Kalin Kasabow is the founder and CEO of ProTexting.com , a rapidly growing enterprise text messaging suite .
Many business owners don't realize how versatile and flexible mobile marketing is. As someone who offers a number of mobile services, I've noticed that many potential clients think that mobile marketing only means advertising to smartphone users. Although it is an application, it is not the only one. With that in mind, I thought it would be helpful to outline some mobile marketing options, along with examples of how some big brands use them.
Use the mobile app to personalize your purchases
One of the biggest challenges for local businesses is attracting visitors. Another solution is to integrate your online and offline business channels. Sephora is a retailer that uses mobile apps to do both. Customers use in-store apps to find product information and receive personalized recommendations. The app also offers games to win prizes within the app. This is a great example of how retailers can use software to create a great omnichannel shopping experience.
Geolocation for local clients
Geolocation allows companies to reach customers with relevant information about their location. In an era where people are increasingly budget-conscious, money-saving tools will become popular. GasBuddy is an app that makes it easy for customers to find the cheapest fuel, wherever they are. This application has been downloaded 90 million times. GasBuddy is easy to use and offers customers a convenient fuel card that requires no credit check. Customers simply link their debit card and access information from gas stations across North America. What makes this business model so smart is that users themselves provide GasBuddy with a wealth of data that helps them update fuel prices.
To get the most out of geofencing, be sure to carefully consider the size of the area you want to cover. If you cover a very large area, it may be more difficult to attract customers. For example, for a mall business, you may want to first target people who are already in or near the mall. Also, don't go too far when sending messages. If customers feel like they are getting too much spam, they can delete the app.
Using AR and VR to give customers a virtual preview of products
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have many marketing applications. Furniture retailer Ikea offers an innovative app that allows customers to virtually place furniture in their homes. Ikea Place uses AR to show users how catalog items will look in any environment. They simply point the camera at an area like a living room or office, select a piece of furniture, and take a photo of what it looks like.
These applications can be used in any industry where visual effects are important, including fashion, real estate, and hospitality. For example, a fashion company allows customers to see how their clothes or accessories will look. Tiffany and company. is an example of a company that takes advantage of augmented reality by allowing customers to try on their jewelry virtually. Warby Parker is using a similar concept with an app that allows customers to see how different styles of glasses look on their faces.
Order application
Retail businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, can provide apps that allow their customers to easily place orders for delivery or pickup. Domino's Pizza is a great example of a highly successful ordering app. The popular pizza chain reported a 46% increase in active app users in the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of the previous year. Domino's also reports that more than 75% of online orders are placed through the app, indicating that the majority of customers are ordering from their phones. You don't have to be a giant chain like Domino's to benefit from a mobile app. Any business that sends or receives orders online or over the phone can create their own app.
When creating your own ordering app, don't forget to create a customer-friendly experience. For example, if you own a restaurant, the menu should be easy to navigate with clear ordering instructions. It is best to offer customers alternatives, such as ordering over the phone.
Send timely alerts to trading platforms.
Investors need the latest market information. Many financial companies now send stock alerts (or other investment alerts, such as commodities, options, or cryptocurrencies) via text message or email. A trader who wants instant information to buy or sell an asset when it reaches a certain price can set up to receive alerts. Text messages are usually the fastest way to receive alerts.
E-commerce application
SMS marketing can work for both online businesses and traditional retail businesses. For example, cosmetics company Urban Decay sends text messages to notify customers about new products, coupons, and deals. In a highly competitive environment, small businesses need a way to showcase their brand to customers. SMS messaging can benefit e-commerce sites by allowing them to reach customers whether they are online or not. While email lists are still useful, text messages typically have higher open rates than emails.
Connect with your audience through mobile marketing
Mobile marketing is expected to continue growing in the coming years. Future Market Insights reports that mobile marketing is expected to generate $184.5 million by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.8% between 2024 and 2034. Now that many people are almost always connected to their smartphones, mobile marketing offers many opportunities. so that all types of businesses reach their customers.