Inside the House

Chore Hero

Chore Hero is a great way to get the entire family involved in spring cleaning. This app adds a fun and competitive element tasks that may otherwise be boring and mundane. It allows you to assign specific chores to different members of your household and reward them with points when they are completed.  The interface is simple to use and allows you to kee]
better track of what needs to be done around the house. Chore Hero is available for free in the iTunes App Store.

Rumgr

Craigslist is great for selling unwanted items, but the anonymity of the site worries some people. Rumgr is an efficient and reassuring way to hold your very own digital garage sale. Post vibrant photos of the items your selling and seamlessly communicate with potential buyers, as well as see their faces before you make the transaction.

Outside the House

Garden Pro!

Got a green thumb? Garden Pro is the perfect app for you! This paid iphone application includes a guide consisting of over 7,000 different plants. In addition to tips and tricks on how to grow virtually any plant, this app also lets you create a to do list as well as a journal on how your plants are doing.

Garden Plan Pro

This app is similar to Garden Pro!, but is unique in that it allows users to create virtual layout designs for their gardens. It also sends you reminders on what plants to grow based on your location and the time of year .

In the redesigned version of New York’s famous Serendipity 3′s page you can see how basic information like location, hours, price range and reviews has moved to the top of the page. It seems that Facebook strives to be a more threatening competitor to popular recommendation service, Yelp, by expanding it’s website to become more of a social recommendation service.

Unfortunately, this update still does not allow users to access third-party and custom Facebook applications from a mobile platform. There is no word on whether this is on the table for Facebook at the moment.

Do you think this update makes Facebook a greater competitor against Yelp as a recommendation service? As a business owner, how do you hope to utilize the new pages changes? Let us know in the comments!

It is an entirely new mobile experience that displays a steady stream of photos and updates right on your home screen in what is now known as Cover Feed. Not only do you get a peek at what your friends are up do by simply glancing at your phone, but you can also like and comment on posts straight from your phone’s home screen. You can also perform other basic Facebook functions like checking in, updating your status, and posting photos all without opening up the Facebook app.

The HTC First will become the first phone to come preinstalled with Facebook Home. The app officially launched in the Google Play Store on April 12 and is a available for installation on several Android devices.

Have you downloaded Facebook home yet? How do you think Facebook Home will help to enhance your Facebook mobile experience?

Earlier this month, Google released its first major sneak peek of its new product, the highly anticipated Google Glass.  This new wearable technology, despite its skeptics, has the potential to change the way we interact with the world and more importantly, each other. Mobile application development companies are excited and already dreaming up ways to take advantage of this new and innovative technology. This could include everything from apps to help the visually impaired to facial recognition applications. Unlike a smartphone or tablet, Google Glass relies primarily on voice recognition which provides a wealth of both opportunity and drawbacks for app development. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg expressed his excitement for Google Glass and has already stated that he has members of his team ready to develop Facebook applications for the device. It is currently unclear exactly what the functionality of this device will be, but it will no doubt open plenty of doors for social media services to be integrated.

What do you think the future holds for mobile development? Is Google Glass the next big thing or just another passing fad?

1) Evernote: This note taking app is far more powerful than the native note taking app and can be used for a wide range of tasks; quick notes, lists, or storing blog posts and articles. Best of all it syncs perfectly with all of your mobile devices!

2) Google Maps: Well, really any map app will do. Of course, the iPhone comes with Apple Maps included on the phone, but after a poorly executed launch many users still prefer Google’s version. And if you are a frequent user of public transportation, this is really the only way to go.

3) Social Media Apps (Facebook, Twitter): You didn’t think a social media agency was going to leave out social networking apps out a best apps list did you?! Facebook, Twitter, G+ are all must-have mobile applications for anyone who wants to stay connected.

4) Camera: OK, this one might seem obvious, but what could be more useful than the ability to take photos whenever, wherever you want to. Mobile applications like Instagram and Photoshop Express make it easy to spruce up your photos and easily share to your favorite social networking sites.

5) Astrid: This is one of the most popular to do apps in the iTunes Store and also one of the most powerful. You can sort tasks by category, priority and due date and it syncs perfectly with all your mobile devices. You can also set reminders and sync events with iCal.

6) Google Drive/ Dropbox: Have every file you could possibly need right at your fingertips. Each service has its pros and cons, but they are both equally easy to use. If you are a light user you can use the apps for free, but heavy users will want to purchase additional storage space.

6) Grocery IQ: A great way to keep track of all your groceries and stop yourself from impulse buys. The app allows you to save favorites or things you need on a regular basis. You can also input your store cards and the  app will inform you of deals and digital coupons through its parent site, Coupons.com.

7) Yelp: Looking to try a new restaurant near work? Need to find a grocery store, quick? Want to buy flowers for your date? You’ll never have to worry about aimlessly drive around town again! Yelp provides reviews, recommendations, and directions to all the nearby hot spots.

8) Shazam: Have you ever heard a song, on the radio or in a restaurant, and you just can’t put your finger on what’s it’s called?Shazam can immediately identify a song that is being played and allows you to save it, so you won’t forget to download it later!

9) Open Table: Perfect for last minute dinner reservations, this app lets you save yourself a table straight from your mobile device.

10) Feedly: Now that Google Reader is in its last days, you’re going to need a new place to store your favorite sites and RSS feeds. Feedly is a beautifully designed news aggregator that compiles all over your favorite news feeds and content from your favorite websites in one easy to read location.

11) Pocket: See a cool article or blog post you want to read, but don’t have the time? Pocket is an easy to use browser extension that lets you save pages to read for later.

What are some of your favorite iPhone applications?

The numbers are in – this year’s Super Bowl was the biggest in history. Despite a CBS glitch that affected millions of people, turning on-screen players into real-life superheroes with a red blur trailing them, it was still a hit. And even with a blackout that seemed to last forever, the viewers were still tuned in. Even despite Beyonce making the ugliest face in the history of halftime shows, the entire thing was a smashing success.

While the success is good for the league, it’s also good for social media. In fact, it seems fairly certain that social media is mostly responsible for the game being such a big hit. The Ravens and 49ers? They’re not exactly the Patriots and Packers. So something else was going on to bring such exposure to the game. What was it?

Social Media’s Planned Impact on the Super Bowl

Long before kickoff, it was already evident that this year’s Super Bowl was going to be all about social media. The interaction on sites like Facebook and Twitter gave brands and fans a new way to communicate. With most Super Bowls, a fan sees a commercial as it airs. But with social media there to keep everyone engaged, fans got to view snippets of ads before they aired, and some brands even allowed fans to dictate the advertisements.

It’s a long list here. Let’s run over some of the notables:

• Doritos: They held a contest in which the winner actually got to create the brand’s Super Bowl ad.
• Pizza Hut: They also held a contest, allowing the winner to actually star in the TV ad.
• Coca-Cola: Coke pulled a new version of an old DVD “alternate ending” trick with their ad, allowing people to pick how it would end.
• Audi: This luxury car brand gave users ad options and let their audience select which ad would ultimately air.
• Budweiser: The King of Beers allowed consumers to name a Clydesdale – the iconic large, white-footed horse featured in their commercials.
• Pepsi: Holding a Facebook-specific contest, Pepsi held a picture submission contest. The winners received “party kits,” and 400 fan photos were used in an advertisement.

The list goes on and on here, displaying different ways by which social media interaction shaped advertising on the biggest TV night in American sport. Advertising with social media was a winning formula.

The networks cleaned up with Super Bowl ads, and social media sites also made a lot of money from the advertising, but brands using social media to their advantage also made out in a big way.

Social media interaction created so much buzz surrounding the Super Bowl that viewers who may not have necessarily ever watched a football game tuned in to see the highly publicized ads and halftime show. Social media isn’t wholly responsible, but these social sites certainly played a huge role in the game’s overall success.

Lessons You Can Take from Super Bowl XVLII and Social Media

Okay, grumpy. So maybe not everyone can afford the incredibly high $3.5 million price tag of a Super Bowl ad, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use some lessons here to boost your own advertising.

Start Holding Contests!

Need an idea for a new ad or promotion? How about holding a contest wherein you’ll give the lucky winner a chance to design something for you or to add their ideas in some meaningful way? This not only draws people in who are directly interested in the contest, but it also spreads out through sharing to reveal that you’re a popular, social brand allowing fans to shape how you do business.

Take Advantage of Situations

During the blackout in the Super Bowl, Tide and Oreo seized the opportunity by creating social media ads. Oreo reminded people that “you can still dunk in the dark,” while Tide was sure to insist that they “can’t get the blackout” but could “get the stains out.” This is something you can learn from. Seizing the situation instead of allowing the situation to dictate your advertising can pose a great opportunity for you to release a creative social ad.

Your brand might not be able to compete with the big boys, but there are still quite a few things you can learn from their advertising methods which will come in handy for you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

]]> http://www.convospark.com/blog/how-social-media-was-the-best-super-bowl-ad/feed/ 0 http://www.convospark.com/blog/popular-apps-blog/mobile-apps-for-valentines-day/ http://www.convospark.com/blog/popular-apps-blog/mobile-apps-for-valentines-day/#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:07:00 +0000 Brittany http://www.convospark.com/?p=2783 Love it or hate, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And to make sure you are completely prepared for the day, our Facebook app developers have compiled a list of must have mobile apps for you to download.

1800 Flowers

Pick a choose the perfect bouquet to deliver to your sweetheart while on the go. This full service apps lets you browse available gifts, purchase and have them delivered right to your special someone’s door. This app is available for iOS and Android.

OpenTable

Forgot to make reservations for Valentine’s Day? No sweat. OpenTable is a free iPhone app that allows you to make a reservation at over 20,000 restaurants. It also includes reviews, prices, and menus so you know you’re choosing the perfect place!

Holiday Picture It!

This is a fun app that lets you create holiday cards from your very own pictures. It allows you to decorate  your photos with frames, filters and graphics like candy hearts and balloons. The app includes graphics for additional holidays and themes as well like Halloween, Summer, or St. Patrick’s day so you can make cards for any occasion!

Fandango

Some people aren’t into the whole fancy schmancy Valentine’s Day thing. Some couples would rather just enjoy a movie together. Download the Fandango app to buy movie tickets straight from your mobile device.

 

 

1) Facebook advertising

Facebook ads can serve many different purposes, but ultimately, the goal is to draw people to your brand.  You can choose to link them to your Facebook page to help you grow your following, or you can link the, directly to your website to get them acquainted why your brand right away. Every ad impression increases awareness of your brand, and every  click brings you one step closer to a potential sale.

2) Build an email list

Now that you’ve grown your Facebook page to a substantial amount of followers, you’ll need a way to reach out to them. Of course, you have access to reach out to fans through the Facebook platform itself, but unfortunately there are some limitations with that. So it’s in your best interest to allow your fans to opt in to an email list so that you can contact them directly with updates on your company and its products. Develop an app with a form to collect user information. Use Mail Chimp or Constant Contact to manage your mailing list.

3) Develop a game

Social games have become a growing trend and as it turns out, are a great way to help you monetize your Facebook page. Many brands will host gaming apps on their page.  Once users are hooked in, they are given the option to upgrade their game. Take a look at this Facebook game ConvoSpark developed for client, SlotBee. Users can play the game for free, but in order to advance their game play more quickly, they must purchase additional credits. Games are a great way to keep your fans engaged while also increasing exposure for your brand and potentially, profit.

4) Facebook store

Are you in the online retailing business? Did you know you can sell products right from your Facebook page itself? Check out this Facebook e-commerce store (or f-commerce as it is sometimes called) on Lady Gaga’s Facebook page. A Facebook store allows your fans to make purchases without ever leaving the Facebook platform. It provides an additional channel to showcase your products and exposes your products to more people. We could provide Facebook application development to create a similar page to serve as a store.

Naturally, with any new Facebook feature, the issue of privacy comes up. The search results that come up do comply with users’ personal privacy settings. You will only see the information shared with you and other users will only see the information you share with them. So, if your settings are set to public, your information may come up in other users’ search results even if you are not friends. However, if your information is set to “Friends Only,” it will only show up in the search results of your friends. Because of this, unlike Google, it is possible that two people who type in the same search query may end up with different results.

Facebook is striving to become the go to place for anything you are looking for on the web. With Graph Search, they are making search into a more social experience. They are taking all the services you use outside of Facebook, like restaurant reviews, hotel recommendations, even dating services, and integrating them into their social network. It will undoubtedly affect the nature of Facebook app design in addition to Facebook application development. This opens up a breadth of opportunities for businesses with Facebook pages and custom Facebook application development.

Graph Search is currently in beta and will be slowly rolling out to more users. To take a closer look at Graph Search and to get on the waiting list for the new feature, visit facebook.com/about/graphsearch.

A good mobile app either:
A) allows users to interact with your brand in a way they can’t anywhere else.
B) allows users to perform an action easily on the road, more quickly and efficiently than they would on your website.

What you don’t want is to get a mobile application developed and have it simply provides the same information that is available on your website and nothing more. If your website is simply an information hub, try to think of other ways you could execute a mobile app. Could you turn a part of your business into a game? Could you create a social community that revolves around your business? Remember your app should provide something unique for the user, not just the same activity they could get somewhere else.

So what if your business doesn’t need a mobile application developed? That doesn’t mean you should stick to just your website. You still want your business to stand out and be accessible from several different channels. You can still reach your customers without one. Optimizing your website for mobile is the first step. In many cases this is just as effective as creating a downloadable app, but will cost less money in mobile application development and maintenance fees and saves your customers from needing to take up space on their device with an app that provides the same information they could get online.

There is also the option to of custom Facebook application development. Create a contact form that lives on Facebook for easier communication, or create a game to keep your users engaged. The great thing about Facebook application development is that you are already  connected to a massive social community.

So before you go ahead and jump on the app bandwagon, take a look at what your options are. Think about where you audience is, what your business does, and decide if an app is right for you!