IZEA Unveils Location-Based Platform Rewarding Consumers for Real World Actions
Consumers discover local businesses, earn cash through mobile application WeReward
WeReward, a mobile incentive platform that pays cash to consumers for actions they take in the real world, launches today in front of more than 1,000 technologists, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in New York City.
Using mobile devices, consumers can discover local businesses and earn rewards for their patronage. This week, the application launches across the country with rewards available at more than 15 million businesses, including launch partners Domino’s Pizza and Jones Soda.
“The growth of location-based service applications is phenomenal,” said Ted Murphy, CEO of IZEA, parent company of WeReward. “What sets WeReward apart from other popular platforms is the Sponsored Checkin™, which encourages users to explore their neighborhoods and earn real money for making purchases at local businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, attractions and national retail chains.”
Nearly one in four U.S. adult consumers uses mobile location services, with 63 percent of Apple iPhone owners using such a service at least once a week, according to a recent 2010 Mobile Marketing Association/Luth Research Survey.
Currently WeReward is available for the iPhone and integrates with Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Google, CitySearch and Foursquare, allowing consumers to earn points while simultaneously unlocking badges and sharing experiences through their social networks.
Domino’s Pizza, the world leader in pizza delivery, allows consumers to earn rewards for both delivery and carryout from nearly 5,000 U.S. stores. “The WeReward platform enables Domino’s to connect with consumers in a unique way,” said Dennis Maloney, VP of Multi Media Marketing for Domino’s Pizza. “It enables us to create awareness for our stores when buyers are nearby, drives social sharing and gives people a fun way to interact with the Domino’s brand.”
For advertisers, this platform represents the first completely performance-based mobile marketing option, giving local businesses and major national brands the opportunity to drive measurable return on investment. WeReward only charges advertisers for customers who actually make purchases at their locations, which are verified through a process using photos submitted by the consumer, GPS data and manual reviews.
Beverage maker Jones Soda Co., for example, rewards users for taking mobile pictures with its soda bottles using the application. Jones views the pictures and thanks consumers for their purchases through a personalized message.
“User submitted photos have always been an integral part of Jones Soda bottles. WeReward provides us with a new way of reaching our users through their mobile phones,” said Angel Djambazov, CEO of Custom Tailored Marketing, an agency partner of Jones Soda. “The cost per action alternative gives us the flexibility to create engagement with the Jones Soda drinker regardless of location in a cost effective mobile marketing solution.”
Advertisers control their WeReward budget and can adjust their campaign spending at any time. There are no set-up fees or minimum commitments, the advertiser decides how many customers they would like to reach each month and what they are willing to pay per customer.
Users interested in earning rewards can download WeReward in the iPhone App Store. Advertisers interested in the self-service advertising platform can visit http://www.wereward.com.
ABOUT IZEA
IZEA is a world leader in social media sponsorship, operating multiple marketplaces such as WeReward, SponsoredTweets, and SocialSpark. Our mission is to empower everyone to value and exchange content, creativity and influence. IZEA is venture funded by Inflexion Partners, Village Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and DFJ Gotham Ventures.
Advertisers, publishers and partners can learn more at www.izea.com.
Tags: incentives, mobile advertising, WeReward
jamie said on 5.25.10 at 2:04 pm
I'm so excited about this new platform. Dan, Steve "Jabs," Grady, and Aimee you all did an amazing job with the development. And Marty, what a great job with the design! WoooO!
John said on 5.25.10 at 7:45 pm
I want in....! This looks pretty bad ass
Ryan said on 5.25.10 at 8:36 pm
Tell me the Android version is at least in development.... ;)
Nick said on 5.25.10 at 8:48 pm
Android love will be greatly appreciated!
Nicholas Chase said on 5.25.10 at 9:06 pm
Now I have to go buy an iPhone? I like my Palm just fine!
Kim Randall said on 5.25.10 at 9:57 pm
This looks really awesome, just a shame that it's only geared towards iphone users at the time!
Michael Barber said on 5.25.10 at 10:14 pm
Any chance I can get my hands on the private beta? Would love to try it out.
Timmy J. said on 5.26.10 at 12:14 am
Great platform! However, I received the hat and t-shirt and can't seem to log in to my WeReward account.
Trav1sty said on 5.26.10 at 3:34 am
I agree. Great idea, Just need android support now!
WEREWARD LEADER said on 5.26.10 at 5:30 am
Great idea im the wereward leader!
BenSpark said on 5.26.10 at 11:22 am
Android surpassed iPhone and now is second largest so when we be getting them sweet android apps. LOL. Love you you crazy man!
Jess ~ Life@30ish said on 5.26.10 at 1:43 pm
How do we get in on the beta testing? I received my tshirt & hat yesterday, but there were no instructions on how to get the app. =(
Katmandu said on 5.26.10 at 4:04 pm
Knocking on the 'Android needs love here' door. You customer base would increase largely through the handset market ratio that Android-MOS provides. If you want metrics to support funding... get Android app out fast
Melissa said on 5.26.10 at 6:51 pm
Would like to be a beta tester... sounds sweet!
Trent said on 5.26.10 at 7:17 pm
Pretty good concept for local businesses. Seems like a great way for businesses to get a verifiable return on consumers who are a part of the social media craze and who find the idea of getting a few pennies rebate from businesses as "reward" appealing. Very promising.
Vellan Lear said on 5.26.10 at 7:45 pm
Also very interested in an Android version of this app.
I actually had a discussion with some friends stating that location based marketing is going to be huge...I think this is a fantastic way to start and really drive customers to different venues.
Blue Sky Collaborative said on 5.27.10 at 1:02 pm
Nice work Ted. I see lots of potential for getting nonprofits involved in a way that is a win-win-win for the orgs, businesses, and the users. good luck.
Syam
SterlingFlow Media Group said on 5.27.10 at 4:03 pm
I need a Blackberry version. I am a foursquare QUEEN, but I'm shut out of this site because I'm not ready for the iPhone conversion.
Dragon Blogger said on 5.27.10 at 5:01 pm
I agree, need Blackberry Version, this is a brilliant concept though and provides incentive for people to decide which place to go in their area if looking for something to eat, or something to do. I think its something that FourSquare should have thought to do (the coupons thing that some businesses give to people for being the "Mayor" isn't very efficient and doesn't reward first time visitors).
Kudos to IZEA
WeReward – Only if You have an iPhone « SterlingFlow Media Group said on 5.27.10 at 5:05 pm
[...] WeReward – Only if You have an iPhone Filed Under: Foursquare, Mobile, Social Media by SterlingFlow MediaGroup — Leave a comment May 27, 2010 I’M NOT BUYING AN IPHONE…..TOO BAD. I’m writing this post in protest of the newly launced WeReward, a new social media, business-focused location tagging application. From their website [...]
ConnieFoggles said on 5.28.10 at 11:36 pm
I'm signed up and ready to go! Just need to get out of my house (sick daughter).
rosybaby1126 said on 5.29.10 at 12:55 pm
i keep trying to complete a task and it keeps crashing...!!!!
what should i do??
Stuart said on 6.1.10 at 8:44 pm
I keep trying to complete tasks and refer friends and every time I try to post something or complete a task it crashes. I use a 3G iPhone.
Steve Jabs said on 6.1.10 at 8:51 pm
Hi Stuart & Rosybaby,
Which method are you using to log in (Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare)? If you are using Foursquare, please navigate to the accounts page and click the "Sign Off" button in the top right corner. Then please try logging in again. This should fix your problem if you are using a Foursquare account.
Thanks!
allusagirl said on 6.1.10 at 9:16 pm
Ok, first of all, how did Timmy J get a hat and tshirt?!?!? :) Nice!
Also - I don't know how you guys populated the database of stores/businesses but I've noticed some errors for my area. Is there a way to report these? Specifically, a new froyo store opened up that I know is in talks with the coupon/specials websites around here (DC area), so they may be open to your idea too. They don't show up in your list of nearby stores. Any way to submit a request to add them, as well as report stores that have closed/moved?
gold said on 6.4.10 at 7:16 pm
This is great for any business
Kim ~ CraftyMamaof4 said on 6.17.10 at 6:12 pm
I'm looking for some Android love here too please! I love this idea!
Jon said on 6.22.10 at 6:54 pm
Guys, awesome. When will you roll out to Canada? We have tons of huge clients. Maybe we can help.
Ashley K. Edwards said on 6.24.10 at 2:44 pm
@Kim You may have seen us talk about it on Twitter or Facebook, but the Droid App is in development right now. Scheduled launch is sometime later next month.
Ashley K. Edwards said on 6.24.10 at 2:45 pm
@Jon The best way you can help is to check-in (with Foursquare) or Tweet whenever you're at your favorite local places. The more demand we create the more potential Advertisers will see the value in something like WeReward. :)
films said on 7.14.10 at 8:55 am
That would be great .thanks a lot for offering such a great services .
Carson Lee said on 10.28.10 at 5:13 pm
iPhone app unusable because it crashes 10-20 times before it submits
Mike Crandall said on 10.30.10 at 6:51 pm
@Carson Lee - I am having the same issue with my iPhone 4 on 4.1, especially trying to redeem the Reese's reward. Every time I take a picture and submit, app crashes. Four times in a row...
beth said on 11.2.10 at 4:51 pm
I just tried to use this on my blackberry and it won't let me scroll down to read the rest of what to do to get the reward... WHAT happened?is this as bad as people say? i REALLY want to use this!
Virtual Tour said on 7.4.11 at 3:11 am
Just downloaded this app. I love it, thanks for the great app! Would love it if a TON of people used it!