Location Based Social Networking
Three Things to Know about Location-based Social Networking
South by Southwest (SXSW) is happening right now in Austin TX. SXSW is a music, film and interactive media conference and trade show. It’s a celebration of innovation in a variety of media that sometimes makes a little history of its own. In fact, SXSW is credited as the venue where Twitter exploded a few years back. So what’s the next technology ready to blow? Technogeeks are pointing to Location-based Services, or LBS.
1. What is Location-based Networking?
As Wikipedia puts it, an LBS is “an information and entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device.”
Simply put, Location-based Social Networking is akin to a communal GPS system that tells you not only YOUR location, but also that of your subscribing friends and select businesses that you have chosen to follow.
But beyond “OMG! Ur @ mall? Me 2! C U @ food court!!” Does Location-based Social Networking have a potential impact for your business? Absolutely.
Location-based Marketing is another arrow in your Inbound Internet Marketing quiver. Inbound marketing means driving interested customers to your location or website by using the tools of Internet Marketing and Social Media. It is a marketing option that is cheaper then traditional advertising (or outbound marketing) and can show a greater return on investment.
The key is that “interested” customer. You know that if someone takes the time to visit your site, they have some nascent interest in your product or service. They’ve nibbled; it’s up to you to reel them in. Location-based Social Networking can help.
2. How does Location-based Networking Work?
Social media is playing an ever-increasing role in shaping people’s buying habits. In chatrooms and on Facebook, people are constantly trading opinions, praising and complaining about this or that shampoo, snack food or new restaurant. People form their opinions, or seek validation for them, based on their friends’ views.
So far, this is old news. What’s changed is immediacy. Using such networks as Foursquare, Loopt, GyPSii, and so on, potential customers are receiving more immediate word-of-mouth and making purchase decisions quicker than ever.
So, say Loopt-user Marge is on her iPhone, telling fellow subscriber Sally about this great new boutique she discovered. Sally is interested, and says she will have to go there sometime. Marge says, well, according to Loopt, it looks like you’re only a few blocks from the place—what are you waiting for?
Or, let’s say you own the boutique. Regular customer Marge has “opted in” to your loyalty program. Using Location-based Marketing, and assuming her phone is on, you know when Marge is physically within range of your location. So you hit her with a “25% off for the next hour only” coupon.
These are just a couple of examples, but new applications – useful and otherwise – are being developed every day.
3. How Do I Get Involved in Location-based Networking?
Smart devices like 3G iPhones and Blackberry support Location-based applications, and wireless companies are creating/partnering with/buying services as we speak. Here is a list of some of the most possible Location-based networks to start your research:
If you have any questions about using social media to market your products and services, contact RevenFlo today!
