A Newcastle-based tech business is on a mission to #ShareTheLuv, launching a revolutionary app rewarding influencers with 50% off at hundreds of local restaurants, bars and retailers, in exchange for their social media exposure.
After its successful pilot and subsequent investment, Snapsaver is set to launch in the North East imminently, followed closely by the North West then London by the end of the year.
The tech start-up, run by Jack Nunn and Ian Moore, has signed almost 200 businesses in the last seven weeks, largely fuelled by a daily vlog documenting their journey. Over 95 businesses have already featured on the vlogs including the likes of Pizza Express, Chaophraya, Beeronomy and the vast majority of businesses in The Stack.
Unlike other well-known daily deal discount sites which charge businesses a large commission of around 30% + VAT for their services, Snapsaver provides a completely free service for their partnering businesses. In addition, businesses receive curated social media exposure to drive new full paying customers through the door.
The exclusive community of app users can claim 50% off in restaurants, bars, shops, salons and other lifestyle venues – as long as they check-in and create a social media post when they visit the establishments, promoting the businesses to their trusted friends and followers in an organic way.
The app users pay a small in-app purchase fee when claiming the discount – for example; 50% off a 3 course meal subject to a 99p admin fee and a valid social media post.
Co-founder Jack Nunn, who has strong views about the condition of the UK market, said: “I’ve been concerned about the future of the high street and retail centres for some time now. Footfall and sales figures continue to decline compounded by the year on year growth of online retail and food delivery services.
“Snapsaver has been specifically engineered to drive new full paying customers to bricks-and-mortar businesses by utilising word of mouth and social proof on the world’s biggest social networks.
“On our invite-only platform we list exclusive 50% off discounts from our partnering businesses, influencers can claim these discounts in exchange for a check-in and social media post.
“The net result is curated social media posts on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter with up to 17 times more reach compared to organic business page posts. In addition, ‘user generated content’ is statistically 4.5 times more effective than ‘brand generated content’.
“Our partners have the ability to control the number of local influencers claiming a discount on a day by day basis, allowing them to tailor their social media exposure to combat weekly, monthly and seasonal slow spots.
“Times are rapidly changing and it’s going to take a community effort to revive the high street for future generations to come.”
Snapsaver’s development has been supported by bespoke legal advice from North East law firm for businesses Muckle LLP, whose tech lawyers have advised on a range of commercial matters including supplier agreements and app terms and conditions.
Sam Roberts, solicitor in Muckle LLP’s digital and technology team, said: “Snapsaver is a really exciting business model because unlike all other discount apps out there, it equally benefits consumers and businesses alike. The world has woken up to the power of social media and it’s great to see this North East tech business harnessing the social influence of its users to help boost the region’s businesses and high streets.”
Local influencers can join the 11,000 strong Newcastle waiting list by registering their interest on the website.