In 2016, an estimated 62.9 percent of the global population owner a mobile device. As we near the end of 2017, that number has only increased, with some experts claiming that the worldwide global market will reach over 5 billion users. Billion with a ‘B!’ As the world continues to embrace mobile technology, companies are looking for a way to capitalize on this opportunity,
Many have discovered a key to gaining an advantage known as mobile marketing, which is a multi-channel marketing strategy aimed at engaging customers on mobile devices in a series of different ways. For those who are looking to take advantage of this opportunity, we have put together a ‘how-to’ guide for various mobile marketing tools.
By using these tools correctly, you can gain a leg-up on your competition and leave them in the dust. Let’s take a look.
SMS marketing
The first tool you should be utilizing is SMS marketing, sometimes referred to as mass text marketing or business text messaging. While some view SMS as a part of the mobile marketing past, there has never been a better time to get started with SMS than today. In a time where marketers are struggling to bump their email marketing open rates over 30%, SMS boasts a 95% open rate.
Not only is SMS powerful due to how many customers receive your messages, but also its versatility. You can use SMS to run support for your customers, send out regular branded messages, or even improve ecommerce sales.
For any marketer hoping to retain more customers and gain an advantage in the new year, SMS is the way to go.
MMS marketing
The next mobile marketing tool we are going to look at is SMS’s less famous brother, like Casey to Ben. ‘What is MMS?’ you might be wondering. MMS stands for multimedia messaging service, and it is just like SMS, only you can send multimedia like videos or gifs along with your branded message.
Although many mobile marketing professionals aren’t familiar with MMS, it is just as powerful as SMS marketing and has the potential to be so much more. For instance, while SMS limits you to 160 characters and no subject line, MMS messages can be as much as 500 characters and include a subject line.
Companies can use MMS to share expert tips or how-to videos, keep customers up-to-date on their loyalty program, or simply send a fun holiday greeting. When it comes to mobile user engagement, don’t write off MMS, it may just be the secret weapon you are looking for.
Mobile app
It might sound obvious to state that a mobile app is a good tool for mobile marketing success, but it is true nonetheless. Brands that build and maintain their own apps in the marketplace have a unique channel in which they can engage with their users that others don’t. If you can harness this power properly, you can increase user retention and app engagement with ease.
One example of the mobile marketing capabilities that come with an app can be seen with Starbucks. The Seattle coffee giant has had massive success with their mobile app by playing into their customers wants and needs. For instance, by auto-enrolling their customers in their rewards program, they have seen a much higher engagement than before.
If you have the ability to create your own app, we highly recommend doing so. Having access to a mobile marketing channel that only you control can be invaluable to your business.
Push notifications
Another tool that goes along with mobile apps is push notifications, which allow the app owners to push their messaging onto each of their user’s phones at the push of a button. Like SMS marketing, push notifications require an opt-in to be received, but this often leads to more engaged and active users.
Although using a push notification service does require a mobile app to connect with, stacking additional marketing channels where you can reach your customers only serves to benefit your efforts. Not only that, but push notifications are familiar to many consumers and are even some’s preferred method of contact.
The long and short of push notifications is that if you have the opportunity to use them, you should. Simple as that.
SEO
Although you might be familiar with search engine optimization (SEO) as a way of reaching more customers, you might not realize that it can be a powerful component of your mobile marketing plan as well. Not only are more users on mobile devices now than ever before, but more people are searching on mobile as well.
In order to take advantage of this mobile marketing tool, there are a few mistakes you should avoid and SEO myths you should ignore. Most importantly though, your site should be mobile optimized so that when customers do find you, you aren’t caught unaware.
Make your calls-to-action hard to miss and work with a designer to plan out the flow of your site from the initial click to a conversion to make the most out of your site and SEO.
Social Media
The final tool of mobile marketing that we will examine today is social media. Now, like SEO, social media is a powerful enough tool on its own merits, but when it comes to mobile, social is even more important.
For one, more customers are using social on mobile devices than other means. But, on top of that, social is less planned out on mobile. Meaning that you need to be creating content that catches the eye, tells a powerful story, and is worthy of sharing.
Customers who identify with your headline may share your post without even reading the content, so try to say as much as possible with your header. By crafting your social media with mobile in mind, you can stay ahead of your competitors and secure your advantage.
Mobile marketing tools
Now that you have seen each tool of mobile marketing laid out with their various benefits we hope that you are better prepared to engage with your customers and make a difference in their lives for the better. After all, the world is only going to continue moving forward with mobile.
Don’t get left behind by your competitors or your customers and start your mobile marketing plan today!
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