Three-quarters of Americans (77%) now own a smartphone.
Moreover, the number of smart phones in the U.S. is growing by about 20% every three months, indicating that businesses should incorporate mobile phone marketing strategies if they wish to continue to reach this segment of prospects and customers.
The components of mobile marketing for businesses includes:
- Mobile version of Web site
- Map searches
- Email access
- Social media access for referrals
- Text messages and offers, coupons, etc.
According to Yahoo!, 92% of all business searchers start looking online. Because smart phones bring online search capabilities to a growing number of mobile prospects (currently 50 million Americans and growing), businesses should include mobile search strategies in their overall marketing plans.
In addition to using search engines to find products and services on their mobile phones, consumers also rely on Map applications and social media to locate businesses near them when they are on the move.
One such social medium is Yelp, which has built-in search functionality coupled with ratings contributed by members. Visitors can become friends with reviewers they like and share reviews with others via text message or email.
Businesses can add discounts and coupons to their listings on Yelp in exchange for “check-ins” by customers with iPhones. A check-in occurs when a customer visits a business and uses the Yelp app on their iPhone to notify friends where they are, via Facebook and Twitter, if they choose to integrate with those media as well.
Strategic Marketing Group 11668 Cygnet Dr, Waldorf, MD 20601 (301) 638-4755
