LocalMaven announced the release of its mobile app that empowers businesses and rewards influencers for word-of-mouth referrals. The app, an extension of the website, aims to bring referrals into the modern digital age and become the central hub for referrals. Through the app, well-connected individuals, or "Mavens," earn commissions by connecting with their favorite businesses and sharing insider deals with their friends at their point of need.

The LocalMaven app creates a mutually beneficial situation where businesses, Mavens and customers all receive tangible benefits. Businesses can greatly expand their customer base by leveraging the social networks of their brand advocates and their passion to share. In turn, customers gain access to insider deals and do not have to spend up front for coupons they may never use.

"To truly modernize word-of-mouth referrals, people have to be able to give and receive them right from their mobile device where they spend most of their time," said CEO Arnon Rosan. "With the LocalMaven app, brand advocates everywhere can start monetizing their influence and supplementing their income," he added.

Some of the features include a public deals section for Mavens to browse deals and share immediately, detailed analytics for users to track referrals from issue to redemption, and Mavens Seeking Businesses and Businesses Seeking Mavens sections, where Mavens and businesses can build their networks respectively.

Founded in 2013, LocalMaven is based in New York City and has raised $1.4 million in seed funding from angel investors.