Mobile marketing is one of the newest types of marketing, yet it actually incorporates elements of some of the oldest and well proven methods. Many of the same rules that apply to other kinds of marketing will apply to mobile marketing too. However, there are some noteworthy differences. This article presents some solid advice on getting the best from this brilliant advertising medium.
Sensitivity to location is what sets mobile marketing apart. Your mobile customers can use their phones to quickly locate your store. This allows new options that are not available anywhere else. Give some thought to the potential that location-specific marketing strategies present for your business.
It’s important to not upset people by inundating them with the same offer over and over again. Marketing data shows that the optimal offer frequency is between once a week and 2-3 times per month. If you do this customers will think that they may miss out if they don’t go ahead and visit your page. If they believe another offer is imminent, they are not as likely to be swayed by the current offer to take action.
Although many people use the text messaging feature on their mobile device to communicate via the Internet, not all of them are familiar with the abbreviations that are sometimes used. When your advertisement is incoherent to a member of your target market, then this is a possible customer for whom you have lost.
Be aware of how the competition is using social media to market their products. You have to stand out from your competitors.
Do not share your short codes, make them dedicated and buy them. It can be expensive, up to 2k, but they will be yours. At some point, your short code will be recognized and people will associate it with your company. This is much smaller of a price than encountering legal problems. You will be in hot water if you are associated with a company that decides to somehow use the system in a negative manner.
A/B testing can be a useful strategy in developing a mobile landing page. Test every aspect of each page. Figure out which page has the highest success rate among the various browsers and go with that option. Try to develop an A & B version in your landing page, this can help you see what does and doesn’t work with the variations you make. Of the two, go with the page that performs the best.
Conduct a test for usability. It can be time consuming, but worth the effort. You have to make sure that your customers will be able to view the content that you are sending them. Limit your testing over specific devices and set up a testing account where you can ensure they are coming through correctly. You can have employees, family or friends be your testing group.
Your mobile marketing campaign should be compatible for use with a multitude of hand-held devices. There are a lot of different devices and platforms used by mobile users, and to get the largest possible audience, your mobile campaign should reflect that. Use scripting that works on every one of them to truly be successful with your campaign.
You may have been aware of the ability to offer free applications to your customers, but it also easy to create those applications yourself. Improve your marketing strategy by offering a special app for your customers only. There are a lot of services that assist in designing apps, and a lot of features these apps could offer to your customers.
Always remember to implement a marketing strategy that is user friendly and simple. Filling out forms on a computer is easy but it can be difficult when you are using a cell phone keypad. It should be simple for your customers to sign up for your emails.
Your friends can help you by viewing ads, emails, and your website on their various mobile devices. You could even pay someone to test it for you if you want an unbiased opinion.
If you want more customers in the local area, include mobile friendly maps within your website. When potential customers use their cellphones to seek businesses close-at-hand, your maps will help them locate your store right away!
You should have clear objectives before you launch a mobile marketing effort. At first, you need to understand what goals you’d like to achieve through mobile marketing. Ask yourself whether you’re trying to boost sales with current customers, engage your existing audience better, or reach new customers, for instance.
Mobile marketing is perhaps the most fickle of all the types of marketing as this customer base will change rapidly dependent on outside influences. If you want to remain competitive, you must make sure you are offering the most current in terms of technology.
Know your audience well. Prior to making assumptions and investing lots of money in mobile marketing campaigns, be sure you know your audience and its preferences. Are they bigger mobile users than home computer users? Which operating systems are in place on their phones? If you understand your customers’ needs, you will be better able to fulfill them.
Before formally launching your mobile marketing campaign, conduct thorough usability tests among your target market. If your messages don’t have the desired effect, your marketing campaign will be pointless. Additionally, try sending it to a test audience (e.g. co-workers) first to get feedback before you send it to your target audience.
You must have a proper database built to start a mobile marketing campaign. Prevent yourself from just simply adding in cell phone numbers straight into a mobile marketing database. You want to be sure the people receiving your messages did actually sign up for them. You can get permission by having them fill out a request form on your website.
While there is vast potential in mobile marketing, it has the ability to become irritating and ineffective if used too liberally. Research a variety of approaches before beginning your mobile marketing program. Your efforts will result in new customers and increased business.
