Consumers are turning to their smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices when it comes time to shop.
As a result, businesses all across the country are jumping on the mobile marketing bandwagon and for good reason.
Here are just a few ways taking a mobile approach to marketing can benefit your business:
Mobile Marketing Statistics
In order to better understand the impact that mobile technology is having on businesses and the customers they serve, it’s important to take a look at the statistics behind the mobile trend.
According to the research site comScore, close to 86 million smartphone users visited mobile retail websites in July 2012 alone. That’s 4 out of every 5 smartphone user in the country.
In addition, comScore also reports that mobile marketing is likely to become an $8.2 billion marketing practice by the year 2016.
If your business is worried that smartphone popularity is dying down, don’t.
The research firm Smart Insights conducted a study on the most popular devices for searching the Internet. Laptops came in first at 91%, but a close second were smartphones with a whopping 80%.
Companies Using Mobile Marketing
Consumers are using their mobile devices to accomplish just about every task imaginable.
In fact, the article “6 Reasons Why Mobile Devices are Turning into Budgeting Tools” states that a growing number smartphone users are balancing their budgets and finances using mobile apps.
In other words, all signs are pointing to mobility, which is why some of the top companies in the country are ramping up their mobile marketing efforts.
Here are a few examples:
- McDonald’s uses QR codes on to-go bags that offer promotions as well as the nutritional values of its foods when scanned;
- Macy’s just released a mobile app that helps customers navigate any Macy’s Department Store anywhere in the country. The app has a shopping list feature that lets shoppers create a list and helps them find those items in the store using the navigation tool;
- A&W Root Beer uses SMS marketing to keep its fans updated on all the promotions the soda company has to offer. The company is also using SMS to promote its VIP Club, which offers special savings on A&W products.
Benefits of Mobile Marketing
There’s a reason why some of the top businesses above are going the mobile route: it’s hugely beneficial to the marketing process.
Not only does mobile marketing offer two-way communication between customers and businesses, it’s also much cheaper than traditional forms of online marketing.
Additionally, because campaigns are short and sweet, they generate higher response rates than standard campaigning.
Speaking of campaigning, because mobile marketing can reach customers anywhere, anytime, the customer outreach potential is virtually limitless.
Finally, one of the biggest advantages of mobile marketing is the ability it gives your company to collect customer data in real-time.
Mobile marketing makes it easy to collect relevant information on your customers based on their location and mobile shopping habits.
When it comes to marketing success, mobility can take your business anywhere it wants to go.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including marketing and mobile technology.
