Instagram takes on Snapchat
An ‘accidental’ launch on Wednesday suggests Instagram is implementing a Snapchat-style service aimed to help them compete in the tweens market. A “one tap photo messaging” app called Bolt was temporarily unveiled to users, before being immediately deleted. We’ll keep you posted on further news – but this could be a significant new feature for for those looking to target the 14-30 market.
Tube to adopt contactless payment
From 18th September the London tube is to accept contactless payment cards. Viewed by TFL as a “better” system to Oyster, it is designed for those who find equipping themselves with an Oyster card tedious e.g. tourists. It aims to increase the ease with which commuters travel i.e. no queuing times for top-ups; and to embrace the growing trend towards a digital wallet. Oyster cards will still be offered to those without contactless cards e.g. children.
Facebook: it’s all mobile
Following the announcement of last week’s Q2 results, Facebook has revealed that 30% of the site’s total users exclusively log in from mobile devices. This is a further reminder that brands need to cater to the mobile user and ensure they are visible in the newsfeed if they don’t want to be missed. One way to do this? By promoting posts with dedicated advertising spend, of course…
Tesco targets shoppers with giant ‘tweet wall’
Tesco’s fightback continues – this time through social media. The company has created a giant tweet wall outside its Lincoln Extra store to advertise offers, incorporate relevant social media conversations and promote local news and updates. Designed to be readable even in bright sunlight, it’s a great way for a a bricks and mortar store to engage shoppers in the real world, with relevant, constantly updated content; content that doesn’t incur the price of display advertising. However, whether the transient, passing trade will stop and take notice of the inter-changing messages is yet to be measured.
….While extending its click and collect trial to 50 non-stores
Click and collect, designed for ‘those on-the-go’ – for whom home delivery isn’t actually that convenient – has gathered further momentum as Tesco opens collection points at dozens of business parks outside London. It follows successful trials at six tube stations and pilots at schools, libraries and sport centres in York, London and Scotland.