I wrote earlier about how online marketing provider RatePoint helps local businesses generate reviews from customers. Facebook app-turned-destination FavRav also aims to help SMBs promote themselves on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter but is considerably more aggressive in helping capture reviews and referrals from customers:
According to FavRav, “When you’re referred, your customer’s testimonial is posted on their Facebook Wall along with your contact info and a direct link to your website. Now your customers are one click away from discovering your services, at the recommendation of their friends.” The toolset also enables SMBs to push offers and promotions through Facebook and Twitter.
In addition, FavRav builds a micro-site for each SMB advertiser, which potentially promotes the SMB in organic search too. These services collectively cost $29 per month.
The consumer proposition is not far removed from ALikeList. The site ultimately hopes to build a directory/destination where users can come to find local business recommendations “ravs” (raves) from their friends. If there are no recommendations for the particular type or category of business users can push their requests/questions out to their networks on Facebook.
Here’s a screenshot of the consumer experience (provided by FavRav):
There’s nothing especially new here, except perhaps the structured way in which FavRav enables SMBs to capture positive referrals/reviews from customers. But the $29 price monthly point is very cheap.
Reminiscent of AT&T Buzz as well, it’s heavily dependent on Facebook for awareness and viral promotion. FavRav co-founder Bill Manos believes that SMBs will help promote the site as they seek to get reviews and referrals from their customers.
There are more and more “solutions” coming after small businesses by the day. And getting consumers to use this will be equally challenging. However I suppose the response to these questions is: never underestimate the power of Facebook to build a audience.
What do you think? Do you think a service like this is too “me too” or that it has some unique and compelling features?
June 29th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I certainly would be interested in something like this for my clients if it were cheaper/free. $29 per month just doesnt seem worth it as a electronic way to politely ask for a review.
June 30th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Take a look at Needium then, $20 per month: http://www.screenwerk.com/2010/06/29/needium-beyond-reputation-to-social-lead-generation/
July 10th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I’m going to give FavRav a try. I’ll let you know how it works.
July 10th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
OK. Interested to hear.