Every business owner knows that to make it in today’s economy, you need to be online. The pandemic, if anything, has further necessitated this. For this reason, it’s essential that your business has a website and social media account on Facebook and other platforms. It’s why working with an experienced SEO consultant is just as important as working with an accountant.
None of this is new. You know this already. But what you might not know is that non-business apps—or apps that aren’t exactly designed for corporate use—may have some use for enterprises. You never know which fun or silly app might just be the tech solution you’re looking for.
Waze
You have your Google Maps listing complete and updated (you do, right?). But did you know that you could actually advertise on Waze as well?
We’re not even talking about a simple location pin here. Waze has ad formats that allow nearby drivers to really notice your establishment. The Pin format, for example, is described by Waze as akin to a digital store sign. As drivers move down your store’s street, they will see the sign appear along their path.
Another ad format that Waze has is Takeover ads. Described as digital billboards of sorts, they drop down to cover a quarter of a driver’s phone screen while they are at a complete stop. It’s a great way to get potential customers to become aware of you without having to dangerously interrupt their driving.
Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, Greenroom
The past year has seen a rise in these audio-only chat apps. First, there was Clubhouse—that invite-only community where big names and not-so-big names get to chat and interact about a range of topics.
Then came Twitter Spaces, a limited feature on Twitter that allows users to do the same: invite people up “onstage” to discuss a topic, while others are free to drop in and listen in.
The new kid on the block is Greenroom by Spotify. Spotify has, of course, been leading the audio streaming game, but this is their first foray into this budding drop-in audio chatroom space. The setup is very similar to Clubhouse, where you can find rooms with topics or themes, which you are free to enter and participate in.
So what do these new apps have anything to do with your business? Well, a lot actually. These apps have been used for networking and learning. You’ll meet all sorts of people—from artists to entrepreneurs and academics, from beginners to industry thought leaders.
Being part of these communities as representative of your brand or business is a great way to not just meet experts in your field but also potential clients and customers who might be interested in your services.
TikTok
Hear us out. We know that the first thing you think of when we say TikTok are viral dance moves and silly videos. If you think about it, that’s a great place for your brand to be present.
Now, we understand that not all businesses would suit this platform, but especially if you’re targeting Millennials and Gen Z, it’s a great way to meet them and get to know their sensibilities.
One example is Tony Piloseno aka Tonester on TikTok. He was working at a big paint company and gained a massive, 1.8-million TikTok following for his paint mixing videos. Unfortunately, despite giving the company free advertising, Tonester was fired, generating a lot of backlash against the big company. He was then hired by another paint business that recognized his talent, his passion for paints, and his understanding of new methods of marketing.
This is an example of how advertising can now take on so many forms, and it’s really creativity and an understanding of your market that can get you places.
Bumble
No, we’re not encouraging you to date your clients. We’re just saying that Bumble, unlike Tinder and other dating apps, isn’t just about dating. In fact, the app has three pillars: Date, Bizz, and BFF. This is because Bumble isn’t just about meeting someone romantically. The platform can also be used for plain-and-simple networking—to find like-minded people who share your hobbies or interests and to find career opportunities.
You never know who you might meet on Bumble: a potential client, investor, or employer are all possible. As with advertising, you need to get creative with your networking skills.
At the end of the day, you need to be where your customers or clients are. And if they’re on these apps, then that’s where your business should go, too.