The holiday season will see millions of people shopping, dining, taking care of their everyday lives and searching for places to make the madness of the season a bit easier.
This year, over two-thirds will perform this annual ritual using a mobile device. Google is mobile. So is Yahoo, Yelp and Bing. Is your small business ready?
More Customers for 2013
It only happens once a year and big-business is on board. Big time! Trading discounts for Facebook Fans, Twitter Followers and text message contacts is the new deal in consumer relationships. It’s not only about seasonal sales. It’s about creating a consumer base that businesses can reach at anytime throughout the year.
Coupons and discounts are no longer always free. Customers have shown they are willing to put skin in the game to get them, by opting in to social media, texting and completing forms to get the best discounts.
Businesses benefit by creating a community of customers, building their data base and getting a much greater return for their advertising dollar. Mobile marketing is an advertising multiplier.
Opportunity Now!
Events like Small Business Saturday (sponsored by American Express Open Forum), locally sponsored shopping events and the holiday shopping season will bring the highest customer traffic you’ll see all year.
Unlike mailers and print advertising, mobile marketing only takes a very short time from concept to implementation. In some cases, it is only a matter of hours, even minutes. So, if you think the opportunity has passed you by. Think again!
So, what’s the secret?
There are really three basics to success. Offer a compelling incentive. Give consumers an convenient way to opt-in, connect and share your mobile advertising campaign. Make it easy to redeem discounts and coupons.
Under the hood, mobile marketing requires a game plan and a bit of technology to make the campaign run smoothly. Technology, you say? Shut-the-front-door!
Not so fast. It’s easier than you may think and the best part is there are a lot of free resources out there. You can manage and schedule Facebook posts and tweets with tools like HootSuite and TweetDeck. Reach mobile customers with QR Codes in ads that you already run. Place in-store signs inviting customers to Like your business on Facebook for instant discounts.
There are tons of ideas and tools to accelerate mobile campaigns. Make it fun! Be sure to engage customers on a regular basis and encourage your entire staff to share ideas. Track your success and steadily build upon your mobile community. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Small business owners who need help getting started with mobile marketing can contact Mozzart Technology.
