Google Maps Super Charges Rooftop Advertising
Boing Boing digs into digg and finds MIT Advertising Lab talking about advertisers discovering the value of Google Maps and placing large ads of rooftops for those using Google Maps to see. Target's done it. Realtors are using Google Maps to their benefit as well by letting home buyers examine maps, zoom in on house and view selling details. Yes, Google does rule the world.
Comments
Considering a lot of the Google Maps satellite photos are over 2 years old, I'm thinking this is Target simply branding the hell out of their stores rather than "discovering" the value of rooftop ads.
It's not unique either - you can see the Ford logo at the Ford Proving Grounds in Dearborn, MI and the United Center in Chicago has a big United logo on the roof:
http://googlesightseeing.com/2005/04/26/ford-proving-grounds-dearborn/
http://googlesightseeing.com/2005/09/02/united-center/
(alas, Google Sightseeing seems to be down right now)
I'm sure there's some value in placing rooftop logos or advertising. But you have to keep in mind that most advertisers won't have the rooftop real estate or simple, recognizable branding that Target does - if you have to get down to maximum zoom to read the copy, then it's not worth it. And that's assuming Google will update the satellite photos regularly.
I think this will be slightly less effective than most billboard advertising - that is not at all.
Of course Google could sell ad space in maps and just digitally replace flat areas with ads.
Actually, J. D., I'm half thinking that may be in the cards for Google or Yahoo. Ad space sold to the occupant. I don't think Target should by ad space over my house, but if they want to buy space to point out every Target location, that could be pretty easy to do, generate a bit of cash for the Googlers (like they need it) and might actually be helpful to people searching for Target on the map.
Uh, call me crazy, but I'm not so sure this is about Google Maps. Ever hear of a little airport called O-Hare?
Just a thought.
That Target logo was put up years ago; that particular store is right next to the airport and can be seen during aircraft descent.
Wow, What a great idea. Even better job thinking out side the box. Roof top space is wide open and would be ideal place to market as they say " The sky is the limit" It's a market untapped. We dont always need to make new products or services we just need to improve the ones we already use. Roof top ads are new innovative ways to capitalize a new market. Start looking for roof top ad space!! You may not be the first but lead the way and soon others will jump on board.