If there is one area of social media that's seeing real innovation, it's the use of geo location. As the integration of location based services and marketing continues to grow we are constantly being presented with new and creative products and campaigns.
What if every "checkin" gave you a chance to change the world? Would you be more apt to get involved?
Within its first year alone one social initiative, Cause World, gave people in need in the U.S. 332,000 meals, 94,000 trees and 39,000 books. As well as aiding in the rescue and rehabilitation of 190 cruelly treated animals and providing more than 45 million liters of clean water to developing countries. All by allowing users to earn, accumulate and donate "karma points" to charities, simply by checking in at locations.
As we've seen with most forms of social media, when one tries more will follow, usually building upon existing ideas and platforms to create a better product. Recent newcomer,Facebook Places Seems to be making real progress with charity-specific checkin deals. So far teaming up with power house companies including McDonald’s, Starbucks, North face and 24 hours fitness. Where each checkin at a location sends a dollar to charity. With a goal of raising more then half a million dollars for charities in coming months.
Working together with location based fundraising, non profits are able to partner with large companies and use the companies brand recognition to create awareness and raise money. Meanwhile, the companies are able to engage consumers and raise awareness of their substantial environmental commitments. It seems to be win win situation for both sides.
It will be interesting to see if location based technology is able to take root and flourish in our ever changing world. Or if it is just a fad like many before it. Either way, there seems to be some great potential behind the idea and hopefully more companies and charities will join together and provide us all with the opportunity to make a difference.
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