Social platform creates network of trusted recommendations

Vineloop is a social platform that enables users to create an exclusive network of friends in order to hear their trusted recommendations on a range of subjects.

Commonly, the personal value of a social media platform is measured by the number of friends, contacts or followers. However, when it comes to recommendations, startup Vineloop believe the smaller the network the better, and this month launched a platform that enables users to create an exclusive network of friends in order to hear their trusted recommendations on a range of subjects. Vineloop is the brainchild of long-time friends Lou Vastardis and Darren Pulito. After years of making recommendations to each other and often acting on these tips, they realized the opinions of a few trusted friends are more valuable than the opinions of many people with potentially dissimilar tastes. To begin using the platform, individuals send Vineloop requests to the friends whose opinions they value most on specific subjects — for example, restaurants, wine or music — with a limit of five friends per subject. The user will then be given access to the recommendations of these trusted friends, as well as recommendations from the people those friends trust most. Vineloop call this network a “Trustline”. Recommendations are given using a “True10” floating slider rating system, which acknowledges opinions change over time and allows for ratings to be adapted, keeping them accurate and relevant. Those giving recommendations can also add brief commentaries to their tips, and reviews can be posted on Twitter and Facebook. Vineloop is currently only available from the App Store, but work is proceeding on a web browser and Android version. The video below explains Vineloop in more detail: According to Vineloop, 90 percent of consumers trust recommendations from people they know more than any other form of advertising. With this in mind, how could you make it easier for your customers to recommend your business?