Open space for technologists, investors, tech companies and hackers in Nairobi.

iHub By Joshua Musau / December 6, 2010

Rupu – an online social marketing platform is launched at the iHub

6 Comments

The world of digital social marketing has rapidly evolved over the last few years. So fast that organisations are tapping into this tool to help market their products and services. Today marks the launch of rupu.co.ke, a revolutionary digital social marketing platform that benefits both businesses and consumers. rupu is a digital collective buying and social marketing tool that leverages the influence of social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MSN and Yahoo Chat. Rupu works in three easy steps:

1. Our subscribers receive daily alerts via SMS, email, Facebook or Twitter feeds on daily deals to great local businesses;
2. They then share these deals with their friend across social networks;
3. Once the deal is activated, our subscribers then present their voucher (print or mobile device) at the business to get their deal.

Rupu aggregates the power of collective buying and negotiates large discounts with great local businesses to offer one deal each day at an incredibly low price. Deals are only up on the site for 24hrs. The deals are activated only when a minimum number of people agree to buy” said Mr. Benson Maina, rupu Head of Marketing, during the launch. Mr. Maina added that, “By requiring a minimum number of buyers, rupuguarantees its businesses a tonne of customers therefore ensuring subscribers get maximum discounts. This is called Collective Buying. In addition, consumers are able to get rupu deals via their mobile devices, plus extend rupu gifts to their friends, family and colleagues”.

Benefits to businesses marketing via rupu is that since it is a platform that facilitates online discussions, consumers are able to express their views, opinions, recommendations and complaints about certain products. rupu enables businesses to engage in conversations with their customers and listen to their feedback on what improvements their product can use as well as give an opportunity to address their views. Engaging rupu not only guarantees businesses foot traffic through their doors, but more importantly, repeat customers.

The Internet has arguably become an indispensable part of everyday life. It is for this reason that social marketing can be naturally integrated in people’s daily lives in a form that is non-intrusive and thereby acceptable to many. Here is a short video of rupu:

Author : Joshua Musau