South African startup Brandbook has launched its mobile app that rewards users for visiting partner stores, scanning product barcodes and uploading purchase receipts, with rewards convertible into free gift cards.
Initially formed last year but only now available to the public, Brandbook is aimed at helping clients drive direct unique impressions and increase sales using beacon technology to communicate with customers.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Bakuena Ntshasa told Disrupt Africa the startup bridges the gap between physical and digital marketing and engagement.
“We do this by engaging with the user digitally while they are at a specific physical location such as an aisle in a retail store or an area of interest in town,” Ntshasa said. “We can also give accurate consumer data that can be used by our partners to make better decisions.”
Brandbook has raised some equity and grant funding for the venture, which has resulted in the mobile app being released to the public.
“We are operating in the media sector of the market as we running marketing campaigns to boost our clients sales amongst other things,” said Ntshasa.
“We aim to partner with retailers and brand companies that have presence in other markets so we can increase our retail footprint in countries that are accustomed to the technology we are offering. Although the five-year plan is to remain in South Africa before expanding to other markets.”
