Brightkite Puts More Stock in User Badges
Brightkite announced in a blog post this week that users will now have the ability to earn different levels of badges, a move that clearly indicates that the winner in the location-based services race are the consumers.
With this new functionality, users will be able to track their progress in the status bar on the badge. Take the Slick pic badge – users need to post 10 photos to Brightkite to earn this badge, which can all be tracked via the iPhone app or web.
Once you get to level 1, users will find out how to get to level 2, and so on.
In the blog post, Brightkite wrote:
The biggest reason to introduce levels to our badges was so stores, bars, restaurants and brands have a way to reward you, their customers. We think a business should reward all their loyal customers, not just one person. Expect to see a range of branded badges that are both fun to earn and also give you real world rewards as you hit different levels. Think of this like an airlines reward program – if you fly enough you get better seats and free flights – when you reach the right levels with our branded badges, those brands are going to reward you.
As part of the badge levels, Brightkite announced a few partnerships with Sharpie, Dentyne and Redbook. More are on the way with McDonalds, Visa and the CW.
The concept is an interesting one, as I mentioned, it provides consumers with more opportunities to get free stuff and earn rewards, as opposed to Foursquare (the leader in the location-based services space) programs that reward mostly mayors.
Regardless, Brightkite's new program will undoubtedly have Foursquare, Loopt, Gowalla, Yelp and other services watching with a keen interest, resulting in more innovation and coolness for consumers.
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