“Ugly Window” Contest by Hometown Windows Utilizes Near Field Communication Chips on Select March Magazine Covers
Approximately 5,000 Geist Magazines will have an NFC chip on the front cover marking the first magazine in the United States to feature such technology on their cover.
Nearly 19 years ago the Towne Post Network launched Geist Magazine and changed the local media landscape. Over the years, Towne Post Network magazines have been at the forefront of combining both print and digital media to offer clients and readers alike a unique and innovative local publication in various communities in Indiana and Kentucky.
Today, Towne Post is pioneering new ground by debuting NFC technology on the March covers of 5,000 select Geist Magazines in the 46236 and 46256 zip codes. NFC stands for “near field communication” – a popular wireless technology that is used to transfer data, share media and more between two devices that are in close proximity.
Hometown Windows, headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, is sponsoring an “ugly window” contest, encouraging Geist residents with old or ugly windows that need to be replaced to upload a photo by simply tapping the front cover of the Geist Magazine with their mobile phone. The winning entry will receive $10,000 of Andersen windows.
“We have partnered with Towne Post for over a year, advertising in their local magazines and working with their digital team on targeted advertising programs,” said Scott Dorrell, VP of Sales for Hometown Windows. “I brought this idea to them and worked with their team to execute this test in an area where age has caught up to several homes around Geist Reservoir.”
The cover sticker has an embedded NFC microchip in it – prompting Geist residents to open a page on their mobile phone, if it is in close proximity to the tag. A standard QR code is also on the sticker for those with older mobile phones where the NFC tag is not compatible.
“This is a great example of the marriage between print and digital technology,” explained Tom Britt, CEO and Founder of the Towne Post Network. “We are always looking for trackable ways to market in our local communities, and NFC technology fits right into our offering.”
Headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, with 18 franchised territories across the state and in Kentucky, the Towne Post Network is a hyperlocal community magazine franchise system that is dedicated to #SpotlightingLocal through monthly print magazines, digital platforms, and social media channels.
