Entertainment Goes Social

Location based marketing starting to take off with FourSquare, Gowalla and Facebook Places, now entertainment has a check in service as well. I should say it has a few, but I fill focus on Miso and GotGlue. I will admit I love all things entertainment. If you check my iPhone you will see the TV Guide App, TMZ, Hulu, Fandango, Pandora, IMDB, RedBox and more. I keep adding them. So, when I got a chance to try out both apps, I was very happy.

First, both apps are badge reward type programs. The more you watch or rate, the more badges you get. GetGlue let you get special badges just for shows or movies. This is very similar to FourSquare’s reward program. The only difference between the two is GetGlue covers TV, Music, Books, Movies, and more. Where as Miso just seems covers TV.

Next, they both allow you to connect with your friends and see who’s watching what programs and when. I think the best thing about it is that you see exactly what your friend are watching. I have no shame in my check in’s and will check in anything from Bravo, Science Channel, or more. Yes I have checked in watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta. I admit it! This then spurs more conversations online and off about entertainment. The programs will send your check in’s to Facebook, Twitter or both so your friends can see what you are watching.

One thing before I go that GetGlue is doing different, when you reach a certain level they will send you physical stickers to match the badges you have earned. Both programs are free to download to your iPhone or Android. You check in on their apps, but if you don’t have a smart phone you can use GetGlue and check in directly from the web page.

How is the useful for marketing? Granted with location based you can give deals to mayors, near by people, and increase traffic. But how could a network, movie studio or record labels use the information to pass along deal or reminders to watch. I haven’t seen any of these messages on the sites yet, but I know its a matter of time before they start happening.

Finally, here are a few ideas for marketers on both (not sure if they are able to be carried out)

  • Find viewers for new shows due to current check ins, If they liked one show cross sell, basically, another show starting
  • For super fans of Harry Potter and other serials pass long free tickets or discounts
  • Remind fans of shows if the night or time changes (For good or for a night)
  • Give advance MP3 of songs of favorite artists
  • Promote Concert ticket on sales and promote tours
  • Fall Season Launches
  • Notice of shows sharing that aren’t on a regular season such as Weeds, Burn Notice, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, and etc

I think these services have some great potential for marketing to consumers. I think we will start seeing some of these soon.

Tim is the founder of Element33. A social media agency specializing in education, management and strategy for small businesses. He comes from a traditional marketing agency but has embraced all things digital. He considers himself a marketing nerd and believes that all marketing is tied together. This means no matter what silo you are in, social, email, seach, etc, changes in one will affect the other!

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