Use Your AIM Buddy Icons to Market Your Business

You probably aren't aware that your AIM Buddy Icons are a free marketing opportunity for your company. Companies like the Cartoon Network, Warner Bros, and almost every new movie release has special Buddy Icons made to help market their product. And, of course, you too can use that space for branding. All you need is a logo or a message, an image editing program, some imagination and a little time.

Is it worthwhile?
If your customer uses IM it is likely that he uses AOL's AIM network. With over 100 million users it is by far the largest Instant Messaging network. If you can get your customers to add you to their Buddy List, and if their AIM client settings are set up to receive buddy icons you have a major branding opportunity in your client's highly personal communication space. Your personal Buddy Icon can also be used for email signatures. getting your corporate logo or message in as many places as possible can only help with brand awareness - look at how advertisers have crammed in their logos at sporting events over the years!

Making the Corporate Buddy Icon
The obvious image to use, of course, would be your corporate logo. If it fits into the restriction of the 48x48 pixels square shape of the standard buddy icon you have an ideal corporate buddy icon. You could also use your corporate slogan or you could incorporate your logo and message in an animated buddy icon. What about featuring products?