New Platform Provides Subway Franchisee with Mobile Couponing

A new program in customized cell phone marketing is being launched at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. Hothand Wireless and Subway announced a new program marking the launch of Hothand’s Local Merchant Network at UCLA. Hothand's Local Merchant Network offers mobile advertising that leverages social networking functionality, while integrating mobile content and local search. Subway franchisees now have the opportunity to participate in marketing that requires no extended "paper" campaign and enables them to have a vast degree of flexibility in tailoring marketing campaigns, adjusting offers quickly and leveraging the web-based platform.

Hothand President & CEO Randy Jaramillo said, “We believe the long-term win in mobile advertising is in providing specialized content to targeted social networks and supporting that with advertising. We are providing quality content and offers presented to the right groups.  Our platform is all about targeting.”

Local consumers can access information via the Local Merchant Network at UCLA anytime on any web enabled phone or wireless device.  The information is always available but never intrusive as consumers access the offers at their time of decision.  For instance, when someone is hungry he or she can find a special offer from Subway.  No paper coupons or ads, and no lengthy searches.  Consumers get quick access to the Subway nearby.

The Local Merchant Network for UCLA begins with the Subway restaurant at 1151 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Bob Grewal, owner of this subway and Development Agent for Subway's 700 Los Angeles and Orange County locations commented on the program, “The goal of Subway’s advertising campaigns is to increase its presence in the consumers’ ‘consideration set’; that is, which fast-food restaurants consumers consider when deciding where to eat.  We see the Hothand University Mobile Network as a perfect fit to reach consumers.”                                                  

The new program will expand with the opening of more universities.  Hothand is finalizing agreements with other major universities across the nation.  This will give Hothand a national footprint with local focus.

Cross Posted at: Let's Talk Franchising