Spotted by Locals 2.0 - Truly local tips in 70+ cities

I really appreciate how Spotted by Locals doesn't use ads for revenue. Clean-cut, honest business that isn't focused on trying to sell you something else and take advantage of users as products or consumers is uncomfortably hard-to-find nowadays. It's as if other business models have ceased to exist. In this environment, it's almost a revolutionary action to go against the current and resist misusing ads just to keep your product approachable. That said, some people I have talked to who would be otherwise interested in using Spotted by Locals are scared away by the $3.99 price tag (they did say though that if that $3.99 included access to all cities they just might take the plunge -- Black Friday logic, I suppose). Also, a surprisingly high number of people can't be bothered or are even scared to use a credit card to buy an app on their phone. Do you find it hard to navigate the "free at a price" economy that has emerged with the arrival of smartphones? Does your main target audience, presumably though of course not exclusively Gen-Y and Millennial urban travellers, and the kind of demographic who would actually pay money for an app (which I think in the end is the real barrier for entry, not the price itself) overlap significantly?

Ideal for travelers who prefer a local twist and hate queuing up in touristic places. Give it a shot :)

Pros:

Offline maps, user friendly, practical

Cons:

Could use a bit more advanced graphics

This app is incredible. You can hone in on a Spotter that has the same taste as you, and see the city through their eyes. Haven't visited a Spot yet that wasn't exactly as described. And the Spotters always seem super passionate about what they write about.

when I found out about Spotted by Locals, I became a little bit obsessed by the amazing feel of what they were trying to do. I've always tried to find the sites, sounds and smells of a city that the locals hang out in and this hit the mark with helping with that.

You can always find a city guide that is similar to your style and they seem to make visiting a city that much more enjoyable.

The app price is great and it beats all the usual waffling you get in a city guide.

Clear, concise and an amazing and different way to explore a city.

Pros:

Offline maps, great selection of sites to visit, a different perspective on cities.

Cons:

More pictures of "spots" would be cool. More cities are also needed/

One day I checked some popular tourist guides for the city that I live in and saw that I would never eat in the top 10 restaurants listed in those guides. They were naturally touristy, far from local taste, normalized for an average tourist. And I searched for a guide written by locals for tourists that really want the local deal. and I ended up with spotted by locals app. I use it in every city, offline map is great and I was never disappointed with the local suggestions. It is great to feel the vibe of the city

More personal and more unique than any other app! You're going to find real people doing real things with these maps, and immerse yourself into the culture and city you are visiting.

see above

Pros:

offline maps, spots reviewed regularly

Cons:

can't think of any

I've found some very cool places through this product when I've been travelling

Pros:

Super handy app plus really great recommendations from locals that are always up to date

Cons:

Not available for all cities

Have used this to discover places even in my hometown :)