Influenster: A New Addiction

      I realize that it hasnbeen awhile since I've posted any fresh content, but Ihave been really busy and struggling with my PMDD for the past 3 weeks or so. Anyway, I wanted to quickly take the time to mention a new addictive website that my lil' sis Crystal (http://yayasideas.blogspot.com) turned me on to. It's called Influenster and it's pretty cool. I would compare it to Foursquare in the way that you collect badges but it's so much more than that. On this site, you win points for completing tasks relating to different brands and products. You collect badges and have the opportunity to qualify for some awesome "prizes", just by offering your opinion on products, writing reviews and filling out surveys. My sister actually snagged a cool "gift" to try out and post a review on her blog. These "gifts" are called Vox Boxes. Continue for more info regarding this highly addictive site...

      -From influenster.com:

"

What Is Influenster

Influenster is a free -to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products.

So...what exactly is Influenster? So glad you asked. Here’s a handy definition that would make Merriam-Webster proud:

Influenster [in-floo-uhn-ster]

noun

An exclusive online community where tastemakers and trendsetters (such as yourself) come to share the latest and greatest news, places, products, and reviews with each other. 2. The hotspot you just bookmarked on your web browser that turns your social influence into sweet rewards.

Basically, Influenster is a place for culture junkies to come together and share their unique opinions of products and experiences. Active members of Influenster get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag from brands that thrive off the input (the good, the bad, and the ugly -- they just want to know what's up).

Do I have the chops to be a member?

Probably. Members have an active social life -- both online and offline -- and are always the first to tell friends about the latest discoveries. They want to be the first to know about the products other cool people are loving and hating. Is that you? Awesome, we want you as a member.

What’s involved in a membership?

As a member, you prove your influence by gaining Expert Badges and show how you live by earning LifeStage Badges...both of which are won in a variety of ways, such as: completing surveys, writing reviews, creating videos, and engaging in other social media.

What’s in it for me?

Very important. As a contributing member of Influenster, you get the chance to share your knowledge and know-how with other like-minded people.

You also get exclusive discounts on products and services based on the Expert Badges you unlock. You’ll have access to content and sales based on your influence and area of expertise.

As an active influencer, you’ll have the chance to get invites to Influenster programs so you can try the latest and coolest products catered towards your lifestyle before anyone else.

Members who participate actively on Influenster and engage in programs increase their opportunities to receive rewards.

If you participate in online challenges, play interactive games, spread the word to your friends, and gain currency within our system, you’ll earn serious street cred.

So wait, is this about getting free stuff?

Nope. If you’re here to mooch, this isn't the place for you. Nobody, no matter how high his or her Influenster Score, is guaranteed rewards. Even if you are offered a reward, you can always opt out. The real benefit of membership is access to exclusive content, product reviews, and discussion within a community of tastemakers. Perks are just the icing on the proverbial cake.

Why is this so fun?

There are many reasons. First and foremost, it's a forum for you and your peers to share your interests and discover what other trendsetters are doing and saying. It's like-minded people coming together to inspire one another and offer advice. Secondly, you’re competing with other members for the highest Influenster Score and Expert Badge scores. Just like a game that you can win, and winning is never not fun.

How did Influenster get started?

It was a dark and stormy night…wait, that’s not right. Influenster was started in 2010 by a team of people just like you: culture and beauty junkies with a whole lot of opinions about everything. We wanted a place to come together to share our opinions and hear what other people like us had to say about products and services. The goal? To learn what other influencers care about and to help brands make products that better serve us. After so many hours of labor, out popped Influenster -- an active community where real people share their experiences and give feedback to improve the products we use and the world we live in (yeah, we went there).

After all, you don't have to be a celebrity to think Diet Coke is bubbly and delicious. Every one of us can be influential in different areas with opinions that matter. As consumers, we want to know what other people like us think about products. Influenster is our answer. We give your opinions a voice and your feedback a direct route to brands and trendsetters."

 

      You do have to apply for an invite, like how Pinterest used to be, but once you get it, it's really worth it. I hope you all have a chance to check out this site. In fact, if you do, I'd love to know how you feel about it. Feel free to leave a comment and don't forget to click on the topmommyblogs.com badge in the right hand sidebar to help me get to the top! Thanks for stopping by!

~XoXo Jess