Ello is a new social media platform designed by a small group of artists and designers. It started as a private network which is now available publicly, but with an 'invite only' membership.
Is it an anti-social media platform to fight back against Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn who are now set on squeezing money out of us as they monetise using advertising and fees for premium add-ons. They're certainly positioning it that way. Or is it a network which is more social and simple to use - in line with their strapline 'Simple, Beautiful and Ad-Free'?
Ello is currently available in beta form only and is only accepting new members by invite only, which some have suggested is restricting growth and goes against the ethos of a social network. However, Google Trends suggests a lot of interest since it was launched publicly in April this year, and it seems it's getting a viral boost. In the chart below we have compared it to the film about Facebook rather than Facebook itself since it wouldn't register compared to searches about Facebook.
The community platform has all the expected social network features to allow users to follow, collate lists, to mention other users and comment though appears to be more visual in its display with images and gifts. Ello founder, Paul Budnitz is refreshingly self-deprecating when he talks about Ello, but manages a nice dig at Facebook when he says:
'Ello isn't polished or easy to use; its search functions are limited and it may not have a long term raison d'etre. If it doesn't flourish on its own it may still have a lasting impact as a reminder that users come to social media for the personal relationships and that data driven advertising may need to tread more carefully. Unlike Facebook which we don't consider a social network but an advertising platform'.
Is Ello the next major social network? What do you think?
Perhaps it could be since it was reported that 31,000 users were signing up an hour at one stage and VentureBeat shares the current profiles and activity levels of a sample of 160K Ello users.
We would love to hear from any Ello users who have actually received access - is the network social enough to use yet?
By Susanne Colwyn
Susanne is a Marketing Consultant and Trainer, with over 20 years marketing experience in the public and private sector. She's passionate about supporting companies with practical result driven marketing, to help focus companies on evaluating and driving their marketing forward. Experienced in Integrated Strategic Marketing Planning, Data Segmentation, Customer Relationship Management Systems, Customer Insight and reviewing internal systems, data and processes, to maximise conversion strategies and the customer experience. You can connect with her via her LinkedIn or follow her @Qtymarketing.
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