Franchise Operations

With 600 franchisees in 25 countries, you need fast-acting marketing support. That's why this brand chose Pica9.

In early 2008, one of the world's largest fitness center chains conducted an advertising agency review, and selected a premier creative shop. They then gave the agency the task of evaluating providers of web-based local marketing automation systems. After several months of intensive research, the agency gave the nod to Pica9.

There were several reasons why Pica9 rose to the top of the list, according to the agency's recommendation. Our use of best practices in software development. The friendly and flexible customer-facing interfaces--both end user and creative administrator. And, perhaps most importantly, our pedigree as a specialist in advertising, marketing, and communications. As the agency lead put it, "Pica9 KNOWS marketing, understands the industry, and is ready to handle... whatever is next."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

In a breath-taking span of just 8 weeks, we worked hand-in-glove with the agency creatives and account personnel (with whom, as you can imagine, we developed a very sympatico relationship), to architect, build out, test, and launch version 1 of the brand's marketing on demand system. Since the launch, which included print advertising and direct mail, we have launched seven additional media types, including email, TV/radio, collateral, and point-of-sale signage. As a result of this work, and as a result of the power of the creative that drives the system, usage has been rising from day one, and continues to grow to this day.

Which just goes to show that a strong local marketing automation system can really help a brand to stay in good shape.