FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Media Contacts:
- qtags:
- Shannon Otermat, 832-746-2224
- sotermat@houston.rr.com
- John Wagner, 281-565-6045
- john@wagnermarketingandpr.com
- InTouch Media Group:
- Brent McDonald, 905-565-0501 ext. 302
- brentm@intouchmediagrp.ca
qtags Inks Deal With Exclusive Canadian Distributor, Ontario's InTouch Media Group
Houston (September 20, 2005) - qtags, a service that enables people to save and then
later easily retrieve information seen in advertising, today announced that InTouch Media
Group of Ontario (www.intouchmediagrp.ca) has been named the company's exclusive distributor in Canada.
A developer of interactive digital signage, InTouch Media Group is working with several marketing
communication and advertising agencies to integrate qtags into campaigns that will launch in the fall of 2005.
How the qtags service works
Advertisers can add a qtag (short for quick-tag) to any existing print, broadcast, signage or
display campaign. Viewers or listeners wanting to remember a special offer or learn more about
a product can use their mobile phone to text the advertisement's displayed keyword to 78247 (QTAGS on the dial).
The qtags service instantly sends information about the advertisement to the individual's mobile
phone via a reply text. The qtags service also converts the keyword to a web-link, that the
individual can access online or via email, a feed or a web-enabled phone.
There is no charge for the public to use the qtags service (an individual's mobile phone
provider's SMS text messaging rates will apply), and advertisers' are charged by volume of keywords texted.
People don't need to pre-register to text a qtag, and the short-code 78247 (QTAGS), works
with all U.S. and Canadian mobile carriers.
The web-link and reply text are specified by the advertiser and can be updated anytime,
real-time. Advertisers also have access to real-time reporting showing volumes of texts,
click-throughs and links forwarded to friends.
"We're focused on delivering interactive tools that promote a dialogue between brands and
consumers, and the qtags service fulfills that commitment, with anytime, anywhere
functionality," said Brent McDonald, Vice President Business Development, InTouch Media
Group. "Our clients are constantly in search of innovative ways to break through the clutter
in the marketplace, and qtags makes it easy for consumers to learn more or follow up on products
or services that are interesting.
"Because of the 'pay for performance' aspect of qtags, even small and medium-sized businesses can
take advantage of the explosive growth in text messaging. It's a natural fit for us and our clients."
Allison Gower, qtags co-founder and president, said InTouch Media Group's growing client base and
its relationships with advertising agencies and advertisers throughout Canada will provide great
visibility for the qtags service.
About qtags
qtags are currently being used in the US and Canada by some of the world's most well-known brands
to offer consumers a unique way to control advertising and to gain more information on the companies
and advertisements that interest them. The company offers the qtags service to non-profit organizations
at no cost. For more information on how this innovative marketing concept works, visit the company blog
at www.allaboutqtags.typepad.com or the company site at
www.qtags.com.