Iphones, Droids, Ipads, And Apps:
With more than 50 million iPhones currently in use
, Droid quickly approaching a similar number, and over a million iPads sold in the first month, next generation mobile devices are starting to make a heavy impact on the way we live and work. But while everyone seems to agree that theyre cool, convenient, and cutting-edge, the question for most companies remains: how do we integrate them into our marketing and public relations mix? And should we?
I wouldnt pretend there is any one answer to that question, but neither would I recommend two of the most popular options Ive seen: ignoring new mobile technology completely, or going overboard and spending millions of dollars chasing the latest craze. Reaching buyers on iPhones, Droids, and iPads can require a few new tricks, but that doesnt mean you have to completely change what youre doing now.
To get you pointed in the right direction, Id like to offer four tips on marketing to the tens of millions of next-generation mobile device users out there:
Make your content accessible. The most effective thing you can do to iPhone, Droid, and iPad users is also the easiest make sure that all of your content, from your companys homepage on down to your blog posts and Tweets, can be accessed by mobile devices. Its never been easier to stay in touch on the go, and as a result, more customers than ever are coming to you from on the road. The last thing you want is for them to not be able to find what theyre looking for.
Besides, making your online materials and mobile-friendly usually doesnt require a complete overhaul, although it might mean ditching the use of Flash anywhere on your Web site. Certain technologies dont play well with mobile devices, and Apple founder Steve Jobs has made it clear that there arent any plans to integrate some of them in the future.
Go real-time. The Internet has always been about speed, and todays mobile devices certainly arent doing anything to change that trend. By giving people round-the-clock access to information, they create a demand for instantaneous updates. In other words, if something is happening today, post it today, not tomorrow or later in the week. Keeping up with industry news and breaking developments are one of the biggest reasons people go online, especially when theyre on the move, so try to be a current resource.
Develop apps. Since its always better to have people coming to you than vice versa, why not give them plenty of reasons to come in contact with your company every day or week? Other than breaking news and expert advice, perhaps the best way to tie in to your customers daily lives is by developing apps that help them do their jobs or manage their time more efficiently. The more programs you have for visitors to download and install, the more often they are going to think of you and your brand especially if your app is one they cant live without.
I should throw in a word of caution here though: apps tend to be good for developing client relationships, but bad for generating quick profits. With the numbers of next-generation mobile device users exploding, certain developers have been recommending apps as a way to get in on the gold rush. As great as that sounds in theory, the reality is that most of the millions of apps available cost more to produce than theyll ever earn back in sales. Keep that in mind as you consider development bids, and consider the investment part of a long-term strategy, rather than a short-term boost to the bottom line.
Think fast. Why not ask your customers what sort of information theyd like to have at their fingertips while theyre on the go? Not only does asking this simple question engage your customers and improve relationships, but the answers can often help you find holes in your current mobile strategy. Its a classic win-win situation Thats because a lot of the information that people want from you when theyre mobile like account details, product information, customer service numbers, etc. could be buried somewhere deep within your site. If thats the case, consider moving them all to one easy-to-access place. iPhones, Droids, and iPads are all about convenience, so try to make it easy for people who are using them to find what theyre looking for quickly.
If you havent thought about what happens when your customers come to you through mobile devices, then now is the time to start integrating some of these strategies into your marketing plan. Not everyone has an iPhone, Droid, or iPad yet, but the trends are clear with nearly 100 million Americans poised to own at least one of these devices by this time next year, now might be a great time to adopt some of these tips and stay ahead of the curve.
by: JT
Mobile Phone Deals-attractive Deals In Attractive Offers Latest Spice QT44 Mobile Phone Phone With Free Gifts An Initiative To Boost Sales Apple Iphone 4 Deals: Avail A World-class Handset With Wonderful Offers Telephones - Remarkable communicative device Apple iPhone 4 White Deals. Go and pick Reverse Lookup Phone Numbers get Name And Other Details For Caller Mobile Application Development technology has currently created it terribly abundant Pay As You Go Vs SIM Free Mobile Phones – Competition between Freedom Can I Lookup A Phone Number For Free-truth About Free Service Htc Click Is A Budget Phone Buy Mobile Phones: Enjoy Communication With Entertainment How To Start Your Own Private Wholesale Cellular Phone Accessories Enterprise