Here’s a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs). If you can’t find the answer to your questions here though, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free now at 1-866-651-0001. We’re here to help in any way that we can, and you can even speak directly with one of our TownWizard partners!
Q: Can I customize my website and mobile app?
We offer you a few options for color scheme and logo. First, you’ll choose a
color scheme to get started. Then, you’ll spend a couple of weeks adding content and developing marketing plans for the local guide website and app. In the meantime, our team will build the Content Management System (CMS), website, iPhone app and Android app that you will be using.
Q: How do I update content on the website, iPhone and Android apps?
We use an open-source Content Management System (CMS) known as Joomla to manage all content. It’s the same CMS used by many large companies such as eBay and McDonald’s. There’s a learning curve, but after a week or two of using it, you’ll be a seasoned pro. When you enter a restaurant or event into the CMS, it appears instantly across all of your platforms, including the website, iPhone, Android and all future TownWizard platforms such as iPad.
Q: What happens if I decide to cancel my account?
There’s no cancellation fee and you can cancel at any time 30 days advance notice to permit a smooth transition for those who have downloaded the Apps.
Q: I see you have apps for Android and iPhone users. Do you have a version for Blackberry or iPad users too?
Your new website has been designed to look great when viewed by other mobile users (including Blackberry users) through their smart phone’s Internet browser. Native apps are available for iPhone and Android. We’ve also started development of our iPad product! For more information, please call us at 1-866-651-0001.
Q: How much will new platforms (iPad, etc.) cost?
The costs will vary for new platforms, depending on how much each costs to develop. However, we always offer our existing partners significantly discounted rates on all new products for a limited time.
Q: So, is this a franchise or something?
TownWizard and you are independent contractors. We provide the software, tools, resources, experience, cross-promotion and advertising opportunity to help you create, launch and sustain a new mobile guide. You pay a one-time set-up fee of $795 and a $249 monthly support fee to use the CMS and our platform to upload content, sell ads and make money. In addition, TownWizard may also place advertising on your website and app and pay you 50% of the net advertising revenue such ad placements generate. [Please see Service Agreement for details]
Q: Does my new app come with a website too?
Sure does! Initially, you’ll choose from one of these basic website color schemes. Your website will look just like those although some modifications are allowed subject to TownWizard’s approval. The website and iPhone app and Android app you will be using will all pull data from the same source — the Content Management System. So when you enter any data (a restaurant listing; a new event; photos from that arts and crafts fair last Sunday), it appears simultaneously both on the mobile app and on the website.
Q: So, how do I make money?
There are many ways to make money from using TownWizard service, especially one as exciting as mobile computing, including ads, coupons, sponsorships, ecommerce, video and content distribution, branded merchandise, and more. The easiest to start with is ads. As the website and app you will be using becomes known as the #1 mobile guide to your community, advertisers will want to place their targeted message on your apps and website. As more and more people turn to you to learn where to dine locally and where to go for lively entertainment, advertisers will want to make sure that they stand out. We’ll provide you with sample ad sales kits and instructional videos on how to sell and place ads on the website and app. TownWizard is also developing product and services to enable partners to monetize their websites and apps. TownWizard may place advertising on your website and app and pay you 50% of the net advertising revenue such ad placements generate. Please see 1)
Professional Solution License Agreement and 2)
Business Solution License Agreement for details. Some of our partners have become profitable within their first few months of operation! Later, other revenue streams will present themselves, and we’ll share those ideas with you as well.
Q: What can I customize on the app?
You can easily add/delete content or information on the screens (restaurant listings, photos, videos, event listings). All screen designs / layouts are pre-established, but after we get you launched, configurations are free and some customization options are permitted for an additional charge for TownWizard Business Solution product. But don’t worry about that yet — let’s sell an ad or two first, so that you’re always operating from a total position of revenue strength!
Q: How much control will I have over my website?
You can edit most content on the pages easily using your Joomla CMS. We provide you with the templates for the app/website.
Q: Do I need to form a company to use your product?
No, it’s certainly not a requirement to sign-up for our service. You should always discuss such matters with a tax and/or legal professional.
Q: How will people find out about my app?
Both TownWizard and you are going to promote the website and app you will be using. Our partners have enjoyed excellent success using Google AdWords and Facebook ads, as well as viral marketing, social media and media trades. Because of the geographic nature of TownWizard, such online advertising campaigns can be very specific and very cost efficient. However, we’ve found that “word of mouth” works best in many locations. Our partners also participate in routine conference calls to share marketing ideas, ad rates and other useful info. It’s an outstanding way to learn what’s working in other communities. We also offer other tools to help you, such as press release announcement templates that you can quickly send out to local newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, etc. In addition, we actively promote the TownWizard brand through multiple marketing channels and PR efforts. The website and app you will be using will be included on TownWizard company website and app so that people can easily find your guide when they are using TownWizard.
Q: Can I charge users to download my app?
No, we do not permit people to charge for downloading the app. Get as many users as you can. Remove the barriers for people to download and use the app, and focus on getting market share so you can attract advertisers. One single ad placement could outweigh what you would charge for thousands of downloads.
Q: I’m not very good with computers.
Well, being good with software, Facebook, etc. will certainly make your life easier, but if you’re not the next Bill Gates, don’t worry. The Joomla CMS that we make available to you features very on-screen instructions and provides you with all you need to know to enter information about events, restaurants, bars and other “hot spots” in your area. Anyone can do it, if you’re willing to roll-up your sleeves and learn the CMS. Plus, we provide tutorial videos that walk you through each process, step by step. We’re adding new videos all the time, and you want view them at your own pace (over and over again, if necessary). For more information about the Joomla CMS, visit
www.joomla.org.
Q: If I purchase this product, who actually owns the app?
TownWizard is a service. We own the software and other technology used in the apps and other services we provide (such as the website you will be using), apart from some third party software, such as the Joomla CMS, which is licensed to us; with certain exceptions, you and we will share ownership of the content. [Please see the Service Agreement for details.] .
Q: Is your product only designed for small towns?
No, we are not limited to just small towns! Any hyper-local ‘community’ can have an app. We’ve partnered with large resorts who use the app as an on-site concierge and marketing tool. We’ve also partners with niche interest groups who share a common interest. Maybe you have a fishing enthusiast group in your community, or perhaps you want to create a mobile app that guides people to charming bed and breakfasts or kid-friendly parks in your town, the possibilities are endless!
Q: How much time will it take every day to manage my business?
Like any new endeavors, the more time you invest in your new venture, the faster it will grow. It just depends on your personal goals and timeline. The content / editorial stuff is very easy. Anyone can manage that content with just a couple hours a day. The great news is, you can do your work from anywhere with internet access: at home in your slippers, at your favorite local hangout, or even from a boat or another country! This business is designed to be
mobile.
We require you to regularly submit current, high quality content for inclusion into the website and app as well as fulfill your marketing obligations, which include the following:
- Maintain up-to-date, relevant Left Column content on the Website and Applications.
- Maintain robust list of daily events.
- Rotate and/or update event related photos weekly.
- Add at least 1 new photo category with images at least monthly.
- Add at least 1 new video to video category at least monthly.
- Regularly attend community events, festivals, meetings to promote the Website and Applications.
- Actively utilize social media outlets such as Facebook & Twitter with a minimum of at least 5 posts per week on each site.
- Seek partnerships with other local businesses to offer giveaways and promotions.
- Other non-required but highly encouraged marketing activities include the use of online pay-per-click advertising through Google, posters, postcards, promotional products and other advertising outlets.
- Print business cards.
- Develop a current Ad Rate Guide in electronic and print form. TW will support the development of these documents.
- Assist sales agent and TW sales and marketing consultants in the design and development of new collateral materials as needed.
Q: Are there any other expenses?
We strongly recommend that you hire a professional graphic designer to create a powerful logo for you. We can recommend some great designers who will design something for you for a low flat fee. But otherwise, your only cost is the initial start-up charge and then the monthly service fee. Should you ever decide to enhance the app and website with additional features and options, we offer those services for an extra charge (for partners using Business Solution product). But those are just options. Any other expenses (marketing, administrative, etc.) are entirely up to you and your business plan budget.
Q: What sort of customer support do you offer?
You will find that the TownWizard software is easy to use once you get over the initial Joomla CMS learning curve, but we’re here to help answer any questions that you have.
All of our partners are given access to a special customer support website, with tons of information and resources. We will also provide guidance to you on the generation of a local ad sales effort and marketing campaign. We provide basic technical support, but you also have the option to request that TownWizard provide additional support for a fee.
Plus, once every few weeks, all of our partners get on a conference call together and share ideas, ad rates, etc. It’s an amazingly powerful way to learn what’s working in other communities! We also have a Partner Mentoring program to help new partners get launched.
Q: Can your mobile apps and Content Management System be integrated with my existing website?
Most of the time, yes! Our apps can be integrated with existing websites for a nominal customization fee. Please call us at 1-866-651-0001.
Q: I don’t have an iPhone or Google Android phone. Can I still use the TownWizard software?
No, we require that you own a smartphone before you sign up to become a partner. If you don’t have one, get one today and you can sign up with us.
Q: Will you be adding new features in the future?
DEFINITELY! The boys down in the lab are already dreaming up tons of cool new stuff to add to the next version of the website and apps. We’re always working to improve the core product, and we’re expanding to other platforms too! We focus on that stuff, while you focus on serving as the go-to expert for dining, entertainment and event information in your town.
Q: How do my customers get the app I will be using on their phone
It’s very easy! First, your app will be distributed through Apple’s iTunes Store (via TownWizard container app if you use TownWizard 2.0 product) and the Google Android market (for free), anyone can download it, right on their phone. When the new app goes live, we’ll also provide you with a direct link to your app on iTunes and the Google market place. That way, you can promote the link in your email signature, email newsletters, Twitter, on Facebook, etc. Plus, of course, you’ll promote the app on your new companion website, which we provide. In addition, your location, the app, and the website will be included on the TownWizard website and TownWizard app.
Q: What about competing apps that provide “local” information like Yelp and UrbanSpoon?
Well, if you live in Manhattan, San Francisco or Chicago, those apps might be able to help you find some good local restaurants. But their information is notoriously useless when it comes to smaller markets and other lifestyle/entainment information. Why? Because they don’t know your town or neighborhood as well as local entrepreneur like you. They don’t know the secret little local hangouts. No one tells them when a restaurant closes, or who just changed up their menu, or who just changed owners. And those are just the dining secrets. Those big national brands certainly don’t know which spot features live jazz tonight and they don’t have any information about that great street party taking place near the park this weekend. You’ll always know your home and neighbors better than those guys, and because you’re an expert on your town, you’ll always have a competitive advantage over those more generic apps.
Q: Do you host the web site and mobile apps?
Yes! We provide all hosting. In addition, TownWizard will be responsible for securing all rights to the URL for the Website, including maintaining the registration for the URL with the TownWizard domain name registrar. [Please see TownWizard Service Agreement for details].
Q: Does the website work across all smart phone platforms (iPhone, Blackberry, Windows, etc.)?
Yes. Any phone with a web browser can view your website. In addition, we have native apps for iPhone and Android users, with an iPad app coming soon.