Aruba flies high with first ever photo experience company

Aruba flies high with first ever photo experience company

Aruba’s events and entertainment industry clicked into a higher gear this week with the entry of leading photographic experience company SK Click.

Launched with a show-stopping event in Indian Rock Garden, the firm showcased the dynamic range of products and technology that they will now be offering to corporate clients, venues and event coordinators.

With offices in the UK and now Aruba, the firm has invested $50,000 in technology and created 3 new jobs with plans for further investment over the next 12 months as they create unrivalled and unforgettable photographic experiences.

SK Click will help businesses and brands leverage user-generated content and immersive events across the island with products such as the SK Retro, SK Glam Cam, SK Mosaic and the SK Roamer delivering exclusive photo experiences.

SK Click Aruba

Local photographer Armando Goedgedrag, Greg Peterson, Aruba Bird Life Conservation and Saskia Garrido, Director SK Click Aruba.

“Speaking at the launch Saskia Garrido, Director said, “Following the success of SK Click in the UK, we wanted to bring something special to Aruba. We have chosen 4 exclusive products, which can be brought together or used individually for weddings, special occasions, events, marketing campaigns or even permanent installs. Working with business, individuals and venues we can create fun, interactive experiences that deliver something special for customers and enhance their marketing efforts.

Raising the bar and giving tourists and locals unforgettable experiences and events has never been more important. We are passionate about enhancing Aruba’s economy by offering never-before-seen, cutting-edge products and innovative event technology which can do just that.

We look forward to working with local companies in the coming months and growing their business alongside ours.”

SK Click Aruba LaunchSK Click are also keen to be involved and immersed in the local community with an ambition to give back through creative partnerships.

The first of these partnerships was unveiled at the launch, and showcased the show-stopping powers of the SK Mosaic to raise awareness of Aruba Bird Life Conservation and honor the plight of the Aruba Brown Throat Parakeet, The Prikichi.

SK Click Aruba

Nicole Leslie, Joan Mahendrepersad, Herbert Goedgedrag, Addonsito Croes, Raquel Lampe, Saskia Garrido.

Working with teacher Addonsito Croes, the children from Filomena College Mavo, Greg Peterson, Aruba Bird Life Conservation and local photographer Armando Goedgedrag the SK Click team utilized this unique event technology to create 2 beautiful mosaics; one featuring an image from Greg Peterson and one from Armando. Each piece of art was donated to the college and Aruba Bird Life conservation this week.

Get set to tap into the next generation of interactive technology and make your event unforgettable visit https://www.facebook.com/skclickaruba/ or email info@skclickaruba.com

 

The power of user-generated content

The power of user-generated content

What do you think of when you hear the term UGC?

Another marketing buzzword?

An acronym that you think you should know – but just can’t get your head around?

Well, if you haven’t heard of UGC or aren’t making the most of it – then you are missing out.

User-generated content (UGC) is any content – text, videos, images or reviews – created by people.

So what?

Well, we all know content is king.

But user-generated content pretty much trumps all other content.

Why?

Well, first things first – it is authentic.

Consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content compared to content created by brands.

This credibility is almost priceless. Because people love seeing content that they can relate to, content that hasn’t been posed for by paid actors that doesn’t feel real.

Today’s consumer wants to trust the product, service or experience that they are investing in.

Consumers today browse through social and digital news feeds on their mobile devices as a way of researching new and interesting content as well as finding new, trendy brands.

If the content is rich enough to capture their attention, they’re more likely to click on offers or promotions and build a connection with the brand.

Trust comes from real connections where consumers feel like they are getting a true reflection of the brand that isn’t clouded by marketing speak and contrived advertising messages.

Did you know that 92 percent of consumers trust recommendations from people they know and that 70 percent trust online consumer opinions?

That’s the power of user-generated content!

And even better, UGC can be used to drive purchasing decisions.

A phenomenal 80 percent of people say user-generated content has a high impact on their purchasing decisions!

What does this mean for you?

Well if you aren’t using user-generated content marketing, then you are missing out on an incredibly powerful tool that can lead directly to more sales.

With an average of 60 million images uploaded to Instagram daily, UGC one of the hottest and most effective ways for marketers to showcase products, celebrate fans and drive revenue.

The easiest and most effective way to take advantage of user-generated content is by shining a spotlight on your customers.

Take note of savvy fashion brands that share photos of their customers wearing their clothes on social media.

This approach is nothing new. One of the most successful UGC campaigns was back in 2009 when fashion brand Burberry launched their Art of the Trench campaign.

Designed to highlight their iconic trench coat, the campaign saw the brand showcase photos of real customers wearing Burberry’s iconic Heritage Trench on Facebook and their own website.

As a result of the campaign, Burberry’s Facebook follower count grew to over one million—the largest fan base in the luxury sector at the time. E-commerce sales also jumped 50% year-on-year.

Another great example is Apple’s #ShotOnIphone campaign, which encourages consumers to feel part of the Apple community. The campaign  sees iPhone photographers around the world shared their best photos for, capturing remarkable moments with the world’s most popular camera. The 10 selected winners are then featured on billboards in select cities, in Apple retail stores and online. The winning shots came from a range of models, from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 7, showcasing the quality of cameras across the line.

Brands with a loyal customer base should make the most of them and encourage them to post photos or videos of themselves using and enjoying your products.

Research has shown that on platforms like YouTube, UGC fan videos get 10 times more views than brand content.

A great way to build up a library of UGC is to go direct to your fans and customers and get them to submit content.

This could be part of a competition or giveaway that will engage your target audience and spread the word about your brand.

You will find that the people who create and share user-generated content are likely to be among your biggest fans. They are likely to have bought from you more than once and are invested in the brand.

UGC will allow you to harness that brand excitement and create a sense of ongoing loyalty in people who may be less familiar with your brand.

Competitions are also are great way to widen your brand’s reach as entrants will be more likely to share their content far and wide.

Look at Starbucks annual #RedCupContest which promotes the brand’s holiday-themed seasonal beverages and of course their red cups. Coffee drinkers are asked to submit shots of their coffees for the chance to win a Starbucks gift card. This is a great UGC campaign that incentivizes fan participation, promotes the seasonal menu and of course generates sales!

Using UGC not only builds a loyal fan base, but it helps your fans and consumers feel like they are a vital part of your brand.

Savvy brands collect and display UGC, which is one of the best ways of showing authenticity and winning customer loyalty.

Whole Foods is a great example of how to build a content library using authentic UGC. Using the hashtag #WholeFoodsHaul to encourage shoppers to share photos of what’s in their shopping cart has provided the brand with a great, ongoing source of content that is visually consistent and aligns with the brand’s Instagram look as well as ensuring current consumers and fully engaged in the brand values.

Today’s consumers crave authenticity. As brands, you need to tap into that sentiment and user-generated content is the best way to expand your reach all while building a great library of authentic, engaging content.

User generated content for eventsWhat do you think of when you hear the term UGC?

Another marketing buzzword?

An acronym that you think you should know – but just can’t get your head around?

Well, if you haven’t heard of UGC or aren’t making the most of it – then you are missing out.

User-generated content (UGC) is any content – text, videos, images or reviews – created by people.

So what?

Well, we all know content is king.

But user-generated content pretty much trumps all other content.

User generated content for eventsWhy?

Well, first things first – it is authentic.

Consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content compared to content created by brands.

This credibility is almost priceless. Because people love seeing content that they can relate to, content that hasn’t been posed for by paid actors that doesn’t feel real.

Today’s consumer wants to trust the product, service or experience that they are investing in.

Consumers today browse through social and digital news feeds on their mobile devices as a way of researching new and interesting content as well as finding new, trendy brands.

If the content is rich enough to capture their attention, they’re more likely to click on offers or promotions and build a connection with the brand.

User generated content for eventsTrust comes from real connections where consumers feel like they are getting a true reflection of the brand that isn’t clouded by marketing speak and contrived advertising messages.

Did you know that 92 percent of consumers trust recommendations from people they know and that 70 percent trust online consumer opinions?

That’s the power of user-generated content!

And even better, UGC can be used to drive purchasing decisions.

A phenomenal 80 percent of people say user-generated content has a high impact on their purchasing decisions!

What does this mean for you?

Well if you aren’t using user-generated content marketing, then you are missing out on an incredibly powerful tool that can lead directly to more sales.

With an average of 60 million images uploaded to Instagram daily, UGC one of the hottest and most effective ways for marketers to showcase products, celebrate fans and drive revenue.

The easiest and most effective way to take advantage of user-generated content is by shining a spotlight on your customers.

Take note of savvy fashion brands that share photos of their customers wearing their clothes on social media.

This approach is nothing new. One of the most successful UGC campaigns was back in 2009 when fashion brand Burberry launched their Art of the Trench campaign.

Designed to highlight their iconic trench coat, the campaign saw the brand showcase photos of real customers wearing Burberry’s iconic Heritage Trench on Facebook and their own website.

As a result of the campaign, Burberry’s Facebook follower count grew to over one million—the largest fan base in the luxury sector at the time. E-commerce sales also jumped 50% year-on-year.

Another great example is Apple’s #ShotOnIphone campaign, which encourages consumers to feel part of the Apple community. The campaign  sees iPhone photographers around the world shared their best photos for, capturing remarkable moments with the world’s most popular camera. The 10 selected winners are then featured on billboards in select cities, in Apple retail stores and online. The winning shots came from a range of models, from iPhone XS Max to iPhone 7, showcasing the quality of cameras across the line.

Brands with a loyal customer base should make the most of them and encourage them to post photos or videos of themselves using and enjoying your products.

Research has shown that on platforms like YouTube, UGC fan videos get 10 times more views than brand content.

A great way to build up a library of UGC is to go direct to your fans and customers and get them to submit content.

This could be part of a competition or giveaway that will engage your target audience and spread the word about your brand.

You will find that the people who create and share user-generated content are likely to be among your biggest fans. They are likely to have bought from you more than once and are invested in the brand.

UGC will allow you to harness that brand excitement and create a sense of ongoing loyalty in people who may be less familiar with your brand.

Competitions are also are great way to widen your brand’s reach as entrants will be more likely to share their content far and wide.

Look at Starbucks annual #RedCupContest which promotes the brand’s holiday-themed seasonal beverages and of course their red cups. Coffee drinkers are asked to submit shots of their coffees for the chance to win a Starbucks gift card. This is a great UGC campaign that incentivizes fan participation, promotes the seasonal menu and of course generates sales!

Using UGC not only builds a loyal fan base, but it helps your fans and consumers feel like they are a vital part of your brand.

Savvy brands collect and display UGC, which is one of the best ways of showing authenticity and winning customer loyalty.

Whole Foods is a great example of how to build a content library using authentic UGC. Using the hashtag #WholeFoodsHaul to encourage shoppers to share photos of what’s in their shopping cart has provided the brand with a great, ongoing source of content that is visually consistent and aligns with the brand’s Instagram look as well as ensuring current consumers and fully engaged in the brand values.

Today’s consumers crave authenticity. As brands, you need to tap into that sentiment and user-generated content is the best way to expand your reach all while building a great library of authentic, engaging content.

Contact our creative team for some inspiration today!

 

 

How To Make Your Corporate Event Memorable

How To Make Your Corporate Event Memorable

We all know that feeling… another event to plan… or even worse, another corporate bash to attend. So many events have become too samey, and because of that they are seen as a chore to attend; just another part of the job.

But can you imagine how great it would be to look forward to an event, because you know there will be something fun, new, innovative to enjoy. Something that will have everyone buzzing? If you plan events, this is the dream scenario – to have people desperate to attend so they can enjoy the experience you have organised!

Here, Kirsty Calvert, owner of SK Click Events, gives some hints and tips into the innovative products they supply, that will make your event THE most talked about and memorable event of 2019!

“SK Click has recently invested a further £80,000 into innovative products and we are now set to grow at a fast rate of knots, positioning us as significant players in the UK’s multi-billion pound events industry.

“We specialise in unique Corporate Event Photo Booth experiences in the corporate event world, and we work with clients across the UK to make sure that their event goes down in history.

“In our experience, the key to that memorable moment at any event, is working with a company who understands your audience and can recommend the best way to do something unique.

“At SK Click we have a range of mirror booths and have just introduced the SK360, the SK Mosaic and the SK Slider, meaning we are one of the only UK event companies to offer something completely different.

“The SK 360 captures videos, GIFs and boomerangs from every angle, and takes photography to a different level. As it moves around the room, the interaction and excitement it causes is infectious so even the most camera shy person will join in!

“The SK Slider recreates the bullet time effect as seen in the Matrix movies and is incredibly popular for corporate business events when there is strong key message to convey via branding. It creates fun, but with a serious message of getting business done!

Corporate Event Experiences“The SK Mosaic is also ideal for this. It makes up a mosaic picture of choice, so it could be a business logo for example, made up from tiny tiles of people attending the event. It is hugely memorable and very bespoke, meaning we can tailor to your ideas, or if you let us get creative, who knows what will happen?

“They are all great conversation pieces and also create fabulous mementos to keep, auction or share on social media

“Finally, and this is really important, there is no point wowing them with a unique activity if they cant remember where they saw it…. So our advice is brand, brand, brand.

“All of our products can be branded and totally personalised, can be used with special hashtags and can be printed with your logo and contact details on!

“Maximise that marketing potential, and make sure that the impression sticks forever!”

SK Click can be contacted on social media or on the new website at www.skclickaruba.com or by emailing info@skclickaruba.com

 

Charity fundraising – How to fund your photo experience at an event

Everybody knows that a great way to raise funds for a charity is to hold an event. And the events that raise the most money are those that have a talking point and blow the attendees away. However this costs cash… and in today’s environment, we all aware that it is more challenging for charities so they may not be willing to spend the money upfront.

At SK Click we have been working with a number of charities, to help them innovate their events, without worrying about the cash. We do some amazing charitable rates but also have some tips on funding the rest… here are the top five:

Charge for the use of the booth or photo experience

People expect to be parting with cash at a charity event so don’t be shy. Run it as a competition at the event… a donated prize, for the best posted selfie, video made and posted on social media on the night, funniest photo. £10 an entry. You’ll pay for the hire in no time and make extra that goes straight in the charities funds.

Fund raise prior to the event, telling people what you want to do

People love honesty – tell them you are doing an event, have had a great offer on making it spectacular with a photo experience that will raise even more money, but that you need to raise xx for the costs. Crowd fund, just giving page or get out with buckets… its up to you, but people will support you!

Get a sponsor

Many corporates will want to show case at an event and what better way to do than a branded photo experience that gets splashed all over social media. They tick their CSR,  feel good and get great marketing. We can help you put a sales pitch together and will even suggest companies/make introductions to those we know are warm to the idea.

Hire the photo experience for longer and share the cost with another company or the venue

Ask your venue if someone else is having an event in the next 24 hours – if so, offer to share the technology with them for a split of cost (they may feel generous and pay for it all as a donation to your cause in the end!). If not ask if the venue would like to share the costs, brand it up and have it in their foyer or reception the rest of the time your event isn’t on. We don’t mind changing the branding, and it’s a great talking point all round for the venue, Again we can help you with a sales pitch to them, on what benefits they will enjoy by doing this!

As seen on NE Connected 

SK Click Booms with Further Expansion After Foreign Exploration

SK Click Booms with Further Expansion After Foreign Exploration

Following a recent announcement about a business woman’s £80,000 investment, Kirsty Calvert is clicking with business further afield and investing even more money.

Middlesbrough-based events and entertainment company SK Click Events has set itself up to be a significant player in the UK’s multi-billion pound events industry.

But not content with that, owner Kirsty Calvert has recently returned from the largest trade show in the industry, the PhotoBooth International Expo held at South Point Casino and Resort in Vegas. She has also had two trade visits to an exotic location in the Caribbean, where the business will now be expanding.

The company specialises in unique photo experiences for corporate and private events. With its further investment of nearly £20,000, making the full investment well over £100,000, SK Click is the proud owner of innovative technology,  with very limited availability from any other UK events specialists.

The new technology includes an innovative i-pad photo experience, SK Glam Cam, which offers great flexibility, brand opportunity and a wow factor to any event. It is also perfect to boost the social media for any event. Not only does it look sharp, its digital capabilities have no end, meaning it can work for a brand in a multitude of ways.

Another new product is the SK Xceptional, which can be paired beautifully with the SK Mosaic, to create a branded wall – a true wow factor at any event.

Speaking about their latest business trip Kirsty said, “The PhotoBooth conference in Vegas is the largest trade show for our industry. It was in its sixth year and was an impressive event over four days. As well as the opportunity to purchase, there were delegate events, exhibitions, presentation on improving your company, tutorials on digital capacity and the future performance of the industry products, and some exciting unveilings. I literally didn’t sleep for the whole time and had no idea what time of day it was.

It was a motivating experience and I am even more determined to drive the business forward now in the newest mirror booth technology. Our new products takes the offering well beyond a photo experience. They are all about digital interaction, creative communication and brand. They are also seriously cool looking and will blow your guests away!

The company, which is already executing large-scale corporate events, brand activations as well as private functions thanks to their investment in the newest mirror photo booth technology, also aim to hit the international market.

Kirsty has visited a number of opportunities in the Caribbean, where the photo booth and photo technology business is about to boom. The sister company will provide to hotels in Aruba such as Marriott, Holiday Inn and Ritz Carlton, meaning it is prime to enjoy the success of the huge wedding market out there.

Kirsty explains the export opportunity further: “Weddings and events are a large part of the hotel industry in certain parts of the Caribbean, with many tourists choosing it as their bridal destination. It is the perfect market for our products, and the hotels we have initially spoken to are very keen. We will be having a delegate sales trip with the team from the UK in the coming months and aim to create a number of jobs out there, starting on the island of Aruba.”

Excited by the new products, Kirsty has also invested in a brand new website, skclickaruba.com to showcase its refreshed brand, which includes a new logo and fresh, bright colours that fit with both the corporate and the wedding audience.

Kirsty added, “It is an exciting time for SK Click. There are more products to be added this year, which will make our offering unique in the UK. We have invested in a major marketing campaign and are set to travel to exciting new places to both secure bookings and bring back technology that hasn’t been seen in the UK.”

With retro, beauty and mirror booths and an exciting SK mini ‘selfie’ kit which drives attendee engagement, SK Click Events is receiving bookings from far and wide at events, weddings; parties, corporate awards and the company is currently in talks to provide photography with a difference at a number of concerts and festivals.

With the events industry now valued at £39.1 billion and employing 530,000 people in 25,000 events businesses, SK Click Events intends to create at least five new jobs in order to meet demand. The expansion in to Aruba will create a further two jobs, and the opportunity to travel for a number of employees based in the UK.

The new products join four different types of mirror booths, along with outstanding technology that the SK 360, the SK mosaic and the SK Slider offer bringing the choice of products to nine. More information on these products and what they offer from mosaic walls, to the Matrix effect and full 360 degree imagery, is available at www.skclickaruba.com.

What is an SK 360

What is an SK 360

One of SK Click’s most exciting products is the SK360 – wherever the team go, they get questioned on it, so we thought we pull together a little article just on this beautiful piece of technology.

SK 360SK Click currently own the only 360 video experience in the North East of England.

The SK360 Photobooth comprises of a platform, which can be branded, that event guests or those being captured, stand upon. It is ideal for individuals or for groups. A camera then circles the platform slowly, doing a full 360 Experience shot.  There is a control station with a fun red button that can be branded and is pushed to start the experience.

The technology takes photography and videos to whole new level, and is ideal for creating video content, GIFs and boomerangs. Perfect to show off the wedding dress to its full advantage, or for example, we are currently talking to a football club about using it to unveil the new kit this season!

The speed of the technology means that as soon as the user steps off the platform the video and images are ready immediately. Ready to upload direct from the product, the videos can be used on social media across every platform, and create a massive talking point. Users get a great space age feel from it, meaning it can fit with a whole host of themes!

SK 360 EXPEREINCEKirsty Calvert, owner of SK Click, said: “The technology behind the SK 360 is amazing… it is really innovative and we are delighted to have the only one in the region at the moment. It is ideal for product and kit launches. It is ideal for events and weddings. It is perfect to hire for an afternoon or a day as part of a training or a motivation/team bonding session with a team at work. Tasks can be set on it, to create corporate or product videos which then can be shared on social media. It’s use for marketing purposes is massive or it can just be a lot of fun and a talking point. It really is so flexible!”

For more information or to have a trial demonstration of the SK360 to see if it is right for your event give the team a call 0n 07535 613752, or email today on info@skclickaruba.com