IZEA Unveils Location-Based Platform Rewarding Consumers for Real World Actions

Consumers discover local businesses, earn cash through mobile application WeReward

ORLANDO, Fla., May 25, 2010 – WeReward, a mobile incentive platform that pays cash to consumers for actions they take in the real world, launches today in front of more than 1,000 technologists, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in New York City.

Using mobile devices, consumers can discover local businesses and earn rewards for their patronage. This week, the application launches across the country with rewards available at more than 15 million businesses, including launch partners Domino’s Pizza and Jones Soda.

“The growth of location-based service applications is phenomenal,” said Ted Murphy, CEO of IZEA, parent company of WeReward. “What sets WeReward apart from other popular platforms is the Sponsored Checkin™, which encourages users to explore their neighborhoods and earn real money for making purchases at local businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, attractions and national retail chains.”

Nearly one in four U.S. adult consumers uses mobile location services, with 63 percent of Apple iPhone owners using such a service at least once a week, according to a recent 2010 Mobile Marketing Association/Luth Research Survey.

Currently WeReward is available for the iPhone and integrates with Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Google, CitySearch and Foursquare, allowing consumers to earn points while simultaneously unlocking badges and sharing experiences through their social networks.

Domino’s Pizza, the world leader in pizza delivery, allows consumers to earn rewards for both delivery and carryout from nearly 5,000 U.S. stores. “The WeReward platform enables Domino’s to connect with consumers in a unique way,” said Dennis Maloney, VP of Multi Media Marketing for Domino’s Pizza. “It enables us to create awareness for our stores when buyers are nearby, drives social sharing and gives people a fun way to interact with the Domino’s brand.”

For advertisers, this platform represents the first completely performance-based mobile marketing option, giving local businesses and major national brands the opportunity to drive measurable return on investment. WeReward only charges advertisers for customers who actually make purchases at their locations, which is verified through a process using photos submitted by the consumer, GPS data and manual reviews.

Beverage maker Jones Soda Co., for example, rewards users for taking mobile pictures with its soda bottles using the application. Jones views the pictures and thanks consumers for their purchases through a personalized message.

“User submitted photos have always been an integral part of Jones Soda bottles. WeReward provides us with a new way of reaching our users through their mobile phones,” said Angel Djambazov, CEO of Custom Tailored Marketing an agency partner of Jones Soda. “The cost per action alternative gives us the flexibility to create engagement with the Jones Soda drinker regardless of location in a cost effective mobile marketing solution.”

Advertisers control their WeReward budget and can adjust their campaign spending at any time. There are no set-up fees or minimum commitments, the advertiser decides how many customers they would like to reach each month and what they are willing to pay per customer.

Users interested in earning rewards can sign-up for the private beta.  We’ll notify these people when the iPhone App is available in the App Store. Advertisers interested in the self-service advertising platform can visit http://www.wereward.com.

ABOUT IZEA
IZEA is a world leader in social media sponsorship, operating multiple marketplaces such as WeReward, SponsoredTweets, and SocialSpark.  Our mission is to empower everyone to value and exchange content, creativity and influence. IZEA is venture funded by Inflexion Partners, Village Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and DFJ Gotham Ventures.

Advertisers, publishers and partners can learn more at www.izea.com.