Royal Mail Smiles on Facebook

Internet communication through email, social networking etc is often thought of as the deadly enemy of the traditional postal service. However in the UK the Royal Mail is trying to leverage social media to support its existing business.

The Mail has launched a new app on Facebook called Smile Calendar. This allows users to mark special dates such as birthdays, anniversaries or simply good days and associate them with photos.

So far so usual. What makes Smile Calendar different is that it integrates with the Royal Mail’s Smiler stamp service. Smilers allow you to personalise your post by combining an official stamp with a specially printed “stamp” made from your photo. The Smile Calendar makes it easy to produce these Smilers when required for special events. It’s a cool idea and a great way to integrate old media with new.

The Royal Mail’s John Rowley said:

We are delighted with the Facebook application. By exploring digital channels we’re reaching the millions of Royal Mail customers who have embraced social networks. The Smile Calendar ties together their online and offline experience, giving them a way to share their favourite social events and produce matching stamps to customise their post.