GEO-LOCATION

FAD or FUTURE?

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Geo-location social networks are popping up

EVERYWHERE

Logos from respective websites

But many people are skeptical or don’t care enough to join…

WHY BOTHER?

WHAT’S THE POINT?

There are so many benefits to Geo-locational social networks that people don’t realize!

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You can see where your friends are, where they’re checked-in and whether they’ve liked a spot or not

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Discover new placesYou can discover new places

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You can find your new favourite restaurant

Image from http://www.fabsearch.com/

Or a city’s hot spots

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You can read other’s suggestions, recommendations or opinions on a check-in location

Too expensive!

The BEST fries

Great service

Way too crowded

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And most networks offer special discounts or virtual items to frequent users and loyal visitors

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With constant development, many networks are incorporating Daily Local Deals or special coupons and discounts near-by

based on your location.

Screenshot from http://mashable.com/2011/05/09/levelup-amex/

With all these great benefits, EVERYBODY should use Geo-locational networks

BUT…

Only 4% of the adult Internet-using population has utilized location-based services.

Approximately 1% check-in to a location at least once a week

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Not enough smartphone users connect to mobile browsers to use

social media sites

And because Geo-location is still new technology, people DO NOT understand what to do or how to use it!

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So, how will Geo-location social networks become MORE popular?

With the mobile market on the rise, the increasing amount of smartphone adoption will allow for more users to get engaged in Geo-locational networks

And with more mobile users, online browsing will increasingly become more and more popular

Online mobile browsing will be simplified with Geo-locational networks because they combine Maps/Search, Social Networking and Dining together.

Overall, Geo-location social networks are still in its infancy, but with the amount of investment from both new and existing companies, the potential for progressive development and the rise In the use of smartphones, Geo-location will continue to increase in popularity and has the ability open the doors to the mobile future.

Image from echomrg

http://mashable.com/2010/08/16/geosocial-passive/

http://mashable.com/2011/05/09/levelup-amex/

http://mashable.com/2010/08/16/geosocial-passive/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/social-media/7165699/Foursquare-enjoys-surge-of-popularity.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/198698/why_youll_use_foursquare.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/7419847/Foursquare-Gowalla-and-the-future-of-geo-location.html

http://mashable.com/2011/03/23/mobile-by-the-numbers-infogrpahic/

REFERENCES

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