What is an Appy Hour?

A lot of people are using the term "Appy Hour". Even more people are still wondering "What is an Appy Hour?" and a lot of people see the e-vite or term and assume it's a typo :)

It's not a typo and it's actually a fun way to be social and save some money - or (if you're the one hosting it), to make some money and gain some great marketing exposure!

Hosting an "Appy Hour" has become very geeky-chic. An Appy Hour ideally is a means to market yourself, your place of business, or service, by way of using an app to do so. Example; You own a little diner or pub. You have Appy Hour from 5-7pm. Guests/customers must check-in using specified app (Yelp, FourSquare, Facebook check-in etc) to receive the Appy Hour specials or discounts. This gives customers a reason to use the app - they're getting a special discount. And it gives you a lot of exposure because everyone that your guests/customers are connected to will see their friends at your establishment.

I've seen several very successful Appy Hours but as the trend gains popularity, I've also seen companies butchering the trend by just tossing the term out without backing it up with the actual "sport" of using an app.

Some companies are also using the term "appy hour" as a means to teach people what apps are most useful for their business. Sounds fun....ok, maybe not. :(  I worry this application of the Appy Hour will dampen the excitement of the trend. We don't want to suck the fun out of it do we?

Here's to keeping Appy Hours Appy (and Happy)!

Cheers!