The advertising industry has undoubtedly seen a shift in recent years with the onslaught of online and social media marketing. And now, with the rise in smartphone use, more people are turning to their phones for online information and entertainment.
According to PCMag.com, a study by Nielsen showed that about 44 percent of Americans own smartphones (as of December 2011). “Nielsen culled data from its monthly surveys of 25,000 people to find that smartphone ownership is highest among people under 40. Sixty-four percent of those 25-34 own smartphones, as do 53 percent of people 18-24.”
These statistics prove that there is an undeniable opportunity for businesses. Everywhere you go, there are people on smartphones – on the subway, in the library, relaxing by the pool, etc. When they turn to the device they hold onto the closest (literally and perhaps figuratively in some cases), your brand will be in the palm of their hands.
There are a variety of ways to advertise through smartphones, including mobile web marketing, mobile apps and QR Codes (Quick Response Codes).
Thanks to smartphones’ Internet-friendly capabilities, mobile web marketing is a no-brainer. Popular forms of mobile web marketing include social media marketing (through Facebook and Twitter, for example) and e-newsletters. E-newsletters also offer other added benefits: they’re cost effective in that they eliminate the need for printing and mailing, and you can target a specific group or market including customers who’ve already expressed an interest in your company.
Advertising with mobile apps is another way to reach your target audience on their smartphones. JCPenney just launched a mobile app which includes 30-second video commercials promoting the retailer’s new sales campaign. The video is a great tool because it gives the potential customer something to remember – and once the ad is opened, viewers are taken directly to the JCPenney sales page where they can view the featured product(s).
Another form of mobile advertising uses QR Codes, which are a type of matrix bar code that can store information including website URLs. When a QR Code is used on anything – from a magazine ad to a cereal box – consumers can scan the QR Code, get directly connected to the vendor’s website and learn more about the vendor or the product. Then, most importantly, they can make purchases. QR Codes are an inexpensive, easy way to increase website traffic, communicate your brand and potentially help sales.
Various forms of mobile advertising are quickly on the rise and offer an effective way to reach your target audience – so get connected!
