Posts Tagged ‘Check-in’

Geotoko App helps local Business Campaigns for location Services

Friday, July 30th, 2010

One more Location-based Startup has been started however this one finds itself dissimilar than the most that emulates the one’s already in existence. This one from TechCrunch Disrupt has created one much different from others.

Geotoko, as it is being named is an app created to let businesses operate contests, sweepstakes and various campaigns through the check-in functionality of already available location-based services like Gowalla and Foursquare. Hence instead to trying to redo the whole thing it just aims at adding value to the existing LBS available in the Market.

Geotoko provides a control panel for businesses to build their site for promotional campaigns. The site will combine Check-in and Geolocation input data from Foursquare, Twitter and Gowalla at present for the location of the business together with campaign details or promotions like prizes, freebies, etc. They also plan to add on Facebook, Brightkite, etc in days to come.

For instance a coffee shop can design a campaign to launch a new drink by giving away free coffee to customers who check-in through this app. Geotoko allows the outlet to administer the check-ins and have a common point for hype around the promotion, where everyone checking in can witness others doing so. Businesses can also track the traffic flow of all the locations.

With so many LBS available in the Market businesses are excited but not sure about where to start with. Business “dashboards” are being launched by different LBS providers which facilitate local business and brands to introduce one-of-its kind campaigns however it limits itself to a certain section. Suppose a business creates a campaign based on Foursquare it does not include any one using Gowalla, Yelp, Brightkite and such dozens other LBS.

Accumulating and providing a complete way out for businesses and brands to make us of the LBS ecosystem is a wonderful thought but it would be of use only if implemented effectively. Geotoko looks to have the potential but how far will it succeed will have to be seen in the days to come.