Welcome back to The Shoppe! This week we’re talking about TikTok launching their DMA geo-targeting feature, Clubhouse releasing an Android version, QR codes making a comeback, and more! Don’t forget to subscribe so you can be notified every time we post!

TikTok has just recently announced a range of new promotions, ad tools, and education sessions to celebrate National Small Business Month! These additions will help small businesses make better use of the platform while providing more opportunities for promotion via short video clips. One of these new elements is the push to help amplify SMBs with the #SupportSmallBusiness hashtag. Throughout this month, the TikTok community can show their love for their favorite small business by using this hashtag. Though not every small business will be able to create viral content, TikTok is hoping these promotions can enhance SMB discovery through the app. Another exciting announcement is that of TikTok’s new partnership with Nielsen that will enable businesses to utilize Nielsen's Designated Market Area (DMA) geo-targeting for their campaigns. This will allow businesses to reach customers/users in the United States with a more specific location targeting option which will also increase these SMB opportunities. Last but not least, the app is launching a TikTok for Business Club on Clubhouse that will host a series of interviews with SMBs that have experienced success on the platform. 



Livestream Shopping Takes eCommerce to the Next Level

Over the course of the past few years, livestream shopping has exploded in China and is now emerging into the United States as U.S. brands and retailers have begun to experiment. Take Walmart for example, who brought shoppable livestream experiences to TikTok and included a “Spring Shop-Along: Beauty Edition'' with TikTok creator Gabby Morrison, who has more than 3.5 million followers. Nordstrom and The Home Depot are also in on the livestream shopping trend. Mark Yuan, co-founder and CEO of And Luxe, predicts that the U.S. will see “significant traction” with livestreaming and it “will be a very important part of eCommerce.” Yuan sees livestreaming as most effective for retail segments with a large number of SKUs, like apparel. 

Clubhouse Introduces Android Version - Finally!

An Android version of the audio social platform, Clubhouse, is now available in limited beta as the wider launch is in the near future. The plan for the next few weeks is to collect feedback from the community, then fix any issues that arise before rolling it out into even more locations. Currently, there are a few significant limitations including the lack of options to follow topics, inability to create or manage clubs, and no option to update your name or username in the app. Clubhouse’s lack of an Android app has caused growth to slow significantly, as competitors such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram all begin to add Clubhouse-like audio social options to their platforms. With the invite-only feature being one of the platform’s keys to rapid growth in its early months, it could also be seen as a limitation. However, Clubhouse claims that the quick growth influenced a shift in focus to hiring, fixing, and company building which will help the company to better serve the community in the long run. It will be interesting to see if Clubhouse can keep an edge over competitors now that the Android version is released!

QR Codes Make a Comeback

QR codes were created in 1994 and marketers placed them on everything from drink labels to billboards. However, many consumers viewed these QR codes as a gimmick being that it was a clunky user experience that lacked a clear benefit for the consumer. This all changed once the pandemic hit and renewed interest in the untapped potential of QR codes. The pandemic made it necessary to social distance and avoid contact as much as possible, reintroducing QR code technology into the picture. Retail and dining sought touch-free options to stay afloat and consumer views changed to seeing these codes as a benefit, being that they didn’t have to touch everything such as menus, payment terminals, or pens. As a result, the global contactless payment technology market is now anticipated to reach nearly $4.7 trillion by 2027 and QR codes are becoming marketers’ go-to solution for connecting the digital and physical worlds. Additionally, many companies use QR codes to offer special sales and contests, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Knowing both the benefits and security risks of QR codes can be very beneficial for senior marketers and business leaders. Click here to follow the three steps to tap into the power of QR codes moving forward!