There has been plenty of talk across the Irish web community about how risky Imagine’s “WiMax – Google it!” campaign is. It’s two weeks now since Imagine had promised to launch their new WiMax offering in Ireland. But even today, their website continues to exclude information on their pricing for WiMax.
I missed their Tweet on Twitter last Friday, where they announced that the pricing won’t be released until sometime this week. So the first thing I did when I arrived in work this morning was visit Google and type WiMax… Then I of course clicked on the sponsored listing. When I think back, this is what I’ve been doing for the last 2 weeks!! At this stage, I’m sure I’ve cost them at least €5 – my assumption would be that a lot of other people are doing the exact same as me!
Even as late as this morning, Jason Roe asked on Twitter “Anyone got any idea why there is a billboard that says “wimax” google it? I had a quick look.. no sign of the people who ran the campaign!”. While Bernie Goldbach writes about how his website is receiving an extra 85 hits per day because his article is appearing top of the Google SERPs for “WiMax Ireland”.
Both these events are another clear indication that their campaign simply is very risky and it’s costing them money! But fair play to them, they are taking the risk and people are talking about them! I doubt that this was their initial intention, but I may be wrong… I have been a couple of times in the past 
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#1 by Alex Kirwan at November 3rd, 2009
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I think there aim is to get people talking and therefore interested by creating a buzz before they have even released anything – they have certainly managed to get people talking anyway. Its going to be interesting to see if they can live up to the hype they are trying to create in terms of pricing especially.
#2 by Tom Doyle at November 3rd, 2009
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I honestly don’t think this is the case. They are constantly deferring launch date – which says to me they are clearly not ready.
If they deferred the release date once, maybe then I’d think it was a cunning ploy – but it’s just constant changes now.
Can’t wait for it myself!
#3 by Kirwig at November 4th, 2009
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I think that Imagine Wimax Broadband in Ireland, have annoyed people at this stage. Not only are they not providing pricing, but they don’t even describe the product…how it works, telephone service, speeds, services, etc. and their coverage map is a joke.
Why is the broadband market in Ireland littered with people who constantly promise and don’t deliver ?
#4 by Agc at November 19th, 2009
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Well all the prices are up now , with speeds and numbers .. and well its all a little meh , same stuff everyone else is selling
#5 by Kieran at November 25th, 2009
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Good article Tom just catching up on it now and like you I blogged on this as well. For a Broadband/Internet company they should be all over the blogs and commenting addressing issues plus getting some proper SEO behind their silly Google ad.
I mean what if someone has their browser set for .co.uk or .com (which does happen) they are way below the fold on most organic listings at the moment .
#6 by Tom Doyle at November 25th, 2009
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You’re right Kieran, but have only seen them on Twitter.
#7 by Kieran at November 25th, 2009
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Twitter is all very well – I am a big fan and all that but as you say Twitter isn’t enough