After launching in Toronto back in September 2012, Hailo is rolling out its first marketing campaign for Torontonians, as they aim to grow the user base for their app-based taxi service service.
“Just as we took the process of connecting cab drivers to people needing a taxi to a whole new level, we’re now doing the same thing in terms of how a taxi service is marketed,” said Justin Raymond, President of Hailo Canada.
“We launched Hailo last year with a massive earned media PR push. Now we’re mounting a paid marketing campaign that takes our industry light years past simply having an illuminated phone number on the top of a cab,” Raymond said.
As part of the campaign, Hailo will use over 100 large format billboards; a number of transit shelter posters; Indoor murals in more than 50 downtown bars and restaurants. Copy lines include “Like a Bat Signal for Toronto taxis,” “You had me at Hailo”, “The Taxi Magnet” and, for the transit stop executions, “What are you waiting for?”
The Hailo app runs on both iOS and Android devices and taps into a smartphone’s GPS technology to connect users to the closest available taxi. All transactions are processed via an on-file credit card so no cash is required and a detailed receipt is instantly emailed to the passenger upon completion of their ride.
“We generated some serious buzz right out of the gate, and exceeded our sign-up targets in terms of both drivers and cab service users,” Raymond said. “Now it’s time to further connect with taxi-using Torontonians to get them to integrate Hailo into their lifestyle.”