hi5 for Business

Founded in 2003, hi5 is among the world’s largest websites and social entertainment and gaming sites. With its robust social platform and game mechanics, hi5 delivers a fun, expressive and interactive entertainment experience. The site is available in over 50 languages and features localized games, virtual goods and other content that is monetized through hi5 Coins (a global virtual currency supporting over 60 payment methods and 30 currencies worldwide).

Like many other social networking sites, hi5 users can create an online profile where they display personal information, such as interests, age and hometown. They can also invite others to become their friends, upload pictures and post comments. In early 2010, hi5 began to evolve from a social network into a site focused on social gaming and opened to new game developers. Although hi5 was created and headquartered in the United States, it is more popular in other countries, particularly in Latin America.

How to use hi5 for Business

hi5 allows you to connect with your audience to cultivate existing relationships and create new ones. If your audience is on hi5, the platform can be leveraged in your marketing mix like any other social networking site. It acts as another channel for businesses to get their messages across to people around the world who could be in need of your products and services. But before you embark on creating a hi5 account, there are some considerations you need to keep in mind.

Determine if Your Target Audience is on hi5

The first step is to determine if hi5 is the right technology for your business. According to the hi5 website, the site receives over 50 million visitors monthly, mostly within the 18-34 age bracket. It is the top 20 website globally; top 10 youth website and third largest social media site.

Looking at the demographics of an average hi5 user (65% of traffic between 18-34 years old), it’s important that you verify if hi5 is the right platform for your business. What is your target demographic? Are they socializing on hi5? Will hi5 help you reach the type of people you’re looking to have as customers? If your products or services are targeted toward that group, then hi5 may be a good fit for your business. Not only can you communicate with hi5 users by building a presence on the site, but hi5 has an advertising engine that allows you to target their ads toward specific hi5 user demographics, attributes, interests and activities.

Create an Account and Start Socializing

If you find that hi5 is a good fit within your marketing mix, the next step is to create an account and start building relationships. Getting started with hi5 is free. All you need to do is visit the hi5.com homepage. Instructions to create an account are clearly outlined. Simply enter your name, desired password, email address and birth date. Then click on the “Register” button and wait for the confirmation email. Keep in mind that when you register for an account, you are agreeing to the hi5 terms of service and privacy policy.

Consider Advertising Through hi5

As mentioned, if your target audience is on hi5, it might be wise for your business to invest in creating hi5 ads geared toward your specific demographic. hi5 combines a powerful viral marketing engine with innovative creative options to offer a cost-effective way for companies to reinforce their brand identity to the global youth market.

hi5 allows you to target your ads by demographic (gender, age, language, ethnicity), as well as region (country, city). In addition to demographic and regional targeting, hi5 advertisers can also target users by behaviorial attributes (interests, affinity, hi5 profile data, hi5 activities). Here are some of the hi5 advertising options:

• Homepage Takeover -Advertisers can opt for the Homepage Takeover ad option, which allows them to create a homepage skin that would appear on the login page of hi5.Custom Profile -With the Custom Profile ad option, companies can create a branded profile page within hi5, build a community with their customers and drive viral awareness in the network.
• Branded Profile Skin -Also, companies can create a branded profile skin that their customers / hi5 users can upload to their personal pages so customers can express their love for your brand.
• Friend Update Ads -With this ad option, your company can insert your promotion directly into conversations with ads that display in hi5’s Friend Update feed in the center of users’ homepage.
• Branded Virtual Gift -Companies can also sponsor a free virtual gift in the hi5 online store and let users spread the word about your brand for you.
• Game Pre-Roll -hi5 is known for its gaming and entertainment. You can get in on the action with a highly engaging display or video ad that runs before a user’s online game starts.
• Companion Ads -You can also take it a step further by adding a second, synchronized display ad to your campaign to complement your primary game/video pre-roll ad.
• Mobile Ads -Advertising to hi5 mobile users is simple. Companies can put a variable banner ad unit on the m.hi5.com mobile site.
• Adver-Games -Additionally, your company can create a sponsored or fully-branded online game featured in the hi5 Games channel. This will generate immense brand engagement.

hi5 Best Practices Checklists

Since hi5 advertising is mostly display related, these best practices can be spanned across display advertising in general.

Adhere to required ad sizes and dimensions. On the hi5 website under the Advertising section, you will find standard ad units for various types of hi5 ads. Be sure to keep these standards in mind when creating your ad.

Be specific when targeting your ads. Know the audience you want to reach and create an ad that would appeal to that specific group. Think beyond the target audience of your product or service. Think about your specific ad and what you are offering/promoting. Based on that offer, be clear on your targeting selection.

Speak to your audience. Since the hi5 audience is primarily youth-based, creating enticing, eye-catching ads that would attract the attention of this group is key. Speak in their language while also maintaining a tone that represents your brand.

Include an action in each ad. A display ad is most effective when it features a compelling offer and call-to-action. Also follow up on your ad with actions on a landing page. Every clickable ad campaign should link to a landing page that matches the ad that got visitors there. Much like traditional pay-per-click advertising, linking a display ad to a landing page will help you track the effectiveness of your campaign.

Create catchy game pre-roll ads. Unless your ad is catchy and entertaining, most users will skip a pre-game or pre-video ad.But ads that are funny and clever have immense viral potential and will likely be shared with others if users find it interesting. Don’t be afraid to add some humor and personality to your ad, especially since you are speaking to a youth-based hi5 audience.

Make sure hi5 mobile ads link to a mobile-friendly site. If your company decides to opt for the hi5 mobile ad option and place a banner ad on the m.hi5.com mobile site, be sure your ad links to a landing page that’s also mobile-friendly. Create an end-to-end mobile compatible strategy around your hi5 mobile ads to ensure users have a consistent experience.

hi5 Tools and Resources

• hi5 Official Blog: The company’s official blog has updates about the platform, including new features and press coverage – http://bit.ly/hk0aAc
• Advertisingon hi5: This section of the company’s website provides advertisers information about their various ad options and how they can get started – http://bit.ly/gIwqPr
• Profile Tweek: This resource website offers MySpace and hi5 tricks, layouts, codes and tweaks for developers / coders looking to adjust their profile layout
• hi5 Style: This site provides free codes, graphics and tools for your own hi5 page. All you need to do choose a tool or graphic and follow the instructions to insert it into your page – http://bit.ly/gwuRQQ

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