Engaging the Geo-Loco Consumer

This past week in San Francisco, Stewart Alsop of Alsop Louie-Partners moderated a Geo-Loco panel which included the founder of Mapquest Perry Evans (now the CEO of Closely), Blair Swedeen of Placecast, Rob Lawson of Brightkite, Rahul Sonnad of Geodelic and Kent Lindstrom of PlacePop.

Stewart asked the panelists what was the number one thing they have done to engage consumers that they are the most proud of?

Swedeen says, "since we offer an opt-in marketing solution for marketers, we have gotten people to opt in and give people the ability to reach anyone through any phone, whenever they’re nearby a store or a venue. So for example, we can deliver content on urban hiking trails while you're near a trail.

Lindstrom says, "providing virtual loyalty cards to businesses.

Sonnad says, "if you’re on the Hollywood hall of fame where all the stars are, the star you are closest to will show up right away while you’re there.”

Evans says, "to win with a consumer app, you have to save them time or money or get them to EGO or FUN. Foursquare appeals to your ego - ego is why a lot of people tweet or check into Foursquare.”