In The Rise of Mobile Social Networks - Part 1 we discussed current and future progression in the mobile marketing space. Social networking has become an essential, integral, market-driving force in mobile marketing. Need proof? At of this writing, newcomer foursquare, who just celebrated its first birthday, has grown to over 500,000 users with over 15.5 million check-ins. New mobile applications are appearing at a rapid pace; some introducing new and interesting services, some competing for existing space, and others building upon existing web-based services.

Let’s take a look at some of the other major players in this space:

Loopt

Loopt is an application described as a “mobile social mapping service” with over 3 million registered users. With the application installed on a smartphone, users can “check in” to announce their presence at an event or place. They can post photos, information and ratings about the places they visit and see what others are posting. The location of friends can be viewed on an interactive map and messaged to find more about what they are doing. Users can browse for nearby events, entertainment and retailers with reviews, special offers and coupons.

Yelp

Yelp is a “local search” business listing service with deep social integration. “Yelpers” post reviews about the places they visit and assign ratings. People using the service can read what others are saying about a particular event or business, gaining insight from others’ experiences. In turn, businesses can maintain their profile and have can use powerful features such as responding to reviewers directly, add their own reply to user reviews, create offers and announcements, and purchase advertising to promote their business.

Brightkite

Brightkite is a “location-based social networking website” available on many popular smartphones. Users “check in” to announce their location to friends and followers, see who was their before, and can post photos and comments about where they are. Users can see where their friend currently are and what they are saying. Brightkite integrates with Facebook, Twitter and Flickr so friends outside of Brightkite can follow updates.

Mobile social networks are certainly hot right now. According to a recent ComScore report, 30% of smartphone users accessed social networks via mobile browsers (up from 22.5% in 2009). As smartphones continue to get, well, smarter, and the mobile browsing experience is improved, our prediction is that new mobile social network players will continue to crop up and compete for our attention.

Comments(0)

»

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website