What You Should Know About Mobile Marketing

When shopping at the mall I take photos of a cute top or fabulous pair of jeans on my mobile and email it to my sister for her opinion.  I sometimes send her a BB (blackberry instant message) with a link to the store’s site. She in turn sends me links to items she would like me to purchase. While in the store I open the link…show the item to the sales person and then I am off.  No printing of lists (saving the trees!!) or trying to remember what she wants. Now my fellow marketers, do you see the goldmine that awaits you on the mobile phone?  Each link I send or receive from my sister includes ads on the landing pages. Hence I am enticed to shop for other items. This month my magazine subscriptions have been chatting about mobile marketing.  This post summarizes some tips from American Marketing Association’s (AMA) Magazine, Marketing News. I look forward to reading your comments about mobile marketing.

According to the Marketing News article Tao of Mobile Marketing (written by Elisabeth A. Sullivan), “Eastern markets like Japan and South Korea have led the way for mobile marketing. While the power is shifting noticeably westward—especially as the iPhone’s technological tentacles wrap around the globe—US marketers can learn from Eastern marketers’ mobile experience.”

• Think Strategically, Not Just Tactically—US marketers think of mobile marketing as a one-time marketing campaign vs a completely integrated marketing strategy.
• Look Beyond the iPhone App—In Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, marketers’ focus include additional interactive options such as Text Messages (SMS) and Quick Response Codes (QR Codes).
• Create an Effective Call to Action—Call to action should tempt people by giving them a sense of what they will get if they text your company or log on to your mobile website.
• Make Mobile Part of Your Multichannel Strategy—Asian markets have a call to action for mobile on all branding campaigns…”text for more information or visit mobile site”

Just the STATS

67% of the world’s population is using mobile phones, compared with only 26% who use the internet.
(Source: Marketing News, United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union February Report)

East Vs. West

(Source: Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook, www.cia.gov   * in 2009   **in 2008)

Good Promotion or Tired Trick?

I saw this on AOL Shopping. 10 weeks of sweepstakes to help you with all your holiday shopping! They are giving away the hottest holiday gifts of the year! There will be a new sweepstakes every Monday from now through January 4, 2010. Readers are urged to come back every week for a chance to win a new prize!

Good ploy to drive sales or unnecessary giveaways to people that shop anyway? Does this type of giveaway have an impact on consumers who are used to ridiculous black Friday deals?

What does your small business do in terms of freebies and giveaways?

Most Effective Source of Website Traffic

I wanted to get your input. After you vote, you’ll be able to see results and analysis of how different types of professionals answered the question.

What is your most effective source of website traffic? Is it White Papers, Blog, Online Ads, Direct Mailer/E-mail Campaign or Social Media?

Update—Results are in:

1. Social Media (50%)
2. Blog (0%)
3. White Papers (0%)
4. Online Ads (16%)
5. Direct Mailer/E-mail Campaign (33%)