ShopAlerts, an opt-in, location-based advertising application launched by Placecast, uses geo-triggers to send marketing messages to customers only when they are inside a geofenced area around a store or other location.
With its opt-in option, ShopAlerts is intended to be "a service rather than an intrusion," according to Placecast. It reaches consumers who are in "shopping mode."
A virtual geofence can be created around any location, such as a merchant's identified local trade area. The geofencing set-up triggers personalised messages to mobile phone users when they enter the designated area.
The geo-triggers can be integrated into an overall customer relationship management (CRM) programme to match the message to the consumer's specific interests or demographics.
Placecast will help to customise ShopAlerts to enhance existing marketing plans by directing appropriate messages to consumers at the optimal place and time to draw them into stores.
