Brand Thunder Introduces New Advertising Sponsor Placements within the Browser Chrome by Brand Thunder

COLUMBUS, OH – September 4, 2009 – Brand Thunder LLC (http://www.brandthunder.com), the custom browser specialists, announced today the availability of clickable sponsored placements within the browser chrome of its custom browser Booms!. These sponsored placements are visually integrated within the browser theme, remain regardless of the website being visited, and fully take advantage of the hours users spend online.

The sponsorship program was designed to simplify implementation for Brand Thunder clients. It leverages Brand Thunder’s ad server allowing for a full range of tracking and reporting, plus providing easy updates for sponsorship graphics. The browser chrome placement assures high-visibility and engagement due to its proximity to the web address bar and browser search box.

“Our clients have expressed a need to provide new and exciting opportunities to their corporate sponsors,” said Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Brand Thunder. “These new sponsor placements will allow us to meet that need in a manner that integrates seamlessly and stylistically with the rest of the Boom! and keeps the overall user experience intact.”

A Boom!, a free, lightweight, active customization, is unlike other browser-based tools with its visual immersion, integrated content and added functionality. It has proven to be a popular way for fans to personalize their web experience with their favorite sports team, music star, newspaper, news site and more. Users can switch real-time between any installed Booms!.

About Brand Thunder:
Formed in April 2007, Brand Thunder creates custom-browser experiences. Brands enjoy a more persistent connection to their Internet consumer through the custom browser Boom!, which increases website visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their Internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or Internet site. The custom browser Booms! feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other Internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the Huffington Post, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at http://brandthunder.com/gallery/.

Contact:
Patrick Murphy, CEO
Brand Thunder, LLC
614-304-1316

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Posted in News, Press Releases | Tags: boom, brand thunder, Branded Browser, brandthunder, Browsers, custom browser, Online advertising, online sponsorship, sponsorship | No Comments »

Measuring Engagement – Maintaining Engagement by Kevin Dwinnell

MediaPost’s Online Spin had another interesting article yesterday titled “The Three Rs Of Engagement” by Cory Treffiletti. Cory discusses how there is no standard for defining engagement because engagement depends on the objectives of the marketer. But he proposes three unifying themes necessary to define engagement — and they are Recency, Resonance and Relevance.

I like the structure of the three Rs. The classic dictum of reach and frequency can be rolled under recency. They are the elements to help with recall. You could argue Resonance and Relevance also aid recall, but I’d put the burden of meeting those two Rs with creative execution and strategy. Creative will help you Resonate and getting that message to the right audience will ensure your Relevancy.

The three Rs also identify the keys to success when you’re dealing with a branded application like our Booms!. With an app, especially one used regularly, you are ensured Recency and since an app typically requires user action to download and use Relevancy is also virtually guaranteed. Now if you can provide the value that Resonates with that user, you’ve got a truly powerful tool to drive a lot of usage from your end user.

While you do this, you have to maintain Trust. This is implied in most marketing efforts, but essential in something like an application where the user extends a lot of faith from the moment they decide to download or install, and is committing themselves to hours of connection at a time. If you abuse the relationship you sought through the engagement capabilities of an app, you undermine more than any single marketing effort. In our world, that threshold can be pretty low if we disrupt the user’s experience. So if we don’t manage Trust very well, our three Rs quickly turns into ARRRG.

Posted in News | Tags: brand thunder, Branded Browser, browser boom, custom browser, internet application, internet apps, marketing engagement, MediaPost | No Comments »

Brand Thunder and Phoenix Suns to Bring a Planet Orange Experience to Internet Browsers by Brand Thunder

COLUMBUS, OH – September 2, 2009 – Brand Thunder LLC (http://www.brandthunder.com), the custom browser specialists, announced today an agreement with the Phoenix Suns to offer its fans a unique online experience.
Basketball fans who use the popular internet browser Firefox will be able to download a Phoenix Suns branded browser at Suns.com, featuring the team’s logo and colors, as well as prominent links for quick access to the club’s various digital and social media channels.

“We are always looking for new ways to connect with our fans, and our fans are always looking for new ways to show their love of Phoenix Suns basketball,” says Suns VP of Digital Jeramie McPeek. “The Suns branded browser is a great way for the citizens of Planet Orange to express that pride, and enhance their overall experience online.”

A leader in technology among pro sports franchises, the Suns’ official website, Suns.com, has been named the top team site in the NBA on three occasions, while the team’s official social network, PlanetOrange.net, and virtual tour site, SunsLockerRoom.com, were both recognized with Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards in 2008. The Suns’ family of sites average more than 50 million page views from more than 200 different countries.

“The Suns have been so savvy in the Internet space, that there’s a robust amount of content and functionality to build a really engaging fan experience,” said Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Brand Thunder. “We expect some new and exciting surprises out of this.”

Brand Thunder’s browsers are free, lightweight active customizations that can include themes, toolbars, sidebars and other content or functionality.

About Brand Thunder:
Formed in April 2007, Brand Thunder creates custom-browser experiences. Brands enjoy a more persistent connection to their Internet consumer through the custom browser Boom!, which increases website visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their Internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or Internet site. The custom browser Booms! feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other Internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the Huffington Post, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at http://brandthunder.com/gallery/.

Contact:
Patrick Murphy, CEO
Brand Thunder, LLC
614-408-8202

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Posted in News, Press Releases | Tags: Branded Browser, brandthunder, browser boom, custom browser, Mozilla Firefox, National Basketball Association, NBA, Phoenix Suns | No Comments »

Brand Thunder Signs with WeatherBug to Bring Integrated Weather Content to Custom Browsers by Brand Thunder

COLUMBUS, OH — August 20, 2009 — Brand Thunder LLC (http://www.brandthunder.com), the custom browser specialists, announced today an agreement to include WeatherBug content within its branded browser experiences.

Brand Thunder reworks the visual style of a browser theme to match the colors, logos and imagery of its partners while also adding content and functionality to the browser. Brand Thunder now includes WeatherBug content as part of its capabilities portfolio enabling clients to better tune their customized browsers to the needs of their end users. Through the WeatherBug API, Brand Thunder can integrate weather into virtually any location on the browser; ensure the appearance works within the unique design of each browser; and provide one-click access to the full extent of WeatherBug content on WeatherBug.com.

“We’re pleased to have a premier brand, like WeatherBug, as our partner,” said Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Brand Thunder. “Weather impacts so many daily decisions, from simply deciding what to wear, to whether to act on the browser alert about recently released tickets to the next Major League Soccer game. I’m glad this is now available as an option for our users and clients.”

“Brand Thunder provides a great affinity product for both its users and clients. The inclusion of weather is a logical extension of its value proposition and we’re proud to bring our live local weather to the platform,” said Alan George, Director of Business Development for WeatherBug.

Brand Thunder’s browser Booms! are free, lightweight active customizations that can include themes, toolbars, sidebars and other content or functionality. Users can switch real-time between any installed Booms!, or change from a full Boom! view to a small Boom! (toolbar only), all without restarting the browser.

About Brand Thunder:
Formed in April 2007, Brand Thunder creates custom-browser experiences. Brands enjoy a more persistent connection to their Internet consumer through the custom browser Boom!, which increases website visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their Internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or Internet site. The custom browser Booms! feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other Internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the Huffington Post, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at http://brandthunder.com/gallery/.

Contact:
Patrick Murphy, CEO
Brand Thunder, LLC
614-304-1316

###

Posted in News, Press Releases | Tags: brand thunder, Brand Thunder Boom, Branded Browser, custom browser, WeatherBug | No Comments »

Brand Thunder and Columbus Dispatch Deliver First Daily Newspaper Browser Experience by Brand Thunder

COLUMBUS, OH — August 19, 2009 — Brand Thunder LLC (http://www.brandthunder.com), the custom browser specialists, announced today the availability of the Columbus Dispatch Boom!. The first product of its kind to serve the audience of a daily newspaper, this browser add-on is designed to strengthen relationships and enhance loyalty between The Columbus Dispatch and its readers and subscribers.

The Dispatch Boom, available at http://www.dispatch.com, customizes the user’s Internet experience by enabling seamless and fast access to Dispatch news stories and content. Users will find links to key sections in the paper, a newsreader and a sidebar with news summaries for the Buckeyes and Blue Jackets plus tools for reaching The Dispatch and managing subscriptions. It also features the Surf Canyon search enhancement to help users find Dispatch coverage of news and events. Any search for news terms, regardless of the search service being used, will return Dispatch stories at the top of the results page helping users to quickly find their paper’s coverage of a story. The Boom! offers two distinct looks: one with a view of the Columbus skyline and the other with a look into the ‘Shoe, Ohio State University’s football stadium.

“There’s strong appeal to reading the morning paper and there’s an equally strong desire for the immediacy of news over the Internet,” said Phil Pikelny, Vice President for Dispatch Digital & Chief Marketing Officer at The Dispatch Printing Company. “A Brand Thunder custom browser is a great way for our readers to stay informed when online.”

“The browser offers several ways to get breaking news to users, which makes it ideal for a newspaper and its readers,” said Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Brand Thunder, noting that Dispatch.com is the No. 1 local Web site in the Columbus market. “We’re happy to serve our hometown paper which we hope will be only the first among many newspapers to offer this exciting software to their readers and subscribers.”

Brand Thunder’s browser Booms! are free, lightweight, active customizations that can include themes, toolbars, sidebars and other content or functionality.

About Brand Thunder:
Formed in April 2007, Brand Thunder creates custom-browser experiences. Brands enjoy a more persistent connection to their Internet consumer through the custom browser Boom!, which increases website visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their Internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or Internet site. The custom browser Booms! feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other Internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the Huffington Post, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at http://brandthunder.com/gallery/.

Posted in News, Press Releases | Tags: brand thunder, Brand Thunder Boom, Branded Browser, brandthunder, Columbus Dispatch, custom browser, Surf Canyon | No Comments »

How to Write Better Headlines and Multiply Your Traffic by Kevin Dwinnell

I wish I could offer all the advice you need in this one post. Fortunately, the “How to” portion is only a click away. Copyblogger has a great series titled “How to Write Magnetic Headlines” and it’s worth your time to study. If you’re really feeling time pressed, then check out Stuart Brown’s “How to Write Great Headlines.”

I’m having you start with the headlines because I’m making the assumption you’re already producing some kind of content. I’m also assuming that if you’re one of our clients, or want to be, you have an audience you’re trying to engage with your content. If you’re not using well-crafted headlines, you’re missing a big opportunity.

Whether you’re using one of our browser Booms!, a toolbar, widget or simply an RSS feed, your news and content is the everyday reminder for your audience to return to your site. A great headline can be the difference between curiosity and a click. We’ve seen it with the click-through in our Booms!. When the news ticker is used, it captures a good percentage of overall clicks from the browser. For the clients who have compelling headlines, the traffic volume can be significant.

I’m just using our product as a reference point. Regardless of the vehicle being used by the consumer, if they’ve downloaded an app or subscribed to your RSS feed, they’ve demonstrated their commitment to what you provide. It’s to your mutual benefit to entice them with well-written headlines.

Fortunately for you, if you’re not doing this today, RSS is the common delivery mechanism. It is not a major development effort, but it can be leveraged across multiple apps and feed readers making it a major driver of traffic. If you’re already using RSS, then make sure your headline-writing skills are polished. You can improve your results several times by moving the quality of your headlines from mediocre to good.

Posted in Commentary | Tags: brand thunder, Brand Thunder Boom, Branded Browser, Copyblogger, custom browser, Feed Readers, RSS, Syndication and Feeds | No Comments »

Brand Thunder Brings a Little Fun to Custom Browsers with Come2Play by Brand Thunder

COLUMBUS, OH (PRWEB) August 13, 2009– Brand Thunder LLC (http://www.brandthunder.com), the custom browser specialists, announced today an agreement to distribute Come2Play games within its custom browser experiences.

Brand Thunder’s browser customizations provide marketers with a more persistent connection to their customer whenever they are connected to the Internet and regardless of the web page they are viewing. The company’s growing client list includes the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, Universal Music Group, NYC’s Hot97 Hip Hop and R&B radio station and more. The addition of Come2Play will offer more incentive for the user to interact with the browser’s content for extended periods of time. Come2Play games can be made available from the browser toolbar or integrated into the browser’s multimedia sidebar.

“Come2Play has demonstrated a remarkable ability to create engagement and improve retention,” said Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Brand Thunder. “Engagement and retention is core to the value proposition of our customized browsers as well and we think Come2Play will enhance that value even more.”

Brand Thunder’s browser Booms! are free, lightweight active customizations that can include themes, toolbars, sidebars and other content or functionality. Users can switch real-time between any installed Booms!, or change from a full Boom! view to a small Boom! (toolbar only), all without restarting the browser.

About Brand Thunder:
Formed in April 2007, Brand Thunder creates custom-browser experiences. Brands enjoy a more persistent connection to their Internet consumer through the custom browser Boom!, which increases website visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their Internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or Internet site. The custom browser Booms! feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other Internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the Huffington Post, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at http://brandthunder.com/gallery/.

Posted in Press Releases | Tags: brand th, brand thunder, Brand Thunder Boom, Branded Browser, come2play, custom browser | No Comments »

Elaboration on Earning Customer Loyalty by Kevin Dwinnell

Customer Loyalty: How to Earn It is a commentary over at MediaPost. Guy Maser gives some simple and straightforward ideas to help you better serve your existing customer. The fundamentals often aren’t that complex. His suggestions are geared for a certain type of business, but his premise is applicable anywhere – do something for the benefit of your current customers.

I’d take it a step or two farther. What can you do for your customer today? How much of your time was spent working on tasks focused on revenue for you as opposed to experience for them? When was the last time you focused on figuring out what would “wow” your customer? Do you have a daily “to-do” task that focuses specifically on the customer?

Questions like these drive a set of behaviors that can benefit your customer and ultimately your business. Just picking up the phone and calling a customer can have a very positive impact as well as offering a chance to get first hand feedback. Reviewing message boards and comments, on your sites and sites related to your product can be very insightful, but also give you an opportunity to respond and learn. I found a comment in Mozilla’s Add-ons that warranted a reply, but Add-ons doesn’t offer a reply option. Fortunately, this member had an email address in his profile and I was able to reach him. I can’t vouch for this instance, but in the past, these extra steps have gone a long way.

Think of all the other touch points available through the Internet. What if some of the viral-video energy went into service videos? Pictures and text also works. I completely disassembled my laptop to fix a cracked solder joint and couldn’t believe the number of parts. I found a step-by-step guide, however, that allowed me to do it myself in about the amount of time it would have taken just to drive it to a repair shop. It was awesome.

We mention frequently the items we often include in our browser Booms! News feeds, RSS, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more. These are all easy to implement touch points with your consumer. Some of these elements get the news to your customers as effectively and more timely than any email campaign can. You don’t even have to do the bulk of the communicating at sites that offer a dialogue. Listening goes a long way, but you will have to say something, just so your customers know you’re there.

The list can go on and on. There’s no one path to earning your customer’s loyalty, but it clearly requires pursuing some path.

Posted in Commentary | Tags: brand thunder, Branded Browser, browser boom, custom browser, Facebook, Internet forum, Mozilla, MySpace, RSS, Social media, Twitter, Viral video | 1 Comment »

Helping Brands Leverage Social Media by Kevin Dwinnell

Ben Elowitz made a compelling argument for brands connecting with its fans in his Online Media Daily commentary. He details examples of how brands have created sites that engage their user base and create a dynamic exchange. It’s by serving these fans that the majority of brands will see their success in social media.

I’m thrilled to see this kind of discussion because Brand Thunder plays an enabling role in this scenario. When you have an engaged community with a steady flow of news, information and discussion – the best thing you can do is keep that community aware of the activity going on. Fortunately, there are a number of methods and tools that help brands maintain that connection. I’m biased as I think we have one of the better ones.

When you have the connection to your end user in the browser, it’s a persistent connection within the primary vehicle for interacting online. The results of mixing a tool like a customized browser with the exciting news and events on a brand’s community site can be staggering. We’ve seen an 8x improvement in visits by users of our product over the average visitor to our client’s site. Most of the products that contribute to these gains can be implemented with a low level of effort by the brand.

There is a promised land for brands in the social media world. There is an engaged audience that a brand can appeal to and create the desired connection. When you think of these sites and the destination they can become, don’t overlook the vehicles that will help deliver that audience on a frequent basis.

Posted in News | Tags: Ben Elowitz, boom, brand thunder, Branded Browser, custom browser, Social media, Social network service | No Comments »

Brand Thunder Heads to Blueland – Atlanta Thrashers Launch by Kevin Dwinnell

We’re continuing our progress with NHL teams with our latest launch – the browser Boom! for the Atlanta Thrashers. First, you have to check out the design. As we head into the heat of summer, this is one Boom! that will provide a little chill. Take a look at the screen shot in our Gallery or on the Thrasher’s site and see what you think.

We’re launching just in advance of the Thrashers Draft Party. If you can’t make the party or aren’t local to Atlanta, Thrasher fans can still enjoy the latest news and videos delivered right into the browser. The links to the team’s blog and message boards will keep you in touch with the drama of this year’s picks and trades.

You start to see why our product is finding a solid audience with sports teams and their fans. With the Internet and cable TV, sports are a year round effort – for any league. While the Pittsburgh Penguins just earned the Stanley Cup in a stellar series for the rest of the league, fans are already turning attention to next year and it’s teams like the Thrashers that are right there with the fans.

Posted in Commentary, News | Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Brand Thunder Boom, Branded Browser, custom browser, Ice hockey, National Hockey League | No Comments »