes a new positioning for AIM,
important product improvements, product and brand consolidation, the
creation of a dynamic new product and an exciting communications campaign
that returns AIM to its initial leadership position in the online community.
The launching point of the campaign is the positioning of AIM as an
important platform for Digital Natives to access and share relevant
information – “AIM provides instant sharing of experiences with my most
important online communities.” Young people crave sharing of experiences,
access to information and access to their peers instantly. We want AIM to be
their hub.
Our campaign will be delivered in two phases. The Re-Engage Stage focuses
on the convergence and consolidation of the AIM products. An innovative
campaign will both announce these improvements and give the brand a
needed makeover. AIM's new theme line, “Keep Sharing” expresses the most
important reason why Digital Natives engage in social media.
The Continuous Conversion Stage is the next step in helping AIM become
relevant within the social networking sphere. This will be accomplished by
introducing a new social utility website, cVie; a place Digital Natives can visit
to embrace and manage the important transitions in their lives. Powered by
AIM, this original social utility will quickly become an invaluable resource
for Digital Natives.
Our plan will provide opportunities for Digital Natives to become highly
engaged with the campaign. Our executions integrate into the lives of Digital
Natives through what we call “connections.” These connections eliminate
traditional communication silos. Our product development, advertising,
media, public relations, event marketing and cause branding operate together
to make AIM an insisted part of their online communities.
We provide AIM with the incredible opportunity to become a relevant and
desired tool for Digital Natives. Not only does our campaign give AIM the
ability to re-engage current users, it also allows it to continuously evolve with
Digital Natives.
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,=6=2371Getting closely acquainted with the Digital Native market was the first step
in developing our plan. The objectives we established for our research were:
• To understand how Digital Natives view AIM and AIM Social Media
• Discover how Digital Natives interact with social networks, cell phones,
instant messaging and the Internet
• Examine how the important values of Digital Natives influence their lives
• Determine how online environments represent differing demographics
and lifestyles
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• Created a library of over 500 articles focusing on Digital Natives and
the industry
• Implemented the “Chariot Pulse Tracker” which monitors websites that are
favored by Digital Natives
• Monitored blogs about and by Digital Natives and their engagements
with social media
• Subscribed to and analyzed podcasts to deepen our knowledge of Digital
Natives' attitudes towards social media and industry trends
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• Participated in Cultural Convergence Consortium in
Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Employed projective account planning techniques such as collages, video
diaries and brand parties to deepen our understanding of Digital Natives
• Conducted 15 focus groups to get a more intimate understanding of how
Digital Natives live and engage with social media
• Conducted an interactive survey that returned over 1,500 responses
in 35 states
• Administered a targeted survey to Digital Natives about transitions
• Interviewed Lisa Johnson, a leading consultant on Generation Y
• Interviewed Dr. Ross MacMillan, an expert on the transitions from
adolescence to adulthood
• Interviewed Henry Jenkins, head of the New Media Lab at MIT
F=D(G/;C/;:6Chariot has identified the strongest insights from our primary and secondary
research. We used these findings to engineer our strategy and creative executions.
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• Digital Natives look for a “custom cocktail” of advice, both professional
and personal
• Online networks that converge their properties into a simple format are the
most successful with Digital Natives
• Digital Natives no longer surf the Internet, instead they have a core group
of websites they visit on a daily basis
• User-generated content remains prominent, but it doesn’t matter where
the content comes from as long as it is peer recommended
• Digital Natives are demanding more sophisticated technology, but crave
intuitive function and simplicity in design
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• Digital Natives experience more transitions than any other age group
• Digital Natives face more firsts than any other point in their lives
• These transitions create anxiety in Digital Natives' lives and are the focus
of their concerns
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• The AIM brand is viewed as adolescent, even though this age group
enjoys its utility
• Often, users do not realize that products such as Mapquest, MoviePhone
and TMZ are part of the AOL and AIM networks
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On November 16th, Chariot team members flew
to Cambridge to attend the Culture Convergence
Consortium at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. Hosted by media expert Henry Jenkins,
the two-day event explored how the business landscape
is evolving in response to the integration of content and brands, emerging cultural
and technological advancements and the increasingly prominent role consumers
play in shaping media. Key speakers included representatives from MTV
Networks, Yahoo Inc., Naked Communications and the NBC program Heroes.
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Henry Jenkins is an expert on the collision between old and new media and
has authored nine books on media and pop culture. Our interview uncovered
seven imperatives to consider when marketing in the environment of
cultural convergence.
• Everything is subject to change without notice; everything is perishable
• Digital Natives are no longer loyal to specific media channels—it’s all
about the content
• Digital Natives demand the ability to adjust privacy settings
• Digital Natives are living their real lives online, it is not just a fun addition
to real life
• The creator of content no longer determines the final translation of the message
• Entertainment means nothing unless it has relevance to a brand
• The media industry is shifting from a monologue to a dialogue—marketers
must learn to talk with the Digital Natives, not at them
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After reading Lisa Johnson’s book Mind Your X’s and Y’s: Satisfying the 10
Cravings of a New Generation of Consumers, we set up an interview with Ms.
Johnson to further discuss her research. She blends captivating case studies
of successful and innovative brands with interviews of influential thinkers
and Digital Natives to create a list of ten consumer cravings. We discovered
four main points to emphasize when marketing to an exclusive group of
consumers who are savvy, sophisticated and particular.
• Common Ground: Digital Natives crave the ability to be connected with
like-minded people who share similar goals and interests.
• Eliminate the Lemons: Digital Natives value the previous experiences of
people with similar interests and values for guidance, insight and support.
• Co-Create: Digital Natives want to remix branded material and make it
their own.
• Dynamic Design: Digital Natives are attracted to design that reflects the
brand’s unique personality and is consistent among all branded spaces.
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To gain an academic perspective on the transitions
of young adults, we interviewed Professor
MacMillan of the Life Course department at the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Chariot
uncovered three points of emphasis from
this interview.
• Digital Natives experience more life transitions
than any other age group.
• There is no other point in the life cycle where as
many as six significant transitions happen in
such a relatively short period of time.
• Thanks to the broader network of information
social media provide, receiving guidance about
life’s transitions is no longer limited to advice
from a friend-of-a-friend.
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Trend: The boundary between the Internet and mobility has become blurred.
As a result, accessibility and multitasking have become imperative pieces
in the online world. Digital Natives not only enjoy, but require the high-
tech aspect of having all communication tools in one place. Although only
three and one half percent of US mobile subscribers currently access social
media with their phones,1 twenty-five percent of Digital Natives said social
networking would be a priority, second only to e-mail.2
Implication: AIM can spark this wildfire by offering easily accessible and
comprehensive mobile tools.
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Trend: As social media is becoming more sophisticated, consumers are
still demanding user-friendly products with a simple interface. Advances
in technology allow more feature-rich products that are more intuitive in
function. However, only a few elite brands such as Google and Apple have
been able to implement this idea successfully.
Implication: AIM must present user-friendly products with sophisticated
infrastructures.
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Trend: Digital Natives’ strong trust of peer opinions has led to a rise in user-
recommended content as the main driver in viral media. Digital Natives
value the opinions of friends and peers with similar interests over suggestions
from marketers, government and other ambiguous parties. Currently,
online content is popular because of consumer referrals and initiates digital
distribution through social communities.
Implication: AIM must facilitate a forum for the sharing of ideas rather than
dictating to Digital Natives what is important.
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Trend: Digital Natives were not born yesterday. They have grown up with the
Internet and do not blindly surf; they browse with a purpose. When Digital
Natives encounter an organized website that provides them with instant
access to all of their needs, there is little reason to leave. This results in a high
stickiness for all-inclusive social networks. Digital Natives depend on just a
few sources to complete everyday online tasks.
Implication: AIM cannot be one-dimensional. It is imperative to incorporate the
features and functions of other AOL and AIM websites to improve stickiness.
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As the leading social networking website
in the U.S., MySpace goes beyond just
connecting friends. Through its open network forum users are able to explore
undiscovered connections. Digital Natives are drawn to this artistic website
because of its emphasis on new media, self-expression and promotion.
MySpace supports grass roots media, which is free from the constraints of
labels and has been integral in the success of many artists including rap
superstar Soulja Boy. With a do-it-yourself interface MySpace has been criticized
for its cluttered design, steep learning curve and vulnerability to spam.3
This social networking powerhouse began as a website
for college students and has extended its reach to a
mainstream audience. Digital Natives see Facebook as
an outlet for social voyeurism void of security issues. In comparison to
MySpace, its main competitor, Facebook’s core advantage emphasizes
effective communication. Its easy to navigate interface and breadth of privacy
controls has lead to strong brand equity and praise among the Digital Native
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1 Mobile Social Networking Has 12.3 Million Friends in the US and Western Europe. M:Metrics. August 15, 2007.2 Webcredible Study. utalkmarketing.com January 22, 2008.3 Press Release, (2007, July 12). MySpace Outperforms
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market.1 Recently, Facebook revealed they are launching an in-browser
instant messaging feature.2 This gives Facebook potential to be a major
competitor in instant messaging in addition to their existing presence in
social networking.
Beyond “The Big Two” there is an influx of new niche websites entering the
online space,3 17,1194 and counting. While they are prevalent in number, their
audiences remain minimal. Although these pose a potential threat to become
the “next big thing” they are seldomly accepted as leading social networking
websites by Digital Natives.
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On March 13th, 2008 AOL acquired the social
networking website Bebo. Bebo’s audience of 40 million
will substantially add to AOL’s current user base. As an entertainment hub,
Bebo currently has a strong following in the U.K., Ireland and New Zealand;
however, it continues to gain popularity in the U.S. According to AOL chairman
and CEO Randy Falco, “Bebo is the perfect complement to AOL’s personal
communications network and puts us in a leading position in social media.”5
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This messaging service closely follows AIM in the U.S.
market. Owned by the parent company Microsoft, MSN
has the advantage of being linked to the Windows operating system. Its
sophisticated design allows for a professional and mature tone.6
Rapid growth and popularity has led to its third place
position in the U.S. market. Much of its success is attributed
to its in-browser integration with Gmail. Like Google Search, its chat capabilities
give consumers exactly what they want: simplicity and smart design.7
With a strong hold on the adolescent market, Yahoo!
Messenger cannot be overlooked. Currently ranking
fourth among competitors, Yahoo!’s young demographic creates potential for
future growth.
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Portals: Portals such as Google, MSN and Yahoo! provide a one-stop
destination where users can access e-mail, news, groups and browse the
Internet. Portals are the ultimate embodiment of convergence.
Texting: Text messaging has evolved into a premiere form of communication
for Digital Natives. Currently, text messaging is the most convenient way to
engage in quick connections.
Gaming: Gaming offers multiple social networking outlets through Flash
games, online gaming, PC gaming and console games. Digital Natives range
from casual users to die-hard fans that live vicariously through the game.
Blogs: Blogging has become journaling for the 21st century. Digital Natives
use blogs as a canvas for expression and personal soapboxes.
Fantasy Sports: Fantasy sports websites allow Digital Natives to connect with
friends and compete in the professional world of sports. Popular fantasy
sports destinations include Yahoo! Fantasy Sports and ESPN Fantasy Sports.
Online Video: Digital Natives enjoy watching short videos and user-created
content. YouTube dominates this category by allowing its users to provide
entertainment that can be passed along and popularized by their peers.
1 Chariot’s MySpace and Facebook Brand Party focus group.2 Arrington, Michael. "Facebook to Launch Instant Messaging
Service." Tech Crunch. (2008, March 14)3 Holahan, Catherine, (2007, March 14). Social Networking Goes
Niche. Business Week, www.businessweek.com4 www.ning.com5 Shields, Mike. "AOL to Acquire Bebo for $850 Mil." Mediaweek.
(2008, March 13)6AIM Case Study, (2007). pg. 67 Chariot’s Social Media Survey, 1,510 participants, (2007, Oct.)
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1. Familiarity
Digital Natives are familiar with and trust the AIM brand; AIM enjoys
over eighty percent unaided brand awareness.1
2. The Original
For most Digital Natives, AIM was their first exposure to online social
media. Since then, there has been a proliferation of new social media
brands, which have leapfrogged AIM.
3. Juvenile
AIM emerged into the market when Digital Natives were entering middle
school. As they have matured, they feel that AIM has remained static.
Consequently, they associate AIM with their youth and view it as
primarily designed for a younger audience.
4. Forced Loyalty
Digital Natives are loyal to AIM because it's where their friends
congregate; not because the brand speaks to them. AIM is an accepted,
but not an insisted brand.
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Current IM platforms do not incorporate multimedia sharing
The desire for a consumer to have multiple social networking accounts
Lack of a website that is focused to help with life’s transitions
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Eighty percent of Digital Natives have used AIM2
Leader amongst instant messenger services within the United States
(twenty-two million users per month)2
A broad range of social media and content
Large social networking websites are becoming dominant and are
constantly evolving (Facebook, Myspace etc.)
Social networking is something you might grow out of not grow up with
The emergence of alternative instant messaging services from media
giants such as MSN and Google
A movement toward in-browser chat services
The continual introduction of new social networking websites
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The following is a SWOT analysis of AIM and its social media products
AIM is viewed as a product for teens
AIM users frequent this service because “their friends are there” not
because of a brand preference
AOL’s broad array of social media products lack a coherent branding
architecture
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1 AIM Clarification Memo #1 (Oct. 17, 2007). 2 AIM Case Study, 2007.
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For the first time ever, a generation has grown up tethered to technology.
These 18 to 24 year olds are “native speakers” within the digital language of
social media which includes cell phones, video games, instant messaging,
social networks and the Internet. Digital Natives have come of age in a social
media environment. Because of this, they embrace new technology faster and
more seamlessly than preceding generations. Technology is an integral part
of Digital Natives’ ascent to independence. By contrast, Digital Immigrants
(Gen X and Boomers) have had to adapt to this new environment and no
matter how fast they learn they will always compute with a “digital accent.”
Digital Natives make up 74.2 million Americans born between 1980 and 1997.
They value teamwork versus individualism, political action versus apathy,
the conventional versus the in-your-face views of the 80s and 90s. The result
is a generation that is more numerous, more affluent, better educated, more
technically advanced and more culturally diverse than any preceding generation.
This social freedom has created new expectations about socialization and
community. Community is no longer finite or restricted by geographic
barriers or existing peer relationships. Unlike any generation before, Digital
Natives’ definition of community is mobile, spontaneous, demands a less
rigid time structure and relies on loose connections that can be sandwiched
between day-to-day deadlines.
The consumer mindset has shifted, but advertisers, primarily Gen X and
Boomers, mistakenly keep selling the rebellious and sullen teenager lifestyle
of the 90s.
And it just does not work.
The landscape has changed and Chariot has adapted. We dug deep into the
lives of Digital Natives and their interactions with social media. Through
research, surveys, expert interviews and extensive discussions with Digital
Natives, we have defined what they crave in social media. Their criteria are:
1. Relevance
I pay attention to ads that are designed for me and not for everyone.
2. Control
I want to be in charge of my online privacy.
3. Escape
My life is hectic. Give me my daily dose of entertainment.
4. Discovery
I don’t want brands to be pushed upon me; I want to discover them.
5. Order
I want you to sift through the clutter for me.
6. Brand Candy
I crave design that is simple, yet sophisticated.
7. Customization
Don’t hand me a finished product, give me something I can remix and
make my own.
8. Corporate Citizenship
I want to do business with a company that gives back to the community
and is transparent about its business practices.
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X(#43=(%32;6/0/4;6(I43(01=(J/:/02?(K20/>=As Digital Natives grow out of their teenage years, they are confronted with
a new independence, which is manifested in multiple transitions. We have
identified eight transitions central to their lives. In most cases they are facing
these transitions for the first time.
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When Digital Natives move from jobs that barely pay the rent to entry level
positions, they have questions about where to look for jobs, how to write a
standout resume and how to answer interview questions.
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For Digital Natives, a key step towards independence is the move from their
parents’ home into a place of their own. This move raises questions about
neighborhoods, safety, leases and mortgages.
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Digital Natives are now entering the confusing world of sophisticated
finances including: IRAs, 401Ks and college loans. They are seeking a place
for sound advice from their peer networks.
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For Digital Natives, life is not all about work and they are sure to make room
for travel. As they find themselves personally responsible for their travel
accommodations, they look for destinations that fit their lifestyle and budget.
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Relying on their parents’ policies, Digital Natives are generally unaware
of the process of researching and choosing health, property, auto and life
insurance plans.
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As Digital Natives move to new cities, they have questions about where to
exercise or where to receive health care.
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Digital Natives are looking for assistance when searching for their first new
or used car.
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What to wear, what to wear? With all these new milestones, Digital Natives
are concerned about the details of wearing just the right thing at just the
right time for work and for play.
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Henry Jenkins Blog, “Reconsidering Digital
Immigrants.”<www.enryjenkins.org>.
Lisa Johnson. “Mind your X’s and Y’s: Satisfying the 10
cravings of a new generation of consumers.” Cohn Study
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We identified three additional segments of the Digital Native market that
do not represent the best opportunity for AIM at this time. They are Giga
Gamers, Endless Expressionists and the Digitally Disconnected. Giga
Gamers are plugged into the world of interactive games and use social
networks to “meet and compete,” primarily for entertainment purposes.
Endless Expressionists use social media as an image creator and express
their feelings and talents in order to present a carefully constructed virtual
self. The Digitally Disconnected rarely use the Internet because of economic,
educational and social disadvantages.
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)=:8=;020/4;Chariot has identified the following six segments that represent the ways
Digital Natives engage with social media. Three of these segments represent
AIM’s best opportunity to increase brand recognition and accelerate usage
of AIM products. We have named them the Ambitious Advancers, Digital
Distributors and Social Seekers.
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Goal-oriented: Ambitious Advancers are focused on the road to success,
paving the way with the newest tools and technologies. For Ambitious
Advancers, experience is currency and it is more valuable and prized than
material belongings. They use social media to project a professional image,
find opportunities and get a foot in the door. But these go-getters are not all
business. Unlike their parents, they demand a balance between work and play.
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Sharers of social media: Rarely a day goes by when Digital Distributors are
not scavenging for fresh videos, jokes, music or pictures to share with their
friends and co-workers. Sharing gives them social currency—credibility that
reflects an individual’s value in a network.
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Constantly in-the-loop: Digital Natives utilize social media to be constantly
included in on-going social chatter. Whether it is planning a party or
engaging in harmless cyber stalking, Social Seekers need to be in the loop.
For them, e-mail, social networks, cell phones and the Internet are windows
into the interests and relationships of their peers. Social media allow them
unprecedented access into the lives of their friends in a way no other
generation could imagine.
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#123/4056(V32;C(E=3I4382;7=(*4C=?Our proprietary Brand Performance Model illustrates how we will meet
campaign objectives to:
1. Increase trial and usage of AIM products by fifteen percent–
Brand Consumption
2. Bridge the gap between AIM messaging and AIM social media–
Brand Leverage
3. Increase AIM brand awareness
In addition, Chariot believes it is important to increase the overall perception
of the AIM brand. If Digital Natives do not feel the AIM brand understands
them and is built for them then it will be extremely difficult to increase its
usage. This overall perception of the brand is called Brand Health. We have
added a fourth objective to improve AIM’s brand health.
Chariot’s solution will take AIM from where it is today to where it needs
to be in order to reclaim its role as a leader among Digital Natives. Our
model’s stepping stones represent AIM moving from where it exists today –
disconnected and outdated to becoming a more relevant brand in the mind of
Digital Natives. The model symbolizes the convergence of our five strategies
that lead to a more important, more valued and more heavily used AIM.
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These five strategies are:
1. Brand consolidation. Consolidating current AIM products.
2. Improvement of AIM products. Adding functionality and brand news to
existing products.
3. Increase awareness and interest. Delivered thought advertising, PR,
promotions and viral marketing.
4. Increasing AIM brand relevance. Make the AIM brand relevant to Digital
Natives through our campaign and product development.
5. Keeping the brand fresh and interesting. Regularly add new products and
improve existing products to keep the brand current, interesting and helpful.
These fives strategies will guide our product improvements and creative
executions to meet our campaign objectives. Increasing trial and usage by
fifteen percent will result from meeting the other three objectives. Bridging
the gap between AIM messaging and AIM social media will be achieved
by consolidating existing AIM products. To increase brand awareness we
will first improve the AIM client by adding features and creating news
value. Chariot will then promote these changes with a communications
plan incorporating advertising, PR, promotions and viral marketing. AIM
Brand Health will be enhanced through a combination of our product
improvements, new product development and communication strategies. We
will keep the AIM brand fresh and useful, making the brand healthier. These
strategies will be brought to life in our phased campaign strategy.
Brand Performance Model:
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• Largest IM user base
• Perceived as a product for teens
• Individually branded and disconnected properties
• Low awareness of products in the AIM network
• Outdated Imagery and Design
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• A cohesive brand architecture
• “The Social Network of Choice”
• The leader and innovator in the online space
• No longer an accepted brand but an insisted one
• Continually fresh and interesting
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E34C@70()0320=:DBased on what Chariot has learned about Digital Natives’ online habits and
preferences, we have identified obstacles within the current AIM client and AIM
Social Media properties that limit the ability to achieve the campaign objectives.
Digital Natives thrive on sharing information, stories, experiences and
embrace innovative technologies that improve access to their friends.
The Re-Engage Stage resolves these obstacles with product improvements,
the integration of AIM client with Social Media properties and a new
integrated branding architecture.
1 Randy Falco, AOL CEO
Our new brand positioning statement expresses the most important reason
that Digital Natives go to the Internet: sharing. It acknowledges the need for
instant access, an asset that AIM already owns.
Our new brand positioning statement helps AIM move from the juvenile
image that Digital Natives currently have of the brand to a new leadership
position among online communities.
AOL has presented Chariot with the opportunity to transform AIM entities
and execute progressive advertising and promotions. The objectives
are complex, challenging and exciting. We will not only achieve these
determined goals, we will prepare AIM to reclaim their "heritage as a leader
and innovator in the online community space."1 To do this we have created a
plan that is both innovative and provides an outline for sustained growth.
We have developed a phased approach to drive increased usage of AIM
instant messaging, social media products, and to fuse them together online
and within the minds of Digital Natives. For August 2008–August 2009, a
two-phase approach is recommended.
The first phase is the Re-Engage Stage. It is designed to energize AIM
products and the brand image while re-introducing Digital Natives to the
relevancy and sharing capabilities that AIM provides. The communication
plan for this phase places AIM in a position to not only continue its instant
messaging leadership, but also to emerge as a leader in online social media.
The second phase of Chariot's solution is called the Continuous Conversion
Stage. In this stage, we continually add news value and relevance to the AIM
product suite. This is an ongoing process; a series of improvements that allow
us to continually convert Digital Natives into loyal AIM users. In the first
year, we propose a major new product introduction designed to build AIM
brand leadership in the valuable social media arena.
+&*(934>/C=6(/;602;0(6123/;:(4I(=U9=3/=;7=6(H/01(8D(8460(/894302;0(4;?/;=(7488@;/0/=6B
Brand Positioning Statement:
12
give Digital Natives an outlet to keep sharing their experiences and favorite
media while connecting with their most important communities. AIM will
converge media sharing technologies with information-rich communication
capabilities to create a platform that is unrivaled by competing instant
messaging and social media providers.
E34C@70(!U=7@0/4;6
+&*(N4:4
To better represent the AIM client and AIM social media, Chariot has
updated the AIM logo. The new logo is derived from the well known chat
bubble, but with a much more inviting shape. We have changed the word
AIM to all lower-case letters to make the logo feel more friendly to Digital
Natives. We also use the main color of AIM, orange, as the primary color
on the logo, but we make it brighter. Orange combines the red from the old
logo with yellow, which is associated with happiness. Orange represents
enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination and success.
Orange has been proven to increase oxygen supply to the brain, produce an
invigorating effect, stimulate mental activity and it is highly accepted among
young people.1 This new logo design will assist in improving Digital Natives
perception of AIM, and better represent AIM as a company with more to
offer than just chat.
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
Obstacle: Although AIM has the largest instant messenger user base,
competitive threats are weakening Digital Natives’ reliance on AIM as their
only means of online messaging. The AIM client has neither adapted with
cutting edge technology nor undergone significant updates in recent years.
Solution: Technology updates to the AIM client, including multimedia
sharing, will drive increased usage.
Obstacle: The AIM properties, while valuable and useful, are individually
branded, located in their own online space and disconnected from the
AIM client. This inhibits the ability to bridge the gap between chat and
social media products online and within the minds of Digital Natives.
Solution: Digital Natives crave online content that is delivered with intuitive
navigation and transparent connection points. They crave both simplicity
and functionality. By linking AIM properties together, their services and
features will highlight and support each other, providing greater utility for users.
Obstacle: The current branding architecture confuses Digital Natives about
which properties are owned by AIM or AOL, if either. This impedes the
ability to bridge the gap between AIM messaging and AIM social media.
Solution: We will introduce a new branding architecture that encompasses
the AIM client and AIM Social Media properties, resulting in greater brand
unity. We will select specific products and features that best enhance digital
sharing and provide Digital Natives with better opportunities to create
information-rich messaging.
Obstacle: Current AIM properties are graphically outdated and do not
appeal to Digital Natives’ aesthetic tastes, preferences and expectations for
online media sources. The lack of updates has caused the AIM brand to lose
relevancy, and AIM has become dated in the minds of Digital Natives.
Solution: A refreshed graphic design layout with updated color schemes,
navigation links and customization options serve as signals for Digital
Natives that AIM is now relevant to their online needs The AIM client is
currently the most valuable asset that AIM has. Leveraging the existing
user base and brand recognition of AIM to drive the evolution of instant
communication will set AIM apart from competitors and set the foundation
for future advancements. The technology enhancements to the AIM client 1 http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html
13
+&*($;/>=36=
AIM Aptus: The new downloadable AIM client, AIM Aptus, delivers faster
and clearer video and audio chat through a peer-to-peer platform, rather
than the current server-based connection. Digital Natives can now connect
and share multimedia messages with the buddies and groups directly
through AIM Aptus.
Chariot chose the name AIM Aptus to differentiate this update from
the previously numbered versions of AIM. Aptus means connected and
appropriate in Latin. It is also a connection of the words “apt” and “us,” a subtle
and humorous way to highlight the renewed relevance for Digital Natives.
Aptus is modern, innovative and unique, making it memorable for searching.
A partnership with Snap
Shot™, an internal link
tool, provides users with
an innovative interactive
messaging experience.
Link enhancements with
destination page previews
are shown directly from
the chat window when a
user hovers over the word.
The Snap Shot™ technology
allows Digital Natives to
access information from
external websites directly
from their chat windows.
An expandable video player is extended from the AIM Aptus chat windows
when users initiate video chatting or share a video message. AIM Aptus allows
users to watch videos and TV episodes while chatting with their Buddies and
Groups. When a user clicks the video sharing button, they are taken to a menu
featuring the major online video sites, such as AOL Television, ABC.com and
Hulu.com. They can browse and search content and choose what to watch with
their buddies. Experiences are not only shared through AIM, they are created.
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
The AIM Aptus Buddy List is now a direct connection between instant
messaging and AIM social media. Screen names listed are hyperlinked to
AIM Profiles, and AIM Groups are a subset of the Buddy List organization.
AIM Aptus users are able to message and video chat with buddies from their
AIM Groups. AIM Aptus fulfills Digital Natives’ desire for organized access
to their online communities.
14
AIM Home: The AIM Home page is the entry
point to the AIM Universe. Users can download
AIM Aptus, access AIM People Connection
and learn how AIM Developer tools, such as
Userplane, can enhance their blog or individual
website. AIM users can search for information
within the AIM Universe through a Google
enhanced search bar within the Global Header.
Navigation is done through a single browser
window and essential information is displayed
above the webpage fold. The cohesion of the
AIM Universe and the resources that it provides
to Digital Natives will increase usage of AIM
Aptus, AIM People Connection, AIM Profiles, AIM
Developers and the features within these websites.
AIM Profiles: Digital Natives can update their
AIM Profiles to reflect interests, favorite TV
shows, and other expanded buddy info. These
preferences automatically add reminders to their
AIM Calendar about when their favorite TV
shows are on or when a group chat relating to
their top interests is active. Digital Natives can
also elaborate on their experiences through AIM
Journals and by uploading media. AIM Profiles
will be positioned as a tool that helps Digital
Natives customize and share their AIM Universe.
AIM Developer Tools: Bloggers, web designers, and developers are now
able to access Open AIM and Userplane through a central location. We
will position Userplane as a simple and essential tool that allows bloggers
to connect with the AIM Universe from their own websites, not just an
application for web developers. Developers working with Open AIM are now
linked to the entire AIM Universe, which will help them understand and
capitalize on opportunities for AIM Aptus plug-ins and extensions.
AIM Groups: Chariot will position AIM Groups as the primary place for
Digital Natives to group chat and share video or other media with a group
of people who share their interests. AIM Groups are accessible through AIM
Home, the AIM People Connection portal and the AIM Aptus Buddy List.
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
15
AIM People Connection: We will make AIM People Connection stand out
from other social media by positioning it as a forum for Digital Natives to
discuss issues important to them. Digital Natives can use AIM Comments
and AIM Polls to talk about top AOL news stories, which they can access
from the AIM People Connection home and AIM Aptus. AIM People
Connection also provides a place for like-minded Digital Natives to come
together in AIM Groups. Enhanced navigation among AIM Profiles, AIM
Comments, AIM Polls, and AIM Groups from the AIM People Connection
portal drives Digital Natives within the AIM Universe and increases usage
across the board.
AIM Comments: Chariot will position AIM
Comments as the essential tool for sharing
opinions in a forum that transcends individual
websites. Using the already established AIM
OpenID system, AIM users can comment on
a variety of content across the Internet simply
by using their AIM screen name. Within AIM
People Connection, AIM users can comment
on news stories and other users’ AIM Profiles,
AIM Journals posts and photos. All comments
for a single item will stay on that page, rather
than redirecting to an overall message board
format. Popular comment threads will move
to the top of an RSS feed so AIM users will
always know what their friends and peers are
talking about.
AIM Polls: We will position AIM Polls as the
most convenient place to gather information
and express themselves on relevant issues.
AIM users can create polls and pose questions
about issues they care about. Users can also
instantly view current standing on a poll
when they vote. AIM Polls are archived and
completely searchable.
AIM Universe Model:
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
16
+&*(+90@6(*4Z/?=
As the cell phone becomes the social medium of choice, Digital Natives’ use
them to be in constant communication with their friends. AIM Mobile lets
them take their IM on the go. AIM Aptus Mobile mirrors the sleek, modern
style of the AIM Aptus downloadable client. Instant picture, audio and
video sharing will make AIM Aptus Mobile Digital Natives’ favorite way to
connect. The application can be downloaded for free directly from the AIM
website or through their phones’ Internet capabilities.
AIM Aptus Mobile includes a new feature to physically connect Digital
Natives. AIM Mobile Buddy Finder uses GPS technology provider WHERE™
to present embedded maps within AIM Aptus Mobile chats. Through their
phones, friends will be able to chat, locate each other or pick a hangout spot.
Additionally, they can use Mapquest to send directions to addresses or
buddies’ locations.
*4;=0/A20/4;
The Re-Engage Stage increases AIM usage turns
AIM Aptus and the AIM Universe into more valuable
monetization tools within the AOL family. Video
advertising, recently available through Platform A,
is an innovative format for advertisers to incorporate
interactive messages directly into Digital Natives’
AIM Aptus and other AIM Universe properties.
Sponsored AIM Groups and AIM Polls let brands
invite users to participate. The revolutionary in-chat
media player in AIM Aptus creates a possibility for
entirely new ad models, including allowing Digital
Natives to browse and search for sponsored content
the same way they search for their favorite TV shows.
#4;;=70/4;6Our media selections, advertising, public relations activities and promotional
programs function seamlessly to create an engaging brand experience. This
plan is integrated. Traditional silos are eliminated.
We aim to connect with Digital Natives in meaningful and engaging ways.
Every touch point with Digital Natives is an opportunity to increase brand
health and brand awareness, in turn increasing brand consumption: the trial
and usage of AIM products. These principles drive our new approach to
connecting with Digital Natives.
#4;;=70/4;6(MZ[=70/>=6
• Provide opportunities for participation in every message.
• Drive Digital Natives to other media platforms where they can interact
further with AIM.
• Create brand presence in media environments Digital Natives
already frequent.
• Partner with brands Digital Natives embrace and respect, emphasizing
other Time Warner properties that can add value to the campaign.
#43=(#4;;=70/4;6()0320=:/=6
Timing: In the Re-Engage Stage our connections schedule corresponds with
major media events, such as season premieres and the 2008 election. This
allows AIM to fit seamlessly into their lives and remain relevant. To maintain
a connection with Digital Natives, the Re-Engage Stage will have constant
media presence from September 2008–August 2009.
Geography: Our campaign is national in scope. Most of our Re-Engage Stage
executions exist online to reach Digital Natives at their moment of receptivity
to an online service. The Re-Engage Stage will emphasize a multimedia
approach that mixes the visibility of traditional media with the viral and
word-of-mouth opportunities of online and event marketing for the greatest
possible integration with Digital Natives.
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
17
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
#3=20/>=()0320=:DThe Re-Engage stage is focused on the AIM brand. Every execution reflects
the new AIM brand positioning statement: AIM provides instant sharing of
experiences with my most important online communities. Chariot will help
Digital Natives discover that AIM is their leading tool in the evolution of
interaction. When communicating with Digital Natives, it will be imperative
to introduce them to messages that they can relate to. Digital Natives are
maturing and the ways they communicate, share experiences and think
about themselves and the world are evolving. Every execution is designed to
show that AIM has evolved and adapted to the pace of the Digital Natives.
The Re-Engage Stage will introduce Digital Natives to the new and improved
aspects of AIM, with an emphasis on characteristics such as the new
applications, simple navigation and personalization. Although we have
maintained the AIM brand personality of being approachable, witty, savvy,
passionate and friendly, this is not the same AIM Digital Natives knew in the
past. The tones and themes of our work demonstrate that AIM is now a more
functional, more fun and a more relevant one-stop resource.
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Chariot has introduced a new theme line for the AIM brand: “Keep Sharing.”
It is simple, direct and speaks to and preempts the most important social
reasons why Digital Natives go to the Internet: sharing. Through this
tagline, AIM acknowledges that Digital Natives have always used online
communication to share with one another throughout the development of
new technologies. It is an implied promise that AIM will be there in the
future with the products and tools to make the sharing between people
continually better. It is also a profound invitation to keep sharing and when
you do, use AIM as the tool to do so. The theme line of “Keep Sharing” will
further connect the creative executions, not only through the Re-Engage
Stage, but also throughout all future advertising executions.
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Before our new campaign is introduced to the public, it is essential that AIM
employees and internal stakeholders be introduced to the changes to the AIM
brand, the client and products, as well as the new advertising campaign. We
want everyone at AIM to be excited about the new developments and to be
proud of the innovative leadership position that AIM is taking. To create this
pride, we will launch an internal campaign two weeks before the launch of
consumer advertising.
This internal campaign will also include informational presentations that
will explain updates and product developments. There will be posters and
newly branded office supplies, mouse pads, pens and mugs. This allows the
employees to be constantly exposed to the new brand image, and take pride
in the evolution of AIM.
In addition, to build anticipation each employee of the AIM team will be
paired with another AIM team member. The pairs will engage in “video
snacking” and watching TV online through the AIM Aptus when they are
back in the office. This will allow them to explore the new changes together,
and share their online communities with each other.
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Informing Current Users: One important way to
increase usage of AIM is to not only attract new users,
but to also further engage current users. Chariot will
excite the current users and make them aware of the
updates. We will utilize the advertising space on the
top of the Buddy List to create a rich-media roll over
banner ad with a demonstration of the video sharing
feature of AIM Aptus.
Also, Chariot will use the AIM Member Message
e-mail to inform current users of the new updates.
18
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
AIM Aptus triumphs in the sharing of experiences, breaking the limits of past communication methods. The
camera walks through the whimsical world of progressing communication. The first frames are supported with
delicate instrumental music. The last frames have a gradually accelerating electronica song in the background.
:30 Spot (Televisions, Online and Cinema)
19
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
Evolution of a Message: Television and Print: Television viewing for Digital
Natives is on the rise, both online and on TV. We will not buy day parts.
Instead, Chariot will purchase advertising space on specific programs that
appeal to Digital Natives including the CW, Comedy Central, and
Hulu.com. We focus on shows such as The Office, The Colbert Report, Gossip
Girl and Project Runway that reach a large amount of Digital Natives. We will
also post our spots on YouTube.com and play them in movie theaters before
Fall 2008’s expected blockbusters.
There is no brand better suited to owning the evolution of a message than AIM.
AOL was many Digital Natives’ first foray into the Internet, and AIM was most
Digital Natives’ first step into the world of social media. This spot and graphic
help show that AIM will continue to be the leader in the online community.
Our commercial is created to inform Digital Natives of new and exciting
improvements that have been made to AIM. Secondly, since Digital
Natives currently see AIM as dated, it will update the AIM image by being
entertaining, engaging and stylish.
The spot takes Digital Natives to a whimsical world and leads them through
recognizable images of the evolution of messaging that they easily identify.
When the evolution depicts changing Internet communication, it displays AIM
and AOL as consistent leaders of innovative message technologies. We introduce
the new AIM Aptus’ features as cutting edge, relevant and provocative.
Chariot maintains congruity with the established AIM brand personality by
focusing on a “witty” and “friendly” tone. Conversational copy provides a
personal touch. Digital Natives will revel in the improved client’s capabilities
as AIM Aptus triumphs over all past technologies.
In addition to television, we utilize the “Line of Communication” (see below)
in print as a graphic representation of the evolution of a message. The unique
horizontal viewpoint is flexible for a variety of media placements that
capture the attention of Digital Natives.
Evolution of a Message: Museum Exhibit:
Digital Natives’ museum attendance has
been soaring, increasing forty percent in the
last five years. AIM will leverage this rise by
creating an “Evolution of a Message” exhibit
that will be unlike any art collaboration
they have ever seen and will create a buzz in
local media. By partnering with interactive
art companies such as Mine-Control and
UnitedVisualArtists as well as independent
artists, AIM will create a collaborative and
cohesive experience. Each artist will create
a communications technology exhibit. For example, an artist may choose
to design an interactive wall where museum patrons can send smoke
signals to each other by waving their hand over the projected fires. The
next exhibit will have large flat-screen monitors for Digital Natives to share
media through AIM with
attendees at other exhibits.
The final exhibit will be a
display of potential future
communication technologies
to show that AIM will
continue evolving as a leader
in the field of communication.
20
Outdoor Promotion for the Museum: Chariot provides Digital Natives with
an opportunity to discover the AIM sponsored museum exhibit, appealing
to their love of exploration. In order to receive tickets to the exhibit, they
will take a picture of an outdoor promotional sculpture and text it to AIM08.
The GPS tagged image will send a picture text of a ticket back to the user.
The sculpture symbolically illustrates the museum exhibits’ message of the
evolution of communication. Multiple sculptures will be placed around the city.
Gossip Girl Screen Name Competition: The CW captured 18 to 24 year old
women with the 2007 introduction of Gossip Girl, a drama featuring the lives
of Manhattan’s Upper East Side social elite.1 To target these viewers, AIM will
introduce a contest where viewers can create an AIM screen name for Serena
van der Woodsen, a main character on the show. This contest will encourage
viewers to submit their screen name idea to AIMGossipGirl, created in
conjunction with this promotion. AIM officials will determine the top ten
screen names and encourage users to then vote for their favorite via an AIM
poll. Voters will be driven to the poll from the CW Gossip Girl website and
during the end credits of episodes. The winning screen name will be used
in future episodes of Gossip Girl, featuring Serena using AIM Aptus features
and displaying the chosen screen name.
Political Partnerships: In the November 2008 election, most Digital Natives
will be engaging in the political system for the first time. They are searching
for innovative ways to get involved and have their political opinions heard.
AIM will provide Digital Natives with two unique ways to get involved in
the election excitement.
Rock The Vote Partnership
AIM will partner with Rock the Vote to appeal to Digital Natives’ craving
for nonpartisan political information from a source they trust. Rock the Vote
incorporates politics into trends and pop culture in Digital Natives’ everyday
life to popularize voting and increase voter turnout. Rock the Vote mobilizes
youth to create positive change through the political community; this
appeals to their desire to be involved and have their voices heard. Using AIM
Aptus and AIM Groups, AIM will provide Rock the Vote with a platform for
those involved to discuss the issues they care about.
Steven Colbert Campaign Contest
AIM will give Digital Natives the opportunity to submit a two-minute mock
presidential advertisement on AIM (aimgroups.com/election2008) promoting
themselves as a candidate. This allows Digital Natives to voice their own
political agenda and speak to the issues they deem most important. AIM
users will be able to discuss, debate and vote for their favorite mock political
advertisements. AIM will partner with The Colbert Report so the best political
advertisement, as determined by user votes, will be featured on the show
before the November 2008 election. The winner will also make a guest
appearance the day it airs.
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
1 http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117973699.html?categoryid=14&cs=1
21
,!1!/2+2!()%+2!
Userplane Partnerships: In addition to social networks, Digital Natives also
express themselves online through blogs and personal websites. Chariot will
show bloggers and personal website creators that Userplane is a useful and
easy tool for them to enhance their personal online space.
Instead of using traditional advertising, Userplane will be incorporated into
popular blogging websites such as Blogger.com, and into domain purchasing
websites such as GoDaddy.com. For example, when a user creates a new post
on Blogger.com, in addition to the usual formatting options, they will see
an option to “record audio or video using Userplane AV Blogger.” This will
create awareness and drive more bloggers to incorporate Userplane into their
personal blogs.
Embedded Video Sharing: Digital Natives’ most important online
communities include video sharing platforms where television shows can
be viewed. (The video ad message will be presented through an AIM Aptus
conversation.) The conversation will cater to the chosen TV show and will
demonstrate how people can share their television experience through AIM.
The AIM Aptus box will fade near the end of the advertisement, and there
will be a seamless transition from the example in the advertisement to the
full-length online television show. Integrating advertising that displays the
video-sharing feature of AIM Aptus in an environment where it is immediately
relevant will capture the interest of Digital Natives. The fresh and witty instant
message dialogue portrays the AIM brand image as authentic and relevant.
#2@6=(V32;C/;:P(R@;/43(+71/=>=8=;0(.43?CH/C=
Eighty nine percent of Digital Natives, more than any other generation,
will switch to a brand associated with a good cause.1 Digital Natives crave
active participation with social causes instead of just donating money to
them. Chariot believes that AIM should become a lead sponsor of Junior
Achievement Worldwide, a foundation committed to providing in school
and after school programs that prepare students for the transition from high
school to the responsibilities of adult life after graduation.
JA Worldwide is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and
preparing young people to succeed. A partnership with this program will
not only enhance the AIM brand image, but also provide Digital Natives with
the opportunity to volunteer and develop critical skills.
AIM will promote an internship opportunity using its social media platforms
by asking applicants to create a video essay. AIM will host an eight weeklong
internship on a major college campus where the chosen participants will
develop a series of short video seminars. Each video will use an interactive
format to discuss various facets of financial literacy, work readiness and
entrepreneurship. These educational videos will be distributed to public
schools nationwide and be used by teachers as a free and engaging resource.
In addition, an on-going program will make it easy for Digital Natives to
become connected and volunteer with any of JA’s global offices.
1 Cone 2006 Millennial Study
22
#MK%&K$M$)(#MK'!,)&MK()%+T!
E34C@70()0320=:DThe Re-Engage Stage creates an integrated AIM Universe and positions the
AIM brand as highly relevant, functional and evolved. AIM will become a
brand that Digital Natives value and a brand they eagerly choose, but more
importantly, a brand they like. With this refound brand health, AIM will
“reclaim its heritage as a leader and innovator in the online community
space.” AIM will not just re-establish its leadership—it will always keep it by
constantly being at the forefront of online interaction. AIM will no longer play
catch-up because it will keep rolling out updated products, new products and
improved services that speak to the needs and interests of Digital Natives.
The first of these will be a brand new online community unlike anything else
on the Internet.
Our research taught us that from age of 18 to 24, Digital Natives experience
more transitions than at any other time in their lives. Existing social media
products focus on either purely social interaction, like Facebook and
MySpace, or purely professional
connections, like LinkedIn.
No online network, social or
professional, currently exists to
help Digital Natives understand,
embrace and share these important
transitions. With AIM Aptus
leading the way for AIM to reclaim
its position as the leader of online
communication, AIM is now
poised to be the forum for Digital
Natives’ discussion and sharing
of their transitions. The next step,
in what we call our Continuous
Conversation Stage, Chariot will
introduce Digital Natives to a new
online community unlike any they
have ever seen before—not just a
social network, but a social utility.
&;034C@7/;:(7'/=Chariot has created cVie for introduction in January of 2009. cVie was created
to address the aforementioned opportunity in the marketplace. In every
execution, cVie will be “Powered by AIM,” leveraging the renewed brand
health of AIM created by the Re-Engage Stage.
cVie allows Digital Natives to share experiences about important transitional
“firsts” with the peers they trust. Digital Natives most value the advice
from peers they trust, peers who are going through the same transitions
simultaneously, rather than by searching for advice through search engines
or hearing it from people who they feel are out of their loop. By sharing
experiences in cVie, Digital Natives are able to understand, accept and most
importantly, embrace these transitions with the help of their social connections.
%1=(43/:/;(4I(7'/=
The cVie format was inspired by the timeline and sharing functions of the
AIM property circaVie. Shortening “circaVie” to “cVie” freshens the name
and differentiates the websites. The name cVie has two meanings of its own.
cVie alludes to the CVs that Digital Natives create to help get their first real
job, a major transition in their lives. “Vie” also means “life” in French, so cVie
could be taken to mean “see life” in the way that Digital Natives are using
their friends’ support and shared enthusiasm to see life in new ways and to
discover new opportunities in their lives’ transitions.
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cVie leverages the unique timeline interface of circaVie, a media-sharing
website within the AIM Universe. cVie allows Digital Natives to create
multimedia posts to their timelines with the option to include photo albums,
video clips, audio and website links to share their experiences regarding
transitions. These timeline posts are arranged chronologically, making it
possible for Digital Natives to see which of their friends have most recently
experienced similar transitions they are facing, learn from them and share
their own advice.
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23
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24
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Tagging: cVie users can add descriptive tags to any “posted item.” The
tagging system, similar to tags used in social websites like del.icio.us and
Flickr, not only connects people with common interests, but also drives
internal navigation within cVie. Tags provide cVie users with direct links to
people, groups and timelines that are similar and relevant to the content they
are viewing. Users are only a click away from seeing all posts marked with
text like “Ireland” or “apartment.”
Privacy: Digital Natives insist on having control over their private
information on the Internet. Everything they post, comment on and
participate in will be automatically marked as “professional,” the most open
privacy setting, but users may restrict their privacy setting on any post. cVie
users have control over their information online and can save their pictures
from last Friday night for just their closest buddies.
Professional timelines reflect education, work experience and resumes.
cVie users can send links to their cVie professional timelines to potential
employers, who can view professional timelines without having a cVie
account or being on that user’s Buddy List.
Start Page: Each cVie user can customize his or her own Start Page, and
all content is displayed in timeline form. Default settings are based on
geographic location. When users are actively seeking advice, they can
monitor timelines from their start page to watch for updated groups,
comments or polls. Any RSS feed can be followed in timeline format.
Personal Page: To share content, cVie users select ‘create a post’ from their
Personal page to begin a new timeline or to expand an existing timeline.
Options to write content, upload media and select privacy settings are
presented when posts are designed. cVie users can add descriptive tags that
categorize and define searches made within cVie. On the Personal Page,
posted timeline information is displayed to other cVie users based on their
privacy level.
Buddies Page: Digital Natives can browse the recent updates to their buddies’
timelines on the Buddies page. The timelines can be organized by most
recent updates, alphabetically or Digital Natives can choose to customize
the organization.
cVie incorporates the AIM Buddy List within the structure of the website
and uses AIM Aptus for buddies to connect. Clicking a buddy’s screen name
activates an AIM Aptus chat window to connect with that buddy.
Living Page: Content and timelines shown on the Living page are organized
by geographic location. cVie users’ professional timelines and the timelines
tagged as that geographic location, for example a concert venue, are
displayed on the Living page. Like on the Buddies Page, clicking “Housing”
will show all the public posts and timelines tagged “housing” for users in
their local network.
25
What makes cVie so valuable and unique? cVie provides Digital Natives
with instant peer information about the questions they have regarding
life’s transitions in an easy-to-use, innovative format. Tagging posts with
searchable phrases helps Digital Natives answer important questions like
“What Seattle neighborhood should I live in?” by getting instant advice
directly from their trust communities. The ease with which Digital Natives
can create and categorize posts encourages them to talk and share their
transitional experiences to provide a resource for their peers. No other
resource, online or offline, provides Digital Natives with such an extensive
trust community; neither does any resource focus on the important
transitions that Digital Natives are most concerned with.
We tested the concept of cVie with Digital Natives and we were very
encouraged by the results. When asked, “How useful would a website like
this be to you?” they rated it an average 5.6 on a 7-point scale.
cVie Mobile: cVie will be completely
functional and accessible from mobile
devices. In addition, cVie will create a
mobile application called cVie Mobile.
Digital Natives appreciate up-to-the-minute
information wherever they are. With cVie
Mobile, daily text message updates with
pre-selected weather, news, real time traffic
forecasts from Mapquest and timeline
content from their cVie start page will be sent
to Digital Natives’ mobile devices.
Monetization: cVie will support sponsored
timelines from brands looking to engage
Digital Natives. These brands can buy
timelines on a CPM model based on how
many cVie users place the sponsored timelines on their Start page. To give
sponsors greater value, the cVie ad model goes beyond traditional online
advertising and allows users to interact with and follow a brand. cVie and
similar products introduced in the AIM Universe will become powerful
monetization tools within the AOL family.
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• Provide opportunity for participation in every message.
• Drive Digital Natives to cVie at every opportunity.
• Use media that allows Digital Natives to discover cVie and share it with
their friends.
• Be relevant to Digital Natives by existing in media they already frequent
during The Eight Core Transitions.
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Timing: To build buzz and anticipation among Digital Natives, the Core
Connections Stage includes a teaser campaign building up to the release of
cVie. Brand Ambassadors will drive the teasers that will encourage Digital
Natives to discover and share cVie. After cVie launches, the connection
schedule’s timing coordinates with important transitions in Digital Natives
lives including graduation, job searching and interviewing and moving into
new apartments.
Geography: Our campaign is national in scope. It exists mainly online to
reach Digital Natives when they are already on the
Internet and only one click away from cVie.
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26
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The Eight Core Transitions will be emphasized in our executions through
varieties of non-traditional media. Digital Natives will find these executions
not only smart, interactive and engaging, but most importantly relevant to
their lives right now. All executions lead from the idea that Digital Natives
are facing one or more of the eight key transitions. The executions will be
an invitation to share experiences by collaborating with a custom blend of
their peers and experts. While our creative work is witty and relevant, it also
exhibits that AIM understands Digital Natives and directly addresses the
questions they have about life’s transitions.
The cVie theme line is “Organic Advice from people you trust.” Organic
Advice is a new term created by Chariot. It refers to the advice Digital
Natives receive directly from friends, making it advice they prefer and
advice they can trust. It is effective because it is from their friends and peers,
and therefore personal, consistent, trustworthy, and most importantly,
not artificial. Organic Advice is unique to cVie, and it is a key factor in the
success of cVie.
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cVie Brand Ambassador Program: Digital Natives often look to opinion-
leading peers for ideas and thoughts on issues of importance. AIM will
recruit selected opinion leaders throughout the country and form the cVie
Brand Ambassador Program. This program is designed to build awareness,
loyalty, trust communities and shared enthusiasm for the cVie brand. It is
viral by its very design. The cVie Brand Ambassador Program will employ
an average of fifteen student ambassadors per state. These students will be
enrolled in Universities, two-year colleges, community and technical schools.
The Brand Ambassadors will be among the first cyber pioneers to populate
cVie and will have a special log-in section where they can communicate with
other Brand Ambassadors. cVie Brand Ambassadors will also have personal
blogs that will discuss cVie and help build community. This will facilitate
organic discovery among scene breakers, cyber pioneers and alpha geeks.
When they search online for “cVie” they will see new blog entries that rave
about cVie from an unbranded environment. cVie Beta Invites, cVie launch
parties and cVie graduation kits are all components of our campaign that
Brand Ambassadors will be assisting with.
New Years 2009 cVie Launch Parties: For the launch of cVie, AIM will host
New Years Eve parties, creating an environment that enhances shared
experiences. cVie Beta users will be sent invitations via the website for
themselves and five friends. The parties will feature interactive walls, which
will entice people to group-chat with other cVie partygoers via AIM Aptus
Mobile. Attendees can send a message to the DJ to request songs, and t-shirts
will be distributed at the door with a blank AIM buddy list on the back for
people to share screen names. Upon entrance, partygoers will be stamped
with the cVie logo, and those of age can sip on cVie-tini’s on cVie coasters.
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27
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cVie Beta Invites: cVie will give curious Digital Natives and scene breakers
an innovative reason to explore the newest social resource. With a planned
launch of the cVie website in January 2009, AIM will introduce the cVie Beta
version early to generate buzz among the cyber pioneers who are the first socially
driven target. Digital Natives are more likely to embrace brands they discover.
Fortune Cookie Invites
Custom-made fortune cookies with
customized messages and cVie Beta
invites will be distributed in Chinese
restaurants located near areas with
large populations of Digital Natives,
such as malls or college campuses.
Message in a Bottle Invites
On beaches across the country,
Digital Natives will encounter cVie
e-paper invite scrolls in recyclable
plastic bottles. The scrolls will
contain a message introducing
the concept of cVie. cVie will
partner with E-Ink Corporation
and use its imaging film to
showcase this teaser message on
a flexible display. These bottles
will be handed out by Brand
Ambassadors on sand beaches
next to sand stamp ads of the cVie
logo during university fall and
winter breaks.
cVie Graduation Kits: cVie Brand Ambassadors will distribute “cVie
Graduation Kits” to graduating Digital Natives with items that will assist
them in their transition to the professional world. These kits will help promote
cVie as the place for Digital Natives to seek out additional information from
others on life’s transitions, and the kit items will be donated by the sponsors.
Kits will be tailored to specific universities, and include:
• $40.00 off the purchase of a Banana Republic professional suit
• Free Fidelity Investment counseling service
• Reduced BlueCross And BlueShield Health “Newly-Independent”
Insurance Rate Cards and counseling services
• Jiffy Lube oil change discounts
• Profiles of participating businesses in the area, including contact
information and what they look for in a job candidate
• Invitations to check out cVie.
• cVie promotional items
cVie Career Fair: cVie will sponsor career fairs on college campuses and in
convention centers in major cities, featuring both internship and entry-level
job opportunities. In addition to the traditional ‘booth-style’ set-up, the cVie
job fair will feature a business attire fashion show. Models will be chosen
among the fair-goers and will be allowed to keep clothes they display,
courtesy of Banana Republic, The Limited, and Express. Digital Natives will
have the opportunity to sign up for coupon and sale notifications from these
fashion retailers to be texted to their mobile phones when they pass by these
stores in malls. Coverage of the job fair will be featured on cVie’s website,
along with common interview questions, a list of all employers’ current job
openings and a resume help section.
28
AIM to Gain: Financial investing and money management are areas where
many Digital Natives have little experience. cVie will introduce them to the
world of investments with the “AIM to Gain” Stock Market Challenge. Digital
Natives can enter the contest on cVie and are then given a hypothetical
$10,000 to invest in an online portfolio of their choice. Associates from our
partner, Fidelity Investments, will be standing by to give tips about investing
and answer questions related to real world investment opportunities.
Contestants will manage their portfolios for three months, learning to
trade stocks and funds in competition with each other to gain the top
spot. A downloadable mobile application will be available, providing the
opportunity to trade and sell investments at any time. Money magazine will
feature the current leader each month and discuss different aspects of first
time investing. The winner will get to keep the money they earn and invest it
into their own online portfolio with the assistance of Fidelity Investments. In
addition, Money magazine will run an article featuring the winner and cVie.
VitaminWater Partnership: VitaminWater has gained remarkable popularity
with Digital Natives. In a smart and humorous way it appeals to their health-
consciousness and appreciation for humor, especially the clever copy used to
describe each flavor. Its offbeat, witty style matches the fun, intelligent tone
of cVie that meets Digital Natives on their level rather than speaking down
to them. cVie will partner with the flavor “power-c.” The copy on the label
describes the benefit of cVie for Digital Native’s busy lifestyle, and fits the
style of the VitaminWater copy.
Resume Mad Libs Microsite: Writing a clear and impressive resume is
a crucial part of the transition into the career world for Digital Natives.
cVie will be a resource to help them in this important area. To highlight
this valuable resource we have built a viral campaign called Resume Mad
Libs. This microsite allows Digital Natives to build a humorous resume
for their friends or themselves, using the popular Mad Libs format. It will
include typical resume categories for the user to fill out, such as Education,
Work Experience, and Interests. For example, under Education there will
be “University of _________.” Digital Natives can fill in the blanks in the
resume or for some creative inspiration they can choose from a list in a pull
down menu. Digital Natives will be able to make the resume as sarcastic,
funny or serious as they choose.
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29
After completing the resume for their friends, Digital Natives will be able to
send the fake resume via AIM chat or by e-mail. The completed resume will
direct the recipient to cVie for more serious and helpful resume advice. They
will also be encouraged to come back to the microsite and create their own
Mad Libs resume. The pass along feature makes the microsite an important
viral component of our campaign.
Search Bar Banner Ads: Friends are an important resource for Digital Natives
and provide guidance throughout the new transitions in their lives. We have
developed an engaging banner campaign that will drive Digital Natives to
cVie, helping it to become the social network of choice input.
Each ad will depict a situation related to one of the 8 Core Transitions. When
the banner appears, the search bar will be located on an object that can be
opened—such as a door, car hood or briefcase. As the cursor rolls over the
banner, a question will appear in the search bar. Then, the object will pop
open and buddies will be
packed inside, all ready to
give constructive advice
pertaining to the question
entered. This image fades
to the cVie and AIM logos.
These ads will reinforce
that peers are the best
resources for advice and
that friends are accessed
better at cVie. It is
important to have strategic
placement of theses
transition focused banner ads. They will be placed on websites that directly
relate to the topic or question being addressed in the search bar. For example,
ads that relate to careers will appear on Careerbuilder.com.
cVie Customize-Your-Crib Microsite: As Digital Natives transition from
living with their parents to renting or buying a home, they need help in
furnishing their new space. cVie will partner with Home Depot, Sears and
Ikea to create a website where they can decorate a room with paint, fixtures,
hardware, appliances and furniture. Once created, Digital Natives can share
the room with their buddies where they can leave comments and suggest
changes. The program will allow users to establish a budget and to visualize
a cohesive room that was designed with the help of their friends at cVie.
Search Engine Marketing: Search Engine Marketing is one of the most cost
effective online media buys. Targeting will ensure that Digital Natives are
only presented with ads that are related to the The Eight Core Transitions.
Ads will also be used to increase the visibility of AIM and cVie throughout
online portals and websites. Taglines and phrases related to the features of
AIM Aptus and cVie will have their own ads to solidify the AIM ownership.
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Reclaiming the social media leadership position means constantly staying
ahead of the competition and staying relevant to Digital Natives. August 2009
marks the end of Chariot’s campaign, but it does not mark the end of the AIM
social media leadership position. Chariot recommends that AIM set up the
AIM Trend Team, a group of hip and savvy individuals research consumer
behavior and new technologies. This is what it means to be a leader.
In addition, as AIM and cVie expand and grow, it is essential that they be
translated into other media and languages. AIM must grow with mobile
technology to maintain a competitive advantage over other messaging and
social media products. Also, with the growing domestic Latino population,
Chariot recommends AIM products, including cVie, are translated into
Spanish by January 2010.
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30
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31
Chariot will evaluate the success of the campaign and subsequent launch of
cVie through the utilization of brand discovery and product usage tools. To
ensure continuously updated monitoring of AIM products, we will evaluate
the success of the campaign before and after each phase.
During the course of the campaign, our goal is to increase trial and drive
usage of AIM products by fifteen percent. We will be able to accurately
measure the success of this objective by analyzing unique visitors per month,
new profiles, screen names, instant messages and page views.
Chariot will implement research to ensure the gap between AIM and AIM
social media is connected in the mind of the consumer. We will perform
focus groups, recognition tests, attitude studies and online surveys to
confirm that users are actively using the functionality of features such as
the global header and the unified AIM Home page. Using a statistic counter
we can determine where each user came from and monitor how they move
among various AIM product features.
Chariot will use customized surveys to gauge whether the AIM brand
awareness is increasing. We will conduct a base line measurement before the
campaign is launched and do follow up surveys on a semi annual basis.
Chariot will conduct a series of attitude and brand perception assessments
to measure brand health. We will use in-depth interviews, focus groups and
brand equity surveys to examine the usability of AIM and cVie. The research
will reveal if Digital Natives are recommending AIM products to their peers,
as well as how perceptions of AIM have changed throughout the campaign.
We will also continuously monitor message boards and blogs to assess
consumer opinions about AIM Aptus and cVie.
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AIM has given Chariot the objectives of increasing brand awareness, usage
of its social media tools, and converging messaging with those social media
tools. Through research and unique insights, we have developed a strong
brand foundation upon which AIM can regain its leadership position in the
messaging arena and build towards becoming a social media powerhouse.
During our Re-Engage Stage, our “Keep Sharing” campaign will encourage
strong AIM brand preference among Digital Natives and showcase how
the brand has progressed to meet their needs. Digital Natives demand
innovative technological advances, and with Chariot's positioning, product
improvements and engaging “connections” plan, AIM will become an
essential communication brand for Digital Natives.
Digital Natives are going through important transitions and needs a place
to share those experiences with their unique trust communities. Our
Continuous Conversion stage addresses this opportunity with the creation
of an entirely new social networking website where Digital Natives can
gain advice from people they trust. This key product development will
strengthen the currently tired relationship between Digital Natives and the
brand by making AIM a stimulating and pertinent piece of their social and
professional universe.
AIM has the opportunity to break new ground in social media. This vision
can be obtained with the guidance of Chariot.
32
)4@37=6Books: Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide; Henry Jenkins, The Copy Work Shop; Bruce Bendinger, Hitting the Sweet Spot; Lisa Fortini-Campbell, Ph.D. Juicing the Orange: How to Turn Creativity into a Powerful Business Advantage; Pat Fallon and Fred Senn, Millennials and the Pop Culture; William Strauss and Neil Howe, Mind Your X’s and Y’s: Satisfying the 10 Cravings of a New Generation of Consumers; Lisa Johnson, Quarter Life Crisis; Arden Kaywin, The World According to Y; Rebecca Huntley.
Websites: www.abcnews.com, www.aim.com, www.ask.com, www.aqaba-sem.org, www.bebo.com, www.blackenterprise.com, www.blogger.com, www.burstmedia.com, www.cbr.com, www.census.gov, www.citynews.ca, www.clickz.com, www.comnews.com, www.comscore.com, www.coolhunting.com, www.demographics.com, www.dmwmedia.com, www.eweek.com, www.facebook.com, www.findarticles.com, www.forevergeek.com, www.geeksugar.com, www.google.com, www.govtrack.us, www.iconoculture.com, www.identityblog.com, www.informationweek.com, www.linkedin.com, www.marketingwonk.com, www.marketwatch.com, www.mercurynews.com, www.microsoft.com, www.mine-control.com, www.msn.com, www.msnbc.com, www.mtv.com, www.myspace.com, www.ncls.org, www.onestat.com, www.prgb.com, www.quarterlifecrisis.com, www.socialmedia.aol.com, www.talentzoo.com, www.techcrunch.com, www.todayswoman.net, www.uva.co.uk, www.wikipedia.com, www.xanga.com, www.yahoo.com, www.youtube.com, www.ypulse.com.
Blogs: www.adliterate.com, www.chromainc.typepad.com/chroma_inc, www.collectivethoughts.org, www.falkow.blogsite.com, www.fallontrendpoint.blogspot.com, www.farisyakob.typepad.com/blog, www.garethkay.com, www.henryjenkins.org, www.kanyeuniversecity.com, www.russelldavies.typepad.com, www.staufenberger.typepad.com/repository, www.wordpress.com, www.zephoria.org/thoughts.
People: Henry Jenkins, Lisa Johnson, Ross MacMillan, Cassie Pruett
Podcasts: Ad Age Audio Reports, The Connected Generation, Generation Y, Gen Y Marketing, Y Talk Radio, Ypulse Casts.
Publications: Access Review, Advertising Age, Adweek, The Australian, B2B, Boston Globe, Brandweek, Business Week, Business News, CyberPsychology and Behavior, The Daily Record, Forbes, Forrester Agency, Fortune, Indianapolis Business Journal, The Information Society, Intellectual Property and Technological Journal, The International Herald Tribune, Media Life Magazine, MediaPost, Media Week, Never Ending Friending: A Journey into Social Networking The Connected Agency report; The New York Times,Newsweek, PC Magazine, The Pioneer Press, Promo Magazine, RCR Wireless News, Social Science Quarterly, The Star Tribune, Television Week, Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal.
Resources: Business Source Premier, The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, EBSCO Host, Encyclopedia of Major Marketing Campaigns, Getty Images, iStock Photo, LexisNexis, Mintel Market Reports, MRI, Nielsen Media Research, PEW Internet and American Life Project, Simmons Market Research, SRDS.
E3=6/C=;06Carina EnbodyMichael Tsang
G27@?0D(+C>/643Howard Liszt
)9=7/2?(%12;S6John Eighmey
Earl Herzog Jennifer Johnson
John RashAl Tims
John Wirtz
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Maddison ArnoldStephanie BakkumJacey BergDaniel Paul DavisDawn DoyleLindsay DoyleAnne ElliottSarah EslynPatrick FoulksMonika FrechKathryn GlinianyClaire GoebelJames HagenLauren HartmanEmma HoaglundAlicia HouselogCassie HoweMary HughittAmanda Issacson LeaderLibby Issendorf LeaderLindsay JohnsonTyler JonesSara KalinoskiRobyn KennedyRyan KibbeDan Kunitz LeaderErin Lamberty LeaderErin LavignaJeanine Lilke LeaderTera MadiganRussel MantioneMeghan McGregorEric McPherson LeaderNellie MurrayAmanda ObergDanielle OuelletteChris PearsonJake PerronSarah Poluha LeaderStephanie RowcliffeTravis RoznosCassi SmileyKelly StelznerBreanne SubiasLauren Sudbrink LeaderEmma WiednerMattie WinistorferCydney Wuerffel
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