First Marketing Post
by lukearmstrong ~ January 13th, 2011. Filed under: Uncategorized.http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/adhocracy/its-all-fun-and-games—-until-someone-bonds-with-a-brand/article1860689/
I was reading the article above and was really surprised. I had heard of apps like foursquare, however I was skeptical of whether or not they could actually catch on. It is now clear that this isn’t merely a fad, but something that is here to stay. I’ve never been a person that likes to update others on what I’m doing via social media, however if there is a possibility that I could be awarded for it, I begin to ask myself the question why not. It seems like a win-win situation for both myself as the consumer and the company as an advertiser. I tell people where I am and receive 10% off my meal for instance. If my meal cost $20, the restaurant was just able to advertise to my whole network on facebook at the cost of $2. I’m not an expert but it seems like a very efficient way to advertise. Instead of potentially spending hundreds or thousands on an advertising campaign they can reach the same amount of people with the cost of a few soft drinks or meals here and there. It seems like the best way for a small local restaurant to successfully create awareness about their brand. And of course there is always the potential they can communicate deals and promotions through the same application.
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/company-news-story.aspx?storyid=201101190704dowjonesdjonline000285&title=starbucks-to-allow-customers-to-pay-via-some-smartphones
However is a free drink or discounted meal enough incentive to use such software? What if you could pay for your visit using the same type of software? Starbucks has announced that they will be offering US residents the ability to pay for the purchases with their app found on the Blackberry and iPhone platforms. It seems like a perfect idea as almost everyone already carries a phone with them anyways.
The technology helps companies advertise and at the same time provide convenience to customers . . . now that’s cool!
January 13th, 2011 at 6:02 am
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January 23rd, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Interesting concept! I agree with your reasoning that payment of the software by the vendor may make use more feasible for most people.
Just a note: on the dashboard there is a button that says “add link” where you can post hyperlinks and then have direct access for readers to get to the articles. Just something to keep in mind for future posts!