Technology is ever evolving, and trying to keep up the latest and greatest advancements is a job in itself. Social media puts users in the same situation; there are always new updates, features, and applications. Different companies are constantly trying to come up with fresh ideas for social media. From weather warnings to connecting with your car, these are some of the most innovative ideas out there.
Disaster Relief/Warnings:
Cities, states, and countries consistently look for faster, more effective ways to warn their citizens about potential disasters and evacuation plans. With over 60% of people having a profile on at least one social networking site, releasing information and alerts is a sure-fire way to reach a large amount of residents. Mexico City is launching a social media alert system in September, which will send Facebook, Twitter, and text message alerts to those who sign up for them. Even though the city has an alert system already set up, it has a unreliable reputation. Here comes social media to the rescue…again.
Coupons/Deals/Discounts:
With the economy experiencing a rough patch, everyone is looking to save. The days of moms clipping coupons are over thanks to technology. Facebook recently launched Facebook Deals, which allows companies to offer deals to those who “Like” their page. A local restaurant that is trying to get new business could offer a free drink to those who check in to the restaurant when arriving. The check-in will show up on their friends’ walls, which will help gain recognition for a restaurant or retail store. This tool can also drive potential customers to a store or restaurant with the creation of new incentives.
News Sources:
Everyone wants their news, and they want it fast. Newspapers are becoming a thing of the past, and even newspaper’s websites are reporting a low number of visitors. So where is everyone getting their news from? From social media and apps of course. SkyGrid is an app on the iPhone, which allows their users to “follow” their interests, much like following someone on Twitter. A user types in their interests, and then they will get news updates from over 1 million blogs, websites, and news sources sent straight to their phone or email.
Think about the last car you owned, how did you know when the oil needed to be changed or figure out what that flashing light meant? You would have to call the dealership and ask, or try to find the answer online, which, lets be honest, does not always result in the correct answer. Salesforce.com and Toyota now have an answer for that problem. Toyota Friend lets the car owner connect with their car and the dealership. The user can access the application from Facebook and Twitter to get maintenance tips, and even alerts when the car needs work.
Fundraising:
Even though Facebook Causes has helped raise millions of dollars for charities around the world, the cause is only allowed to raise money within Facebook. Razzo is a widget that can be embedded into Facebook, Twitter, or a blog, which lets followers donate to the cause. The website allows users to see all the donations acquired in one place, keep track of the progress, and connect with more than one audience at a time.
