NEW DELHI: MagicBricks.com, the leader in the Indian online realty space, has been very proactive in connecting with its users, not just on the website, but on social media as well - becoming one of the pioneers in the Indian context of reaching out to its users on Facebook.
Having clocked over 45K likes, the Facebook page of MagicBricks.com sees a lot of activity, both from buyers and sellers, and serves as a valuable launch pad and feedback platform for gaining instant user insight and response.
In order to build brand connect and to engage this follower base, MagicBricks.com decided to launch a topical app aimed at the New Year - one that would enable users to "make a new year resolution". That's not all - the app came with a twist.
People normally forget new-year resolutions... this app came with a promise that it would help people remember their resolutions right through 2013 - by periodically posting their resolutions back on their timelines. This app was therefore rightfully named as "My Abiding Resolutions 2013".
My Abiding Resolutions of 2013 was launched in December 2012 and responses snowballed within just a few days of its launch. The active users on the app came from all parts of India & abroad and direct campaign influencers were over 400,000. Participants ranges across all age groups starting from 13 to 60 years.
Explaining the idea behind the app, Sudhir Pai, Business Head, MagicBricks.com explained, "We positioned My Abiding Resolutions 2013 as an attempt to 'Build a Relationship' and become part of our user's most intimate wishes. Resolutions were completely open ended and not necessarily linked to anything specific to MagicBricks.com."
"The overarching brand assurance was - MagicBricks.com will help you "not forget" your important resolutions or dreams. Based on user permission, the app will repost the commitment to each user's wall periodically. This will also give us opportunity to engage with these users with defined frequency in future," Pai added.
A voting leader board was created in the app itself so that users can search, view and vote for their favorite resolutions. Scores to decide the winners were displayed in realtime - ensuring transparency, as also promised on MagicBricks.com. In addition, a dedicated friends corner gave opportunity to participants to invite their friends to vote for them and generated some interesting interactions among participants.
Here are some Winning Voices of "Resolute" Participants -
Shakti Nayan's resolution: To get a makeover this year. I want to look different!
"Recalling 2012, I thought of making a resolution regarding getting better grades this year! However, I differed from it when my results went well. It's time now to work on my looks! Hence a resolution for an image makeover came in my mind and since MagicBricks gave me a chance, I made it public!
Thanks for this great initiative MagicBricks, it will prove to be a didactic for all of us, strengthening our thoughts towards visualization of what we have planned!"
Nidhi Bansal's resolution: To provide free education to at least 25 students.
"This app is fantastic and really appreciable. It is really very easy to operate it and also the most 'wowsum' thing is cover photo behind every resolution. It gave a really awesome look, overall loved it. I think 3 friends already voted for me. Love and proud to be a part of this initiative by MagicBricks.com."
Soni Shashi's resolution: To make myself well insured so that my family does not have to worry when I am not there.
"This is a very good app from MagicBricks.com. Many of my friends have also participated in this contest and we all competed to win. I made this resolution because I am a financial advisor and know the value of insurance."
Rinky Mehta's resolution: I will try to stay away from internet.
"Came to know about this wonderful application through the newspaper. I never ever saw a contest like this. I made this resolution because I used to spend a lot of time surfing internet and now I have glasses on my eyes."
Nitinn Sharma's resolution: I will control my anger.
"This is a really unique contest. I made this resolution because I suffered a lot in the previous year due to my anger."
Abbas Ali Arif's resolution: Help towards creating a better society with justice and equality for all, specially women.
"This is a really good initiative from MagicBricks.com. I made this resolution because I really want to follow it."
The list of winners of the competition is available on - https://www.facebook.com/magicbricksTOI/app_417054171697342
While the last date for submitting entries for the competition was 15th Jan, however the app will remain live - reinforcing convictions and resolutions throughout the year.
MagicBricks.com wishes you Success in 2013!
About MagicBricks.com:
MagicBricks.com provides a platform for property buyers and sellers to locate properties of interest and source information on the real estate space in a clear and transparent process. With in-depth analysis and revolutionary next-gen services customized specifically to address the needs of property seekers and the real estate industry, MagicBricks.com is the leader in online real estate in India.
MagicBricks.com was launched by Times Business Solutions Limited, part of The Times of India Group in August 2006, and has grown to become India's largest property portal. With over 8,000,000 listings from across the country, MagicBricks is the biggest online property marketplace in the country.
This achievement is not by chance, but by design - based on rigorous research, unique product developments and innovations that users have supported and embraced, including pioneering Geo Grouped Inventories, Intelligent Auto Suggest, Nearby Localities, Real Estate Dialogues, PropIndex and GuruTalk. With many new products and services under development, MagicBricks will continue to provide ever-increasing value to its clients and users, and will enhance its leadership in the online property space.
Primary Media Contact: Aseem Seth, aseem.seth@timesgroup.com, 91-9910273367