Luvocracy: The New Pinterest

Luvoacracy is a new site whose premise is people are more willing to purchase a product if it is recommended by a friend. According to the article, 92% of people trust the word of mouth more than any type of advertisement. Luvocracy allows people to post and group products that they like, want, or recommend. Unlike Pinterest, Luvocracy doesn't allow you to post anything that isn't currently available to purchase. The inventors of Luvacracy learned from the frustrations of Pinterest because many pinners get annoyed when they follow a pin to a website that does not lead to a website where you can purchase the product. Luvocracy allows you to see friends picks and a way to actually buy it. Another perk to Luvocracy, if a friend buys something that you recommend you can actually get a percentage back. You have the option of it being credit on your Luvocracy account or can receive an actual check. This encourages people to really recommend products that their friends would enjoy as well.
I believe this site has potential. I already created an account! I am a known online shopaholic but I do think this could be appealing to casual online shoppers as well. Luvocracy takes Pinterest and amps it up a little bit. It adds a sophisticated twist to the idea of Pinterest and turns it into a place of commerce. This also allows a way for the website a way to make money, which is an issue for many social sites when they start growing. Luvacracy will need time to spread the word and to get people on board for another social site. However, I do think this has a special niche and will gain a big following, especially among women.

Source: http://mashable.com/2013/03/28/luvocracy/