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By the year 2014, more Internet users will be searching, social networking, playing games, and reading with their mobile phones than with a desktop PC. So if you’re marketing, it only makes sense to tap into the mobile phone Internet users, now. How can you reach this virtually untapped market? Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be doing business with your phone – and reaching the increasing number of phone-based Internet users – in no time.
SMS and MMS Messages
One of the first marketing techniques that emerged for phone users are SMS and MMS messages. An SMS is a simple text message, and the majority of mobile phones today, including most prepaid mobile phones, allow the user to receive SMS messages. If you have a contacts list, this is a great way to stay in touch with your client base and potential clients. MMS messages are multi-media messages sent via text message. Some phones may not be able to receive these messages. But almost all phones can use an Internet link to present your multimedia messages to your customers, and those you want to become your customers.
Social Networking Sites
A large number of mobile phones are used primarily for social networking. This is a powerful marketing strategy, because your customers literally do your advertising for you – if you create a social networking image for yourself. Make sure your website is designed for phone Internet users. Use graphics and fonts that upload quickly, fill your social media site with valuable content that your customers want to share with friends. Offer free giveaways, special discounts, and other incentives for people to visit and add you to their social networks.
A large number of mobile phone users frequently access their email through their phones, rather than the PC. Target these users with well-written, timely, and interesting email messages that they can easily forward to their friends. Instead of regular newsletters, which become boring quickly, carefully choose a subject line that will prompt recipients to open and read your message.
Free products, new products, new services, upgraded services, and special discounts are all great subject lines for emails. Make sure the graphics, and fonts are easy and quick for phone users to download. For larger photos, graphics and large documents, send customers a link rather than overload their phones with too much information. If it takes too long to load, they are likely to exit and delete, rather than wait for your message to load.
All of these ideas can be implemented from your own phone. The Android Market Evolution has made it easy for companies to develop their own apps, for phone users to take advantage of. By having apps specific to using your product or service, customers will find it easier to do business with you. With that knowledge, they will avoid choosing a company that doesn’t offer them the convenience and flexibility of apps.