It isn’t carved in granite, but it’s about as permanent as one could hope from an advertising strategy. This week Richland Source account executives will begin offering key advertising partners the option to have their branding tattooed on staff members and volunteers from the community.
According to Jay Allred, Richland Source’s Publisher, the move is a natural extension of the publication’s focus on creating impactful programs for advertisers. “We see this as just one more way we can truly partner with our clients and connect them with a growing demographic, which are people who choose body art as part of their lifestyle.”
Allred is right when he notes the growth of the tattooed population. According to the Pew Reseach Center (published on the web site, statisticbrain.com in 2013), tattoos comprise a 1.65 billion dollar industry. In fact, 36 percent of those aged 18-25 have at least one tattoo, while 40 percent of those aged 26-40 are inked.
The program, just announced on April 1, is still in development. Pricing has not been finalized, but early projections are scaled upon size, location, and visibility of the artwork.
“We see the forehead as a truly prime placement, but there are going to be options for every budget. Bald guys have a shot at making a pretty penny.” said Allred. He further noted that community volunteers will receive a percentage of total revenue from the sponsorship up front and a free Richland Source “bonus” tattoo with placement of their choice.
What about Richland Source staff members who get the body art? Allred was a little less definitive on this subject, ”I haven’t really spoken to the whole team yet, but… uhm… I’m sure they will be on board. They’re an adventurous group.”
Editor’s note: If you’ve made it this far in the article, we, the staff at Richland Source, would like to wish you a happy first day of April. Happy April Fool’s Day!
“We see this as just one more way we can truly partner with our clients and connect them with a growing demographic, which are people who choose body art as part of their lifestyle,” said Allred.
