BIRMINGHAM, Mich. -- Gas Station TV (GSTV) announced it has integrated StarStar technology at stations nationwide, launching its GSTV mobile platform on behalf of its advertisers. StarStar, a new type of mobile-phone number, allows the in-pump video network to connect consumers with advertisers through a simple phone call.
By dialing **GSTV (or **4788), consumers can gain instant access to an advertiser's mobile app or web page. The platform also gives advertisers the ability to push coupons and videos directly to consumers' mobile phones.
To kick off **GSTV (4788), the Birmingham, Mich.-based GSTV hosted a nationwide sweepstakes which enabled consumers to enter to win $50 gasoline cards and the chance to win a year's worth of free fuel. The two-week long sweepstakes generated more than 46,000 entries from 46 states. An overwhelming majority of those calls, nearly 70%, originated from smartphones.
"GSTV is thrilled to partner with StarStar to provide unparalleled technology to our advertisers at our national network of retail stations," said David Leider, president and CEO of Gas Station TV. "Be it downloading an app or redeeming special offers on the go, **GSTV allows GSTV to deliver unprecedented consumer engagement for clients in the gas media space."
Joe Gillespie, president and CEO of StarStar from Zoove, Palo Alto, Calif., said, "We're delighted to see StarStar drive such stellar results for a customer. StarStar provides a unique way to truly engage consumers and having GSTV adopt the platform to increase reach of the on-the-go consumer on behalf its advertisers is magnificent."
Choice Hotels International, Silver Spring, Md., has signed on as the first advertiser to use StarStar to engage audiences through GSTV, the company said. With a campaign set for launch this spring, Choice Hotels is using the network as its exclusive marketing network in the gas space, and utilizing the **GSTV platform to launch its new mobile app.
"GSTV is also excited to launch our advertiser effort with an innovative marketer like Choice Hotels," added Leider.
Furthering the emerging digital culture at the pump, future phases of the **GSTV (**4788) rollout will include customization allowing regionally focused businesses to target messages to specific markets and functionality that will allow callers to browse local events or submit their own events through GSTV's social program "Your Neighborhood," GSTV officials said.
GSTV is a national video network engaging people at the fuel island. The first Nielsen-audited and measured network in the gasoline space, GSTV has grown from a five-station pilot in Dallas to more than 31 million monthly viewers at gas retailers in 100-plus U.S. markets. Through its "inOvationTV" partnership with Austin, Texas-based Wayne, a GE energy business, the network is set to increase its monthly viewership to 70 million.
StarStar is an exclusive registry of vanity mobile phone numbers that lets brands easily connect with people. StarStar is exclusively provided by Zoove Corp. on behalf of wireless operators in the United States, serving more than 250 million people.
Choice Hotels franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.