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Hummingbirds, a platform connecting local creators with regional brand campaigns, secures $5.4 million in funding.

Charise Flynn and Emily Steele

A New Era in Localized and Word-of-Mouth Marketing

In a bid to bridge the gap between brands and their target audiences, Hummingbirds, a female-founded startup, has emerged as a game-changer in the marketing landscape. This innovative platform connects hyperlocal content creators with brands that reward them for sharing products with their small and highly engaged communities via social media. The goal is to juice up marketing efforts by leveraging the power of localized and word-of-mouth promotion.

A $5.4 Million Seed Round and Plans for Expansion

On Wednesday, Hummingbirds announced a $5.4 million seed round, bringing its total funding to $10 million. This new capital will fuel the platform’s expansion into 20 more cities by 2025, including Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Denver, Colorado.

The Challenges of Local Marketing

Launched last year, Hummingbirds is built on a foundation that recognizes the struggles businesses face when trying to reach their local customers. Whether due to ineffective traditional advertising, limited budgets, or competition from other brands, local marketing can be a daunting task. Hummingbirds believes that the solution lies in leveraging nearby creators such as ‘PTA moms’ (parents who are actively involved in school activities like fundraising) and other locals to help promote products.

An Exclusive Interview with Co-Founder Charise Flynn

When asked about the platform’s approach, co-founder Charise Flynn told TechCrunch:

"When [brands] think about driving in-store behavior to these retailers, they need a new marketing tool, and that’s where Hummingbirds has really found that we can help those brands move quickly and build that brand awareness, build a loyal following, actually bring them customers who go back to the store and buy their product over and over."

The Benefits of Hyperlocal Marketing

Hummingbirds enables brands to launch targeted marketing campaigns aimed at local residents, encouraging them to share products on social media with their followers. With over 300 brand partners already on board, from well-known brands like ChopLocal, Cutwater, Goodles, and Olipop to smaller businesses and local chains such as AE Dairy and Fareway Grocery, the platform is gaining momentum.

Rewards for Creators

To incentivize participation, businesses offer rewards such as gift cards that range from $50 to $250, as well as complimentary experiences (such as a massage at a spa), free merchandise, and other perks. Hummingbirds takes 0% commission from creators, making it an attractive option for those looking to monetize their social media presence.

The Power of Nano Creators

Hummingbirds focuses on everyday creators who see social sharing as a hobby, with most of their followers being small and highly engaged communities. By tapping into this segment, the platform is able to deliver targeted marketing efforts that resonate with local audiences.

A Growing List of Partnerships

As Hummingbirds continues to expand its reach, it’s clear that the platform is gaining traction in the marketing landscape. With a growing list of partnerships and a strong focus on localized and word-of-mouth promotion, this innovative startup is set to revolutionize the way brands connect with their target audiences.

Investors Take Notice

The $5.4 million seed round announced by Hummingbirds has caught the attention of investors and industry experts alike. With plans to expand into 20 more cities by 2025, it’s clear that this platform is poised for significant growth in the coming years.

A New Era in Local Marketing

As Hummingbirds continues to revolutionize local marketing with hyperlocal content creators, it’s an exciting time for brands and marketers looking to connect with their target audiences. With a strong focus on localized and word-of-mouth promotion, this innovative platform is set to change the game in the marketing landscape.

A Message from the Founders

The co-founders of Hummingbirds are passionate about providing a platform that enables hyperlocal content creators to monetize their social media presence while connecting with local audiences. As they continue to expand and grow, it’s clear that this startup is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the marketing industry.

Conclusion

Hummingbirds is a game-changing platform that recognizes the power of localized and word-of-mouth promotion. By leveraging hyperlocal content creators and offering rewards for participation, the platform is revolutionizing the way brands connect with their target audiences. With plans to expand into 20 more cities by 2025 and a growing list of partnerships, it’s clear that Hummingbirds is set to make a lasting impact in the marketing landscape.

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