If you’ve ever been stuck in the checkout line behind someone redeeming a handful of paper coupons, you know that many people are still clipping them in the traditional sense. There’s even a reality show dedicated to the madness of “the deal.” It’s both disturbing and interesting.
But the times are changing. Digital Coupons are popping up and being used at the same rate as paper coupons. According to a recent study from Promotional Codes, “in 2011, 53% of redemptions are still done with paper coupons, but Internet-based redemptions are creeping up. By 2014, most Internet couponing will be the norm.” This means the use of coupons is not going away, but growing. It’s the way people are redeeming them that is changing. And it’s the way merchants are offering them that is also evolving and changing. Now, consumers have more than one option for how to redeem their coupons, which makes it convenient for them as well as merchants.
Consumers are enjoying the convenience of redeeming coupons via their smart phone, but also having the option to print the coupon at home or cut it from the Sunday paper. The economy continues to drive consumers to use more and more coupons, with new daily deals cropping up around every corner. But who’s looking out for the publishers- and the merchants? The Forkfly platform offers the ideal way for media- including publishers, radio and television- to jump on board the digital advertising train. Forkfly also offers something a lot of these large, deal-centric companies are missing: the local angle. Who knows the locals better than the local advertisers and media partners? Each market is different and unique, and each market has its own specific needs.
Three years ago we started building Forkfly, a collection of web based and mobile tools aimed at keeping publishers in the digital game. Our approach was unique: Publishers, when working together, are a force to be reckoned with. The collective marketing ability and sales potential of the industry could effectively compete with national disruptors like Groupon, Living Social, and myriad of other players on that national scene that wish to divert small business marketing spends.
So what does Forkfly actually do?
Forkfly allows merchants to offer ongoing and one time deals via web and mobile apps. If a consumer wants to redeem, it’s simple; they print a voucher or hold up their phone. Soon they’ll even be able to earn rewards for sharing deals with their friends via social media!
Forkfly is a self serve platform for small businesses. Advertisers can manage offers, social media, their print and digital spends, and more, all from one platform. They can even build a loyal follower base and use this tool for instant communication and engagement with their customers.
So what’s all of this about Groupon Now!?
Groupon Now! is now being rolled out in select markets. Imagine Groupon not offering just one daily deal in your market, but hundreds. It represents a significant threat to media partners’ ability to retain local advertiser spend. Forkfly is a huge win for local. Alisa Cromer, from the trade journal “Local Media Insider” said it best:
“Our recommendation to compete immediately for the space is a partnership with Forkfly”
