Location-Based Social Media Is Ready to Go Places

BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The intersection of mobile, location and social marketing is a busy place for marketers. The launch of Facebook Places and recent announcement of Deals has delivered the concept of "checking-in" to over 500 million people. Yet the question remains: how will brands harness the power of social check-ins, engage consumers and ultimately drive business objectives?

Introducing GO, the newest offering from Brand Networks, a leading Social Solutions company and Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant. GO enables brand marketers to deliver customized location-based promotions leveraging Facebook Places.

The GO framework enables the creation of custom applications on Facebook Platform and  for iPhone and Android devices.  A tab on a brand's Facebook Page invites fans to begin checking in, playing the game, and unlocking rewards of all types.  Once users grant permission for the application, brands can begin rewarding their check-in behavior.  Removing the "friction" of additional mobile app installation means users are now ready to go places.

One of New England's largest ski resorts Sunday River is trailblazing with the first GO-powered promotion and  application on Facebook called Sunday River Patches.  This new campaign plays off the nostalgia of embroidered patches representing adventurous travel and aligned perfectly with the resort's new marketing campaign titled "Find Your Happy Place."

Nick Lambert, VP of Sales and Marketing at Sunday River, explains that "Social media is a key component of Sunday River's marketing mix and we're very excited to be working with Brand Networks to integrate Facebook Places into our social marketing strategy."

This season, Sunday River guests can check-in on all eight peaks, at select slopeside venues like the Foggy Goggle, or on the signature lift the Chondola to earn virtual embroidered Patches.  Adding to the game play, users can use select keywords to their comments when it's snowing to unlock the "Powder Day" patch for example.  Tag a friend, and each guest will reveal the "Buddy" Patch.  And for the true Sunday River loyalists, check- in more than 10 times and you earn the esteemed "Local" Patch.   Lastly, check-ins at select locations throughout the season will have the added bonus of enabling users to claim real promotions through Deals.

Brand Networks' new leader of Location-Based Social Media, Matt Handy, is no stranger to the social space. He joins the Boston company after several successful launches for PUMA Golf, including the PUMA Open, which leveraged a host of social media tie-ins and consumer engagement both on and off-site. As he states, "With GO, we're helping brands lay the foundation for promotions which reward frequency, loyalty and brand evangelism.  Broadcasting your check ins and earning virtual rewards has intrinsic value for loyalists.  We're also working with our clients to link this behavior with real rewards and offers, delivering on the promise of the new "Social CRM."

One thing is clear: Facebook has changed the game again with Facebook Places.  Progressive companies and cutting edge brands are just starting to get in the geo-location game and offerings like Brand Network's "GO" are helping them get off the sidelines.

About Brand Networks

Brand Networks is a leading Social Solutions company headquartered in Boston. Their clients include Sperry Top-Sider, Warner Brothers, and Monster.com to name a few. They are proud to have been named a "Preferred Developer Consultant" by Facebook.

By traditional definitions, Brand Networks is equal parts strategic consultancy, creative boutique, web development shop, and media agency. Brand Networks helps clients recruit, engage and reward networks of fans, friends and followers through social media.  In addition to it's new "GO" offering, Brand Networks' other Social Solutions include: Social Pix, Social Slideshow, Social Screening, Social Survey, and Social Quiz.  Connect with us at www.brandnetworksinc.com, www.facebook.com/brandnetworks .

About Sunday River

A true four-season destination, Sunday River offers eight interconnected peaks of world-class skiing and snowboarding, two Grand Resort Hotels and golf at the highly acclaimed Sunday River Golf Club. Sunday River is a member of the Boyne USA Resorts family of resorts and attractions and is located in Newry, Maine, amidst the scenic Mahoosuc Range. Follow us: www.sundayriver.com www.facebook.com/sundayriver and @sundayriver

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CONTACT: Jamie Tedford  +1-617-275-7050, [email protected]

SOURCE Brand Networks