Nationwide Insurance Engages Ohio State Fans with Interactive Technology

      

"We wanted to create a campaign that would be rewarding to fans who participate," said Jennifer MacKenzie, vice president of marketing campaigns and communications for Nationwide. "OnYourSideline.com gives us a chance to connect with Buckeye fans in a unique way and shows our support of Ohio State Football. We have been able to transition that to a discussion about insurance needs with a number of fans."

The most popular aspect of the campaign is the "dot the i" application, which allows fans to upload their photos to watch a video of themselves dotting the "i" in Script Ohio and share it with their friends. The application has attracted more than 55,000 user sessions since it was introduced in October. More than 65 percent of participants came to the application from viral sources such as Facebook.

The application was developed in conjunction with Oddcast, a leader in user-personalized viral marketing, and utilizes the company's 3D Video Star technology. 3D Video Star lets site visitors insert their face into any film scene - even speaking roles and complex action scenes - in fully rendered 3D.

OnYourSideline.com was designed to help Nationwide build brand awareness with fans interested in the entertainment value of its features, while making it easy for fans to opt-in to receive more information about Nationwide's offerings and receive an insurance quote.

The campaign is the latest Nationwide marketing effort to use innovative technology to engage a niche audience. Earlier this year, Nationwide introduced Nationwide Mobile for iPhone. The first application from an insurance company has been downloaded more than 82,000 times. Nearly 250 insurance claims have been initiated through the application.

Nationwide Insurance is the official insurance sponsor of Ohio State University athletics.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including car insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Nationwide
Mike Switzer, 614-249-4092
switzem1@nationwide.com