The internet has certainly changed the world in more ways that
we can count. However, its most useful application would probably be its
ability to make information readily available not only to consumers but also to
businesses. On the side of consumers, information about products and services
are now easily accessible, while on the business side of things, analytics and
consumer behaviour data are now easier to come by and more in depth.
Out of all the industries that rely on internet information,
it’s probably the field of advertising that derives the most benefits and
generates the most income. So it’s not surprising that a lot of businesses are
focusing their efforts on online advertising. And consequently, a rise in the
number of digital advertising agencies and ad-serving platforms were seen to
meet the needs of many businesses.
One good example of an advertising medium that’s raising the
stakes is Tag Bond. Unlike existing ad-serving platforms, Tag Bond goes beyond
serving banner ads and links and introduces a social aspect in the field of
online advertising.
It is essentially a membership and rewards platform where
users can create contacts, acquire leads, and generate partnerships through
communities and earn cash at the same time by offering deals, discounts and
promos through the creation of mini-ads called “tagverts”.
The company was first conceived in 2012 and was launched
early this year by English expat Alex Vernon. The platform aims to reinvent how
people spend and how they can enjoy deals and discounts using today’s common
technology. These include the use of QR codes, Smart Tags and NFC (Near Field
Communication) to name a few.
The platform has two components. On one hand are
communities, where business owners can keep track of their current customers,
acquire contact information, and record their transactions. This is basically
the social networking aspect of the platform. Users can sign up on Tag Bond and
create their profiles and join or purchase deals.
On the other hand, Tagverts are basically the ads served by
the platform. It can be a number of things, including coupons that give
freebies or discounts to consumers, stamps that act as reward points similar to
other loyalty programs, tickets, polls/surveys or competitions.
According to Tag Bond’s founder – Mark Vernon, the platform
aims to replicate how consumers use SM’s well adopted Advantage Card. And just like SMAC, he plans to get Tag Bond to
retail stores and establishments, and thereby taking the platform beyond
online. At present the company already has a mobile app and their recently
launched website is now accepting sign-ups for new members.
Now whether or not the platform would be a hit, we guess
only time will tell. For the meantime, those interested in joining Tagbond, you
can use this link to create your profile.
