SA networking site on the go
2008-05-28 07:21
Cape Town - Local social networking site Blueworld.co.za, which revamped its website in March this year, has launched a mobile channel for its growing user base.
Members can now browse and engage in a majority of Blueworld's features via their cellphone. From sending and receiving messages and updating mini blogs to reading news and checking upcoming events.
The Blueworld community is built around the local nightlife scene and a major market penetration of 18-28 is expected this year. According to Blueworld, over 40 000 South Africans in this segment are visiting the site on a monthly basis.
"Most young people are not always at their PC's and need to maintain communications and links with their friends at all times when they are on the move. It is an 'always on' world and our users need to be involved anytime and anywhere, so a mobile platform is an essential piece of the Blueworld strategy, says Blueworld operations manager, Charl Norman.
According to Blueworld, penetration of cellphones in the youth market outstrips the PC by a long way. The gap continues to narrow as connectivity in South Africa slowly improves but for the medium term there is a perfect opportunity for growth in the mobile space.
Mobile social networking is a huge emerging trend globally. Facebook dominates mobile social networking in the UK with 557 000 users.
"Exciting advertising opportunities lie ahead on mobile platforms especially with the large penetration of cellphones in South Africa. Vodacom has been evangelising mobile marketing this year and touting mobile as the next big thing. We plan to be there in full force and offer a range of marketing vehicles on the platform," says Blueworld business manager, Bradley Voges.
Blueworld is available on your PC at www.blueworld.co.za and on your phone at m.blueworld.co.za
- News24