Only a few short years ago, Facebook was still running on a computer in a dorm room and no one had heard of services like Twitter. Now, Facebook has surpassed Google as the most visited site on the internet, and Twitter now processes over 300 messages per second.
The latest trend is location-aware social media. By using the GPS tracking mechanism in smartphones such as the iPhone, Blackberry and Android, users are able to post social media updates with text, pictures, and even video, on location in real time.
While there are concerns about cyberstalking and other privacy issues as a result, with the proper safeguards and management, this new round of technology has the potential to significantly affect how both people and businesses use the social media.
Why are these services a potentially powerful marketing tool? They give venue-based businesses a way to draw attention to their location. As an example, a Mexican restaurant might post a special for online followers of their establishment who show the offer to the waiter on their smartphone. In addition, people within proximity that have not yet discovered this locaton will see that the restaurant is nearby and be able to see feedback from other patrons, as well as offers to invite them to give the restaurant a try.
Twitter has already recognized this trend, and now gives users the ability to geolocate their tweets. In addition, there are a variety of developing social networking platforms that provide a more interactivfe user interface experience.
Presently the most popular of these services is FourSquare.com. Some other similar services include Loopt, Gowalla, Presenz, Brightkite and Whrrl. Even Google has made an attempt (although not successful thusfar) through Buzz, to join this new group of social media networks.
Our personal favorite is Whrrl because of its enticing user interface, excellent iPhone app, community building features, and specific tools for merchants to attract followers. Brightkite, another contender, has a more Twitter-like interface that may appeal more to bloggers. Both of these networks sport tools for posting pictures and comments that can be automatically sha.red with user's Facebook and Twitter accounts to broaden their reach.
Which location-based social networks will work best for your business marketing will vary, and the players are sure to evolve and change. As a social media management company, Alternative Marketing Connections spends a considerable amount of research and development time staying on the bleeding edge of new new trends like this so that we can remain ahead of the curve and be ready for the "next big thing" in social media for our clients.
If you'd like more information about how these new social networks and other new technologies can be integrated into your business' marketing strategy, please subscribe to our email newsletter, or contact us directly by submitting our contact form.