Tag: location based technology

According to a keynote speaker at the IAB conference, this tech has tremendous potential when used properly.

Sonia Carter, the head of digital and social media in Europe for Mondelez, spoke at the recent IAB conference with regards to the use of geolocation technology, telling brands that while the use of this location based targeting is a “massive” step for the mobile channel, but she also cautioned them not to dive in head first.

The primary warning was over forms of location based technologies that track consumers.

The recommendation that was made by Carter was to proceed with caution in terms of the use of geolocation technology that tracks the position or behaviors of consumers and that these brands should place a greater investment into testing what does and does not work for those shoppers. In a published interview with Carter, she stated that location based tech such as iBeacon – which use geofencing and track the movements of a customer in order to be able to better target various forms of ads and promotions – are all quite useful. However, at the same time she felt that a greater amount of research is necessary in order to avoid making consumers feel alienated.

Geolocation technology has a great amount of potential but could be off-putting to consumers if used incorrectly.

Carter explained that it is “incredibly useful” to know exactly where a consumer is physically located. At the same time, she warned that “It’s really exciting but we have to be very cautious and do more testing and learning to see whether consumers want us to do that.” It is important for brands to start to test various uses forms of use for the tech and to share what is discovered so that the industry as a whole will be able to better understand just what consumers want.

When she spoke, she pointed out to the event attendees that “It’s really important we work together rather than screw things up for all the people in this room.” This came as an important reminder that while geolocation technology is exciting, it also involves some very personal data that many consumers consider to be quite sensitive. Used properly, the sky is the limit, but used wrongly, it could put consumers off the use of the tech, completely, and eliminate this opportunity in its entirety.

A new report has shown that many of the giants in the retail business are looking to location-based applications.

PointInside has now released a report based on their 2013 data that has revealed that apps that use geolocation technology are considerably increasing the engagement that customers have in the interactions with retail stores while the shop, and those retailers have not failed to take notice of the potential that this has to offer.

This year, PointInside has identified a trend that shows that retailers are looking to location based marketing.

Retailers are testing upgrades to their apps that would include geolocation based technology. This allows them to offer in-store modes, location based features, detailed information, interactive store maps, and even the location of products that can be found in the store. The maps can also be customized for the individual user based on shopping lists that he or she has made.

It is clear that geolocation is popping up in the apps of a range of the top retailers.

One prime example of location based marketing worked into an app is from the Lord & Taylor department store chain. They are utilizing third party app developer resources in order to be able to ensure that they boost customer engagement. This, according to Ryan Craver, the senior vice president of corporate strategy.

He explained that “we do need to have a big presence in mobile because everyone has a mobile phone and is doing research.” That company entered into a partnership with SnipSnap in order to be able to expand their presence. They are doing so by offering attractive store coupons that can be redeemed by smartphone users. There are already more than 3 million customers using SnipSnap, according to the data shared by Ted Mann, the chief executive officer of that company.

Another example of a major retailer taking advantage of location based marketing with geolocation technology is Duane Reade, the drug store chain owned by Walgreens. They have recently started the use of apps that have iBeacon integration. This app allows coupons to be shared, as well, and for products to be suggested based on the customer’s specific location inside the store and based on his or her shopping history with that retailer.