“Since I like to know about events before they happen, I got the idea to set up a community with a calendar to which external news sources and local radio are linked. That way, everyone can instantly see what’s happening in the village.”
The village of Blatzheim is located near Cologne and has recently introduced the Socie app. The village has a close-knit community with many associations. So that even people who are not directly affiliated with the associations can participate in events, Jens Hansen initiated a pilot project for a village app. This was so successful that the app now remains in structural use and can further strengthen the village community. We spoke with Jens about his experiences with Socie.
Can you tell a little more about your community?
Blatzheim is a typical village near Cologne, near Kerpen. The village is quite large, with a strong village community and many associations. Our village chief is very active. Blatzheim already has its own website, where he always posts updates afterwards about what happened in the village. Although I volunteer in the village, I am not a member of any association. Therefore, I do not hear what is going on until it is already over. Since I like to know about events before they happen, I got the idea to set up a community with a calendar that integrates external news sources and local radio. That way, everyone gets an immediate sense of what is happening in the village.
I then stumbled upon Socie. We tested the app through a pilot project. By now, 10% of the residents are using the app. I am very satisfied with that. The app has been really well received, especially because of the interactive modules.
The app’s features and value for money are simply unmatched. We fund the app with donations. Within a week we had raised half of an annual license for the Socie app.
What does your community use the app for?
The overview module is used the most. I set it up so that you can immediately see the calendar and what is going on in the village.
The bulletin board is also widely used. Here members can talk to each other and have contact.
We send regular push notifications. This keeps everyone informed and gets the most important updates directly to their phones.
Wealso use the photo album often, for example to share photos of activities.
Of course, for now, I’m kind of the pioneer and idea provider – but I think the app will keep running by itself over time. I really see a lot of potential for the Socie app, both in our village and throughout the region. That is why we are also going to issue a press release in the local media.
How was the installation of the app?
I have a lot of experience in software development and am technically inclined. Therefore, the installation was easy. I quickly worked with it. Of course it took some getting used to, but you find your way around quickly. My goal during the pilot phase was to also lower the threshold for other villagers to get an app. I said: click on everything, see if you get the piece. That didn’t happen. And now we enjoy using the Socie app.
How was the introduction of the app?
Our village forester immediately thought it was a good idea to introduce a village app. We promoted it through Instagram and Facebook, printed flyers and distributed them in the village. These were really decisive. In addition, we explained everything in detail on our village website and put up posters in various shop windows. This way, the information about the app was constantly present and residents had time to get into the idea.
What were the initial reactions to the app?
The initial reactions were very positive. Our village forester got most of the responses and indeed heard only praise. Some had questions, but once those were answered, they also liked the app.
“Our village forester got most of the responses and indeed heard only good things.”
Who manages the app?
I manage the app alone for now, but it’s going well. I can try out new ideas without objection. If they work, that’s super; if they don’t work, I just revert them.
Who uses the Socie app?
We did not collect specific data on age, but I estimate that most active users are 30+. Older residents use the app primarily as a source of information.
How do you and your members feel about using the app so far?
We are very pleased. We fund the app through donations, and the willingness to give is definitely there. We are also sending a press release to the local media. I hope to reach even more people this way, including in surrounding villages.
What is the added value of the Socie app?
The main added value for us is the quick availability and retrieval of information. Everyone gets easy access to news and events and always stays informed via push notification. The app brings the community closer. Instead of going to town for tutoring or to pick something up, you can now do it directly in the village. Thus, everything revolves around one’s own place.
Which features do you find most useful?
One module that I really like is the website module. With this, I can offer all the doctors, restaurants, associations and other businesses in the village conveniently listed. For example, if someone is looking for a hairdresser, they can find it directly through the app.
I also really like the message board because it allows a lot of interaction.
But we also often use the ability to link an RSS feed or send push notifications.
“One module that I really like is the website module. With it, I can organize all the doctors, restaurants, clubs and other facilities in lists and make them available.”
What are you doing to recruit new members for the app?
I have created a reception group in the app, where you can communicate with me as administrator. That is where I am now gathering ideas on how to recruit new members.
Information about the app must be constant. One post on social media is not enough. We will probably hang QR codes, posters and so on all over the village. I am still working on a concrete strategy involving residents. Eventually, the app must become self-sustaining.
Would you recommend the Socie app to other communities?
Sure. I hope that after our press release there will be demand from other villages in the region. In terms of features and price, the Socie app is really unmatched.
“In terms of features and price, the Socie app is truly unmatched.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It was important to me from the beginning that the process of app implementation be transparent and that people know what I do. That’s why I set up a separate website with important information about the app. I think it’s essential to support each other in a community. Socie confirms that feeling.
When installing the app, the instructions and practical examples on the website helped me most of all. I read them all and therefore always knew what I could do.
From now on, I will tell anyone who wants to hear about Socie. An unparalleled app.
