By the end of 2014, mobile Internet usage is expected to surpass traditional desktop usage. Not only do 4 billion people have mobile phone subscriptions, the market for tablets and e-readers is growing every year. According to Microsoft, the amount of website traffic that comes from mobile devices has doubled in just the first half of 2013. That’s why so many small businesses are being told that they need to think about making sure their website has a mobile-friendly version or risk losing serious amounts of customers. But there are other important ways to use the mobile trend to your advantage in marketing. Many different types of mobile ads have been proven successful in capturing customers’ attention and eliciting positive responses. One or more of these methods will work for you.
1. Text Marketing
By far the most popular type of mobile marketing, text messages are similar to email lists in that a customer can opt in and receive exclusive promotions and coupons on their phone. Studies show that over 80 percent of people respond favorably to these kinds of texts, though you should make sure you are working from a list of people who have given you permission. Automated texts to people who haven’t given consent is a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.
2. Mobile Banner Ads
These are just like regular internet banner ads, except they are actually up to four times as effective. You can find them on free apps and mobile websites. Before you design one, you should be aware of what sizes and file types certain mobile systems support. It’s easy for small businesses to fall into the trap of paying far too much for mobile banners, Granted, they are proven to work, but you should also shop around for the most reasonable price and choose your banner locations wisely.
3. Quick Response Codes
QR codes have been successful for quite a number of different businesses, though some wonder if their effectiveness is fading. A customer uses their smartphone to scan a magazine ad or product and instantly receive more information about your company. It sounds like an impressive piece of technology, but you must use it correctly by instructing your customers exactly what to scan and how. And you have to make sure the information they receive is worthwhile. Just a link to your site won’t be enough for them to be inspired to scan.
4. Pay per Call Marketing
According to Google, 70 percent of local business searches now happen on a mobile device. Most of these searches result in a visit or phone call, which is why pay per call has a growing success rate. These ads prompt the user to call to learn more, and they can be put into contact with a live rep or an automated message. Statistically, customers who pick up the phone are 10 times more likely to make a purchase than customers who only click on a link, so you’re attracting the most serious buyers.
5. Location Based Ads
Considered by some to be the future of mobile marketing, location ads use GPS to target specific places you shop and eat and offer you coupons and deals based on the stores and neighborhoods where you actually go. The idea behind this kind of advertising is retargeting – creating loyalty customers from people who have already made purchases in the store. Since 80 percent of purchases are planned, it stands to reason they’d plan to return to the same place, especially if they were offered a deal. Location ads have run into issues with privacy protection and are still being reshaped for the future.
Mobile is the big buzz word in the marketing industry these days, and there are more methods than these for attracting tablet and smartphone users in ways that generate real sales. It’s a good place to start when you begin to reevaluate your strategy, and it’s a great place to find opportunities you never knew were out there.
Author Brett Harris likes to create inventive ways to market products which encouraged him to check out the Top Online Masters in Marketing Programs offered on the internet that would fit into his busy schedule.