Mobile Marketing has, in recent years, become a hugely successful way for small and mid-sized businesses to compete with their much larger counterparts.
The rate of mobile app marketing growth amongst smaller businesses has grown exponentially this year alone, with business owners realizing that smart phones are the way of the present and future, and scrambling aboard to offer their customers the features and perks that other, larger companies are offering. Small and mid-sized businesses may even have a distinct advantage over the competition.
Global non-profit Mobile Marketing Association defines mobile marketing as “a set of practices that enables organizations to communicate and engage their audience in an interactive and relevant manner through any mobile device or network.” So what does that mean? Basically it just means that businesses are able to reach out to their customers through their smart phones. It seems pretty easy and straightforward, but it can be a complicated process, and many larger businesses have been reluctant to jump aboard thus far, to their own detriment. Small business owners have been wary too, but have recently begun to warm to the idea of mobile app marketing. We’re seeing a surge in small and middle sized businesses creating apps, offering exclusive mobile content, geo-fencing, and more.
Research mobile app marketing before you begin.
The best way to ensure that you’re going about mobile app marketing right is to firstly familiarize yourself with mobile app marketing hands-on. It’s as simple as obtaining a smart phone (if you don’t already have one) and downloading apps for the businesses and services you frequent. Check out how other business approach you through their app – do they send push notifications? What features do they offer? Can you order through the app, and if so, is it an easy process? What kind of loyalty rewards, incentives and promotions are offered? How many different apps are available for the same type of services? Which one is the best, and why?
Develop a mobile app that your customers will love.
Once you’ve done some hands-on research, then begin to take notes of your own business and how you might develop a mobile app. What can you offer your customers that your competitors cannot? How can you set yourself apart? Outlining your goals and objectives is paramount. Reach out to your customers and ask them directly – what might they want to see in a mobile app? Which features do they find necessary? Would they embrace direct messages and push notifications? Would they take part in a rewards program? Take the time to write down your goals and what you hope to get out of mobile marketing. Take account of the cost, of the time involved, and be really specific about the mobile presence you want your business to have. Taking the time to really lay out a plan can mean the difference in failing and succeeding.
With mobile app marketing also comes social media – the two go hand in hand!
Your business needs to be online, if you’re going to stay accessible in this day and age. If you haven’t already, set up a Twitter and Facebook – other sites like Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others may be relevant to the goods and services your business offers. Tie them into your mobile app, once you’ve got one started. The more ways you have to advertise and interact with customers, the better.
Keep it simple when you first start out.
There is no need to spend a ton of money on mobile app marketing. Mobile marketing can be adapted to fit even the smallest budget, through careful planning and research. As long as you are reaching your own goals and needs, and seeing a successful (no matter how modest) return on your mobile marketing strategies, you’re doing something right. With a platform like Bizness Apps, you can have a mobile app and a mobile website customized for your business for less than the cost of a newspaper ad!
Read more of our blog to find out more about mobile marketing, apps and more. Be sure to check out how to easily and cheaply develop an app for your business right here on our website!
