Elfster has been around for ten holiday seasons and we wanted to take a quick look back and towards the future to see where we’ve been, and where we’re going. It’s also a great way for us to show new users “the way things were” and to assure all users that we’re listening to your feedback and continuing to grow and refine our service.
ELFSTER MOBILE
When we first started Elfster, smart phones were really in their infancy. Blackberry was as good as it got until the second generation of iPhones exploded and Androids entered the market. Since our inception, we’ve added not only a full mobile Elfster site, but an app as well.
We’ve been working hard on both of those projects this year — recapturing that feeling of excitement we had when we first introduced wishlists to mobile browsing. Overall, we’re finalizing some little touches that will give elves new ways to organize exchanges on mobile site. We’re also building a new iPhone app from the ground up, with Android to follow — both of those are big projects we’re hoping to launch next year.
NEW EXCHANGE POSSIBILITIES
Elfster grew beyond just a Secret Santa exchange after its first year, and we’re seeing groups use our site in incredibly creative ways year round. To help support these groups, we’ve added several new ways to organize exchanges, including co-organizers. We’ve also added new ways to categorize exchanges, such as Back to School.
We’re changing the way you use your wishlists by allowing you to include quantities. This means users can create lists like a Wedding Registry or Baby Registry by pulling in their desired items from multiple sites and stores, meaning you no longer need to send your guests to three or four separate lists from multiple retailers! We’ll announce when this feature is live on our Facebook and Twitter.
MORE OOMPH DURING THE HOLIDAYS
We pride ourselves on having Elfster always available and lightning quick. Your time is precious and we respect that. This year, we are starting even earlier than usual to make sure we are ready for the millions of Elfster users that will visit during the holiday season.
WE’RE LISTENING
Many of the site’s best improvements have come from user suggestions. By the end of the year we’re looking at more control over who sees your birthday notifications, updating a huge number of gift categories on the site including books and music, and charitable efforts to pass forward the fantastic goodwill we’ve received from all of you over the years. If you have a suggestion, don’t hesitate to email us, drop by the Facebook page, or Tweet us.
Want to stay up to date on the latest with Elfster?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elfster
Twitter: @Elfster
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/elfster1/
Email us: help@elfster.com
