Advertising is everywhere – on computers, mobile devices, televisions – and now it just spread to a whole new market. Say hello to the programmatic wearable market.
According to Adweek, FitAd, a new wearables ad network that got its start earlier this year, has begun a new ad campaign for Amtrak’s Acela Express, which caters directly to audiences that use smartwatches. This marks the opening of a potential new ad network, and ties in through Golfshot, with users that downloaded the site’s corresponding mobile app to interact inbetween their games.
“We want to help translate a platform like Golfshot to brands through brand managers or ad agencies,” explained Mort Greenberg, founder and vice president of sales for FitAd.
Golf courses can actually be a key market for advertising, as users are looking for something to do while they’re waiting to take their next swing. “We’ve had success working with brands that are interested in golf,” said Ben Addoms, CEO of Golfshot. “But we are a company of 20 folks that does $3 million to $4 million in revenue right now. To grow, we recognized that we needed to get effective representation on Madison Avenue. Having the time, money and team to explain that the inventory is available to them just doesn’t make a lot of economic sense today. So having FitAd incorporate us into their network model made a ton of sense.”
Currently, FitAd’s network only reaches out to Android devices, but will soon be accessible on iOS-capable devices as well, with the introduction of a new fitness app called RockMyRun – another potential partner in the market.
This follows the news that Mindshare was working on its own wearable ad network through Google Glass, as well as Samsung Galaxy Gear and Garmin devices, although it’s still in the works, with no reported buyers signed on just yet.
So the next time you’re using your smartwatch, keep an eye open for that Amtrak train.
