Only 4 percent of online adults had tried geo-social tools as of July, according to a Forrester research survey reported by Brafton. But it seems SCVNGR is doing its part to advance the location-based social channel, and marketers may want to consider partnering with the app to build brand loyalty.
According to the SCVNGR blog, the app is poised to hit 500,000 users this week – only 20 weeks after its launch. Officials attribute much of its success not only to consumers eager to check in, but also to the businesses that have jumped on board and offered rewards to SCVNGRs.
SCVNGR makes it easy for users to find stores that partner with the app. In recent weeks, the company has blogged about participating businesses in LA, companies offering rewards for check-ins in Chicago and a national SCVNGR campaign hosted by retailer Hot Topic.
Plus, some brands' partnerships with the blossoming geo-social app have made major headlines. For instance, the film Inception's very popular interactive marketing campaign (which Brafton reported on in July) featured a SCVNGR component, according to AdAage. The New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings also launched successful campaigns with SCVNGR leading into the start of the NFL season, according to ClickZ.
With this in mind, marketers may want to start offering SCVNGR rewards for the app's growing user base to boost loyalty among local consumers. Users could become valuable customers: Even while Forrester says overall geo-social app adoption is slow, those who do check in with location-based tools are 38 percent more likely to claim they influence purchase decisions for friends and families.
