Smartphones and tablets with high-speed Internet are becoming more affordable by the day, which means more and more people are using them instead of their computers. You may think you can rely on your standard marketing techniques to draw in mobile customers, but think again. There are a number of astute things that you can do to to get the attention of people on the move.
Consider starting a short code campaign to increase your mobile marketing database. Asking customers to text a code to enroll in message updates can generate significant increases in your database and also ensures that only those wishing to receive communications do so. Advertise your short code campaign through social media sites, your web site and any print marketing materials.
Know your hours. You do not want to be messaging customers while they are sleeping or having dinner. Try to avoid bothering them on holidays or Sundays, unless it is important. Your customer does not always want to be dealing with your texts, so make sure you are only texting at good times.
Never copy someone else’s mobile strategy. Just because they may be doing well does not mean it is the right method for you. Customers like innovation, and if you are sending out similar messages or styles as your competitor, they may not be interested in making a change to you.
Engaging with your customers is incredibly important in mobile marketing, so it’s a good idea if you have some line of contact open with them. Whether they can reach you via a forum, your IM handle, or by some other method, make sure you’re keeping the lines of communication open with your customers.
The ads you run on mobile websites also need to be properly formatted, so this is something you definitely have to look into if you’re planning on running ads at all. Check out services like Apple’s iAd and MobClix to find various ways to run banner ads on mobile websites.
When you are promoting a particular event, send the mobile marketing message a few hours or the day before the event. Customers that are genuinely interested in the event can easily forget the message if you send it several days before the event is to take place. You do not want your customers to miss out on anything.
When you are setting up your marketing adds for cell phones, they must be cross-platform compatible. Every one has a different phone, and you don’t want to end up cutting off some people from seeing your advertisement just because of the phone that they have. Your customers will not switch phones, though they may switch from your product to one that they see all the time on their phone.
For all of your product sales and information, you want to set up a link for a mobile-specific landing page. All phones need to be able to use a mobile friendly page, and you want that link to be very easy to find so that your customers can bookmark them directly on their phones and visit often.
One way to build your mobile customer database is to offer them exclusive discounts or content that you are not sharing with everyone. You can have them sign up for texts and give them a 10% off coupon. This will encourage more people to sign up, and your mobile marketing efforts will pay off quickly.
When you are sending a text, it is important to get right to the point. Tell your customer why you are messaging, what kind of deal you are offering, how it will help them out, and also how to take advantage of the deal. This will leave your customers a lot happier because you are not just wasting their time.
Do not use abbreviations for text or use all capital letters to emphasize anything except for the call to action. Customers will not always know what abbreviations stand for, and using all caps to convey a message makes it difficult to read. It is also considered shouting in some cyber-circles.
Build exclusivity and status into your mobile marketing. Mobile devices themselves have become aspirational. Phones, tablets and even some mobile apps have become symbols of status. Follow suit with your mobile marketing by offering exclusive content to your mobile readers or downloads only available to those who have subscribed for mobile messaging.
Use your mobile QR codes everywhere you can. They are links to mobile devices, but the can be used in print advertising too. Any kind of advertising that your business produces should have your mobile QR code on it, even your business cards. Put it on your store signs, brochures, television ads, and catalogs.
When used as part of your mobile marketing campaigns, QR codes are great for brand expansion and for enticing customers. These codes are an effective way to reach your customers with coupons and promotions. Anyone with a smart phone can capture and use them. By using QR codes, you will be able to reach customers easily and quickly with relevant information.
Promote! Promoting your mobile call to action is one of the most important things you can do to be successful with mobile marketing. Your intentions may be good, but if no one signs up, they will all be for naught. Place your call to action on any existing marketing materials you use, your social networking sites, direct mail, email, and have employees in the store tell every single customer.
Start mobile marketing campaigns with clear, definite goals. Get some feedback from your customers to find out how you can reach out to them. Do you want to retain a loyal group of customers, or are you looking to expand and reach a new audience?
You shouldn’t underestimate the amount of potential that mobile marketing has. Using methods specifically designed to attract those using a mobile device should get you a great response. Keep this advice in mind as you make the move into mobile marketing. When mobile marketing is done right, the results can truly be impressive.
