In order to help you build and execute a gamified based marketing campaign for your business; here are just a few examples of successful platforms based on gamification.
Facebook’s Gaming Center
Even small applications and beginner games have exploded within the Facebook community, giving new companies fresh exposure while building incredible brand power. One example of the popularity of social gaming is Farmville, which brought in millions of users upon launch.
FourSquare
FourSquare, is a location-based social networking website for mobile devices, such as smartphones.
Users "check in" at venues using a mobile website, text messaging, or a device-specific application by selecting from a list of venues which the application locates nearby. Location is based on GPS hardware in the mobile device or network location provided by the application. Each check-in awards the user points and sometimes "badges".
Groupon
Groupon is based on game mechanics and has been featured by Forbes.com as the fastest-growing company ever.
Check out the different ways that they have exploited the power of ‘gamification’ to keep users active on their website (progress bar that shows how many people have purchased and how many more are needed before the deal is activated, etc). True gamification at its best!
Take a moment to analyze each of these examples and determine how you can build a similar platform for your next marketing campaign. As you can see from the examples above, many of the leading gamification strategies involves “content bits”.
Rather than providing too much information as once, you simply give the consumer only what they need to proceed to the next stage (level, group, etc).
Another important component of a successful gamification strategy is to provide rewards. This may be in the form of additional levels (in the traditional game setting), being recognized on the website (think leaderboards, etc), exclusive discounts and coupon offers, or when implementing loyalty programs or badges, it may unlock other options, deals or specials, enhancing a consumers’ experience and keeping them coming back for more.
Rewarding social behavior whether it’s providing a customer with points that can be used towards future purchases or giving customer’s “bonus items” when a certain sale amount is met, you will be able to continue to influence responses, increasing sales and overall revenue while continuing to build relationships with your customer base.
It’s also important to keep in mind that gamification is a long-term strategy and while it takes time to set up and execute, it holds the power to literally transform your business!
