IWC 8th in Facebook popularity

A Geneva-based company which analyzes Internet use studied watch brand activity on Facebook. They counted the number of “fan pages” people had set up for most watch brands.

As of December 2009, IWC was the eighth most popular brand on Facebook, with over 8000 fan pages. The brands “ahead” of IWC were, in this order, Hublot, Cartier, TAG Heuer, Rolex, Bulgari, Breitling and Omega.

I previously posted a suggestion that IWC should use newer Internet communication channels, including Facebook. A vocal minority thought that would make little sense, often because they don’t use them. But, candidly, I think that is a huge mistake. The fact that there are over 8000 people avid enough to post something special on Facebook shows a huge interest by a market that sometimes may be different than the market that is interested in this forum. To my thinking there is every reason that such a market should not be ignored.

In all events, IWC really has moved into a prime time “stage” gieven that it’s eighth in Facebook popularity. That speaks well, since its average price point, and horological sophistication, of IWC exceeds the more "popular" brands preceding it. IWC has come a long way.

And we ain't seen nothing yet Michael

internet and its paths seems to be the only way.
All major cell phone companies design interactive devices, and other electronics companies created a new product niche with the now so popular netbooks, even apple introduced the ipad.
High techonology in low prices with great mobility
Devices that are internet driven are the peak and truly this is what the information society is.
Internet is part of our every day life in our pockets and IWC simply cannot ignore this.
Thank you for the information Michael.

I thought you made...

an valid point when you first raised the issue. A company that has shown itself to be forward-thinking like IWC, should use all means at its disposal to get out the "message." There are different demographics that participate in social networking sites... and I think any marketing strategy going forward needs to account for those that interact on those sites. The fact that IWC is eighth with no concerted effort is a great position to start IMHO!

Best regards,
Jim

Pardon the typing errors...

I was rushing between meetings.

I am a member of the IWC FB fan page and

also a member of the IWC LA Boutique FB page. I concur with you comments that FB is a medium that should be utilized as a communication strategy. I am not a Twitter person, I think the concept is weak, and how much can you say about anything in 140 characters.

Bill

not completely....

You may be right, but as of now the issues have not been fully decided. One person in Schaffhausen is now preparing a report on the subject of alternative media for consideration at the executive level. In addition, I understand that a new person wiil be joining IWC to deal with Internet planning, as a staff supplement. That person hasn't started yet, so the scope of what's intended has not been fully resolved.

But, in all events, I believe that you will see new marketing iniitiatives involving electronic comunications. After all, the area is developing rapidly and new people bring new ideas.

How about Youtube as well ?

Just had a look at youtube and there are lots of hits for IWC watches- but I couldn't find anything official.
Cheers Louis.
PS. Will" join "IWC on Facebook in a few minutes.