Top 5 Ways to Mobilize Your Marketing

Does your business have a mobile marketing strategy in place?  If not, it’s time to hop to it!  Small businesses that want to keep up with today’s world can no longer afford to ignore mobile marketing.  Mobile devices have changed the way people access their information.  In 2010 over 50 percent of all Internet activity was done via a mobile device.  Here are 5 ways your business can start connecting with mobile consumers.

1. Mobile Websites

There are many opportunities in the mobile market, but a great place to begin is your business’ website.  The key to creating a great mobile site is to keep it simple but engaging.  The site’s usability is critical to its success.  The best mobile sites combine simplified design, layout and navigation without sacrificing their creativity. 

2. QR Codes 

While Quick Response (QR) codes have taken off in Japan, people in the United States are just now starting to recognize their marketing potential.  Help direct your consumers to online resources by placing QR codes on all your business cards and marketing materials.  You can direct your audience to your website, get them to follow you on Twitter, like you on Facebook or point them to a mobile-friendly landing page for your most recent marketing campaign.  However, if you really want people to pay attention to your QR codes, try rewarding them with special discounts, freebies or something fun.

3. Apps

The rise of mobile usage has spurred the growth of new mobile applications.  Apps can serve many different purposes.  Some offer informative tips or educational bits, while others deliver pure entertainment or gaming fun.  Apps are way to boost brand equity and get your audience to actively engage with your business.  When creating an app for your business, focus on delivering what something your audience will find both useful and valuable.  

4. Location-Based Services

Foursquare and Gowalla are two location-based services that have gained a following among consumers open to sharing their locations with the world.  Small business can take advantage of these services by rewarding the loyal customers as well at those in their area.  Businesses can leverage location-based deals by incentivizing checkins, adopting barcode scanning technology, and offering group buying initiatives.

5. Mobile Coupons

There is no denying it, everyone loves a good deal.  Mobile coupons are a popular trend gaining a following beyond the stereotypical coupon-cutting crowd.  Many customers love getting money-saving offers from their favorite companies delivered straight to the phones via text message.  Coupons are a great way to drive extra sales during times when business is slow.

When implementing a mobile marketing strategy there are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Make sure that the content you are putting out there is useful or else it dismissed as meaningless clutter.
• Capitalize on social media by creating two-way conversations between your company and its audience wherever possible, this will build brand value.  
• Use the available mobile data (location, activity and time) your company collects to get a better understanding of consumer behavior and apply it to your strategy.

Now get moving on your mobile strategy, before your customers move on without you! 

Written by Laura Goede
@LauraGThinkBig