Rapha scores online with their female followers (Social War #17)

In its niche market (cycling), the online very popular Rapha scores high this week in our Social War research. It speaks to a new, female target group successfully and raises its already high engagement. This week in Social War, the female side of the tough Rapha.

Successful in a niche market
When IIZT started with the Social War research in 2012, Rapha was immediately a brand that drew our attention. With a relatively small group of followers, they are able to realize a very high engagement. The brand has collected a very loyal group of enthusiastic and proud cyclists around itself. Rapha succeeds like no other to connect with their followers by the love and pride of cycling. We previously discussed our love for Rapha at IIZT.com.

Staying on top
Reaching the top is quite the achievement on its own, but staying there is possibly even harder. Rapha does this by speaking to a new target group. The brand now also clearly focusses on the female cyclists. Cycling has never been so popular with women as it is now, and Rapha uses this development to its own advantage. This years, the brand reveals its Women’s Road 2015 collection and organises a worldwide ‘Women’s only’ ride.

Rapha Women’s 100
In the week of april 10th to april 17th, our Social War research sees a PTAT growth of 137%. This in a week where the brand is clearly speaking to their female followers. Rapha does this with, amongst others, the Rapha Women’s 100, a yearly returning ride for female cyclists. Rapha encourages women around the world to make a cycling ride of 100 kilometers. The website of Rapha functions as a meeting place in this, where people can sign up for certain routes or create one themselves. By interviewing Priscilla Calderon this week, Rapha put the women in an extra spotlight.

Changing target groups
Where many sports brands naturally focus on their male followers, different fashion sports brands are now slowly moving towards their female followers. Earlier we saw Puma appointing Rihanna, and adidas does the same with Rita Ora. Rapha also sees the potential of its female followers and addresses them, very successfully.

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IIZT regularly posts findings from our Social War research. Stay posted and send your email address to social@iizt.com or call us at +3120 693 31 31

Social War
Social War is an ongoing research by IIZT on over 70 worldwide fashion brands. It signals the do’s and don’ts for brands on Social Media. Everyone in the communication business talks and blogs about social media. We provide you with the facts, so we can learn from each other. Pass the hype, it is the new mainstream.

IIZT was founded by Richard Derks who earlier set up KaZaA and made it the most downloaded software worldwide at that time.

IIZT Amsterdam has been the market leader for 13 years regarding communities, branding and interactive communication.  We have worked with adidas, KLM, H&M, Mitsubishi, Miss Etam, T-Mobile, UGG, G-Star, Livera, Hart.volgers, Respectance, Villa Arena, Defensie, Men at Work, Cliniclowns etc.

Would you like to know more about your opportunities and how you can put your brand in a surprising new daylight? Or would you like to know how to generate even more attention from your target group? Call Richard Derks +3120 693 3131 or mail to richard@iizt.com.

De hype voorbij, het is de nieuwe mainstream
IIZT publiceert regelmatig findings uit het Social War onderzoek. Blijf op de hoogte en stuur je e-mail naar richard@iizt.com or svetlana@iizt.com of bel ons op 020 – 693 31 31.

Social War
Social war is het ongoing onderzoek dat IIZT doet onder meer dan 70 modemerken wereldwijd. Het signaleert de do’s en de dont’s voor merken op social media. Iedereen in de communicatiewereld roept en blogt over social media. Wij staven alles met feiten, zodat je ook echt kan leren van elkaar. De hype voorbij, het is de nieuwe mainstream.

IIZT Amsterdam is al 13 jaar leider op het gebied van communities, branding en interactieve communicatie. Wij hebben werk gedaan voor adidas, KLM, H&M, Mitsubishi, Miss Etam, UGG, G-Star, Livera, hart.volgers, Respectance, adidas, Defensie, Men at Work, Cliniclowns en meer. Bel ons voor een kennismaking 020 – 693 31 31.