Mobile marketing in today’s world refers to marketing and advertising that is 
focused and conducted on smart phones and other mobile devices that can send and receive SMS messages (short message service) such as text messaging.
People are no longer tied down to a bulky PC that sits atop their desk, or a laptop. Now, they’re checking email from the line at the grocery store. They’re visiting social networking sites while in meetings when the boss isn’t looking, and they’re texting family and friends constantly.
Mobile marketing wasn’t a possibility a few years ago. But now, thanks to smart phones where users can see images, not just read text, advertising has been taken to a whole new level of customer interaction.
Some companies acquire lists of their customers’ cell phone numbers and are able to send ads to them directly. Those contacts are sometimes sold or transferred to other companies as well.
There can be unwanted spam involved in mobile marketing. This is a highly-targeted way to communicate with your market, but if you’re going to be successful, it’s best to adhere to good advertising practices that will enable you to enjoy longevity with your efforts and build relationships.
Because of spam complaints, the Mobile Marketing Association has begun creating guidelines for advertisers and consumers are beginning to see a trend of opt in commercials, so that they can pick and choose who has the ability to advertise to them. If you work with a consultant or company that specializes in mobile marketing, make sure their objectives and “MO” meets with your standards and marketing message.
One example of popular mobile marketing is when a company sends a coupon to a customer via text message. This coupon is delivered to them wherever they are, because the cell phone is in their pocket or purse at all times. Other forms include SEO for mobile, mobile directories and mobile apps. All are great way to communicate with your market – but not all are necessary. Make sure you understand how your customers want to connect with your business.
A mobile website is foundational in mobile marketing today. It’s no longer a luxury, but rather it is quickly becoming necessary as customers are searching for your business right now on their mobile phone – guaranteed. If you want them to do business with you, it makes sense to remove obstacles and make that process as easy as possible.
You may think your website looks just fine on a mobile phone, but sites that scale to fit the entire page on a mobile screen are waaaay too small. People won’t scroll around or pinch/expand to find what they want – nope 40% will just click away. (How do I know that? Google’s research.)
Losing 40% of business is a big loss for most.
Would you like to keep the mobile traffic that lands on your site ON your site to stay on your site so they can call you, find you, do business with you? Then a mobile website is essential.
Then make it easy for them with a mobile website that features “Click to call”, GPS directions directly to your business, and they information they’re looking for in a easy “thumb navigation click” format.
Mobile SMS Text marketing is also a form of mobile marketing. The great thing is that text messages are something consumers stay on top of. They don’t sit around for long. Consumers generally hear a little “ding” whenever a new message is received, and the ad is opened quickly. Yes, within seconds, and 98% of them are read.
Mobile marketing isn’t just about sending ads to the consumer. In order to be successful it has to be about providing value.
There are other forms of mobile marketing, too. Games that are played on your smart phone are often paired with ads that marketers pay to have shown throughout the play time.
If the consumer has a smart phone with color screen, then they might receive MMS ads (multimedia message service), which will show them text, audio, images and even video ads.
There are many ways to utilize mobile marketing in your business, and every business’ needs are unique. Work with a mobile marketing firm that will customize a mobile marketing strategy that fits your company and goals.
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