Future implementation

In the future we want to implement the functionalities we were not able to include in the initial version. These include for example:

• The group formation function, with which the users can form local groups and as a group show a traveler around. The groups could be related to e.g. hobbies.
• We can utilize Facebook more by fetching different data from there, for example birthdays and hometowns can be utilized in our service and thus diminish the user effort in inputting the data.
• We want the service to send reminders to the locals and the travelers after the day they agreed to meet in the invitation has passed. We believe this will increase the amount of comments and ratings given.
• A very crucial function from customer point-of-view is error reporting, which needs to be implemented before the service reaches beta-phase.

The other, still missing functionalities can be seen from the requirements documentation.

Advertising and promotional plan

Due to budget constraints, our aim is to mostly rely on social media and our imaginations. Our promotional methods could include:

• Viral marketing, which means that we are taking advantage of already existing social networks to increase brand awareness and to increase our user-base at low cost. It includes efficient utilization of social media like Facebook. For example, when logging in, the user can send invitations to his friends and thus, spread the word of our service. We could make postings to FB and Twitter both in our own profiles and the service’s profile, start traveling blogs to share our experiences, and write to student magazines. We should also join Aalto Entrepreneurship Society and pitch our idea to spread the word.
• Co-operation with existing organizations: we opt for partnering with e.g. Lonely Planet or KilroyTravels to gain access to already existing large customer base and huge amount of (free) publicity. To the partners we could offer the opportunity to improve their customer service. We could have co-operation also with tourist offices and hostels, which could distribute our material to tourists. One good partner would also be the guys from Madventures, who could promote our service on their web-site or in their show.
• Events, promotions: we could have special events held at different cities where the users of the service would gather together and hold different stunts etc. For example, the users could give out plastic glasses with different flags atatched to them.

Risks and their mitigation

Exit strategy

Our plan is to increase our customer base, which will become our most precious asset, and opt for either merging with someone or being acquired by someone. We plan to exit within the next 2 years.