Bronx Profile: ‘ShoptheBronx.net’ Founder Maria Musaccio
by Koi Germany
Kicking off the Bronx Chronicle’s new weekly Bronx Profile feature is Ms. Maria Musaccio, CEO and founder of the online marketing tool, $hoptheBronx.net.
Beginning in 2011 as a service for the consolidation and distribution of coupons, Ms. Musaccio gradually shifted gears and designed what would become the site’s current incarnation. A marketer of local merchants, ShoptheBronx.net assists smaller, typically mom and pop businesses in managing their online presence allowing owners to remain “focused on running the business.”
To this end, Ms. Musaccio acts as an advocate and advertiser, utilizing her own presence on social media such as Instagram and Twitter to get the word out.
Questioned on the response of her clients, she conveyed that “Merchants provide positive feedback,” citing the multifaceted nature of her duties. “I let them know and keep them aware” of the many opportunities for publicity and consumer interaction, Ms. Musaccio says she lines up for her business clients. This in turn, she says, leads to “a lot of repeat merchants.”
The topic of discussion then shifted to Ms. Musaccio’s method of marketing her own business in a ‘Who advertises the advertiser?’ scenario.
Again citing social media as the most potent weapon in her arsenal, Musaccio specified a rather simple, yet powerful device as a means of attracting patrons: Sweepstakes.
For example, Ms. Musaccio offered entrants to a particular drawing a Valentine’s Day cosmetic makeover by partnering with local salons to provide the services. Proud of her staggering numbers, she stated, “Three-hundred people entered and one-thousand saw the event [online].”
For her, the benefits are two-fold: Businesses which sponsor events introduce themselves to a potentially new customer base, while Ms. Musaccio reaps the benefits of both satisfied winners and pleased patrons. “It’s word of mouth marketing. People tell people based on positive experiences.”
She also dabbles in charity work, partnering with Montefiore Children’s Hospital in the Bronx for their annual toy drive. “We managed to collect over five-hundred toys, the largest toy donation [turnout] ever.”
With this slew of accolades under her belt, Musaccio was asked about her future plans for ShoptheBronx. “I want to develop an app which would be easier to use and more efficient.”
Businesses interested in the services of $hoptheBronx.net, may contact Maria Musaccio at marie@adtraffick.com.
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