If you are a foodie or even a secret foodie (who complains about food pictures on Instagram but secretly loves them), you have probably heard of the Tastemade app. If you haven’t, download it now, please. You need it. Also, brands need it.
Tastemade claims they are “not your mother’s food network.” Founders Larry Fitzgibbon, Joe Perez, and Steven Kydd started Tastemade as a channel on YouTube, and later developed the app. The app lets users create their own mini video reviews of their favorite restaurants and hot spots.
You’ll want to download the app to see the full reviews in all their glory. Depending on your location, you’ll find tons of popular reviews near you. All are unique in their own way, and will offer unique perspectives on each spot. Watch out, Guy Fieri, because regular people (with mostly regular hair) are comin’ for your job.
So why do brands necessarily need it? No matter what industry you are in, there are a few lessons to learn from Tastemade.
Empower Your Fans
Any brand can take the same idea of letting fans create their own videos, and you won’t just find reviews of restaurants on Tastemade, either. Grocery stores, coffee shops can all benefit from video reviews, and how about retail stores? With careful thought and effort, any brand can empower their fans through video.
Be Honest
Tastemade allows for honest, unbiased reviews, and there’s also no way for any businesses to really control what reviews they get. Of course, since the user is the star of the show, it’s unlikely that he or she will want to slam a business on camera. Any business can encourage honest reviews be posted to an appropriate forum. Customers will appreciate that they’re being asked for their honest opinions, and more often than not, will provide great feedback.
Have Fun
Depending on your brand, you can have as much fun as you want letting customers review your products or services. Position your customers with the right tools (video, apps, submission forms, etc.) and let their creativity fly.
Do you think an app like Tastemade can actually help the businesses reviewed? Tell us why or why not in the comments below.
