Why the team behind this drinking app goes to all the Baltimore festivals

The team behind drink deal locator app Loople is working on the software, but they also need users. That requires meeting people wherever they drink.
In the summer, they hosted a three-weekend bar crawl series to get the word out. As far as gaining exposure, it earned 400 new downloads.
But in the fall in Baltimore, that means heading to festivals and other events. Founder Phil DiMuro and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Phelan have been at events showing potential users Loople 2.0, which adds a list view of drink specials in an area of the city to go with a map, and a feature that allows users to explore specials by hitting the “L” button on the home screen.
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“We realized that events are a great way to meet new people and show them the advantages to using our app,” Phelan said. “There are millions of apps out there and it is very difficult to stand out. It is a great way for the founders of the app to put a face behind the Loople name.”
Phelan and DiMuro have been at neighborhood events in Canton like the Chausser Block Party, and a Yappy Hour for beer lovers to bring their dogs in costumes. This weekend, they’ll be at Oktobearfest at the Maryland Zoo. Then it’s off to the Fells Point Fun Fest next weekend with koozies in tow. [Editor’s note: Be sure to check out this map of all the fall festivals in Maryland.] Loople also partnered with Baltimore Social Sports Leagues, and has been at their free-beer events.
According to Phelan, the app has racked up 5,300 users since version 2.0 was released. The event organizers get something out of the arrangement, too. Loople identifies the festivals on the app, and can change its welcome message to promote.
“As a young startup, you need to make every dollar count and it has proved to be very effective marketing for us,” Phelan said.