Sphero

Sphero is a tech startup groundbreaker in the STEM space. They have disrupted the technology market, delivering cutting edge products to consumers looking for a brand that represents innovation, exudes coolness and shapes the always evolving robotics space. Rocket Comms has launched, fostered and established Sphero in the AUNZ consumer landscapes, driving retailer purchase orders and topical conversation among media, educators and influencers.

Objectives

Create brand awareness in AUNZ;

• Drive sales;

• Lead product categories;

• Develop partnerships and synergistic brand opportunities.

Strategy/activities

Rocket Comms engaged media, educators and influencers to secure extensive reviews across traditional and digital media platforms for launch phases. To further support new products and engagement, events were held for Sphero, marking the arrival of the brands’ latest technology offerings into market.

Additionally, we developed topical story angles for relevant media, outside of product placement opportunities, to maintain brand visibility beyond launch phase. Rocket Comms also approached and established relationships with key partners to drive further awareness and market penetration for the brands, including Apple, Google, The Powerhouse, Australian Museum, Code Clubs across the country, universities and so forth.

Rocket Comms worked meticulously to coordinate embargoed product go-live dates, to align with global launch timings, planned marketing activities and retailer availability. We developed a clear pitch calendar, in order to maximise all coverage opportunities in all relevant target media sectors - technology, education, lifestyle, parenting and kids.

Additionally, Rocket Comms managed AUNZ press tours with newsworthy representatives i.e. Sphero’s Co-Founder, Ian Bernstein, talking to Sphero’s partnership with Disney, co-creating the now iconic BB-8 Star Wars character, which included a huge launch for Star Wars at the Opera House where Sphero was the only merchandise company to be involved in the launch.

Results

In the last six years Sphero has launched ten unique products. We have refreshed and revamped each launch to entice and excite the tech and lifestyle media landscape. It has been our comprehensive strategy that has allowed each launch to remain relevant and of interest. We saw coverage run across all relevant media outlets in Australia and New Zealand. On top of this we engaged some of the largest gaming, tech, lifestyle & music influencers in the industry. With thousands of pieces running nationally and some internationally, it is clear that our contacts and relationships within the tech and lifestyle space are some of the strongest across the board.