We made it to our one-year anniversary, woohoo!!
As a solo founder with limited resources, technology knowledge, and support - I'm proud of what CitySwarm has accomplished in 2011 and feel confident that we will improve and grow tremendously in 2012. My top challenges will be advancing the site technologically, transition smoothly to offering more frequent events (with additional employees), and maintaining a competitive edge up against companies able to get much better prices due to high volume.
It's been quite the ride so far, but I'm happy to say CitySwarm was profitable in Year One and I'm excited about growth in 2012!
Please read below for the official press release.
CitySwarm Successful in Bringing Group Social Events to Chicago
Social event startup closes out profitable first year; excited for 2012
CHICAGO, February 14th 2012 – Launched in February 2011, CitySwarm is excited about a profitable first year in helping young Chicagoans explore the city in an easier and more social way through organized event experiences.
With no outside funding and less than $200 spent on advertising, CitySwarm used PR and social media to increase organic growth of its membership by over 300%
Facing competition from giants like LivingSocial Adventures, CitySwarm competes in the market by offering a wide range of events and by appealing to a niche demographic: 25-35-year-olds living in Chicago. Over 1,400 guests attended 34 events, like a summer patio party at Epic restaurant and a daylong trip to a nearby apple orchard. CitySwarm also offers non-for-profit volunteer events.
By providing direct access to an active, niche audience, CitySwarm offers local businesses effective, experiential marketing opportunities. At CitySwarm events, businesses get a specific audience trying their services first-hand, while CitySwarm and guests promote the experience through online and social media. CitySwarm events fill space on non-peak days, creating incremental revenue opportunities along with invaluable marketing exposure.
With access to a live audience and on-site sampling, sponsors have also found CitySwarm events to be high-impact, hyper-local marketing opportunities. In 2011, sponsors included local food businesses, CPG companies, technology companies, and a major beer brewery.
CitySwarm looks forward to 2012 and hopes to increase the membership even further while adding new, creative, and high-value events to the calendar.
About CitySwarm
CitySwarm, launched in February 2011, organizes event experiences for young, active Chicagoans who want to explore the city in an easier and more social way. Events include cultural outings, outdoor activities, happy hours, and day excursions, and are targeted towards urbanites ages 25-35. To find out more and subscribe, please visit http://www.cityswarmchicago.com. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/cityswarmchi and on Twitter @cityswarmchi.
Contact
Lindsay Saewitz, Founder (773) 340-1358 [email protected]
