Since the 90s when mobile started becoming commonplace a lot has changed and now the are in excess of 5 billion handsets worldwide. Mobile marketers are keen on exploiting the full potential of this technology. But not all are even close to tapping this marketing goldmine. Here are some uses that may be unknown to you.
1. Special promotions.Mobile phones can be used to communicate with customers about special promotions, contests or give directions. This can be done through voice or text. SMS is preferable because unlike voice you simply write the text and click the button 'send to all'.
2. Emergency Notification. Business, government and aid agencies can all effectively use SMS to alert individuals of emergency measures, dangers or last minute event location changes. SMS can also be used to call for emergency meetings on short notice. You can send a text message at 8pm in the evening calling for an emergency meeting at 8am the following day and get a good turnout.
3. News/updates.Critical time sensitive updates are best done with text messages sent directly to users. You may have seen this with news, TV and radios. Their popularity stems from the fact that people want to be ahead- first to know.
4. Events.When combined with short code numbers and a customer relationship and management, mobile phones can be used to coordinate events very well. Text messages can be automatically sent out for predetermined events, like weekly meetings, parking instructions. Or school closing time. Send an alert reminding parents to pick their children.
5. Employee management. Mobile phones can be used to dispatch employees to their next workstations. They can be provided with location maps, customer details and specific scope of works. For routine jobs this can be a good way of swooping employees without causing confusion. It also makes new employees catch up faster with company processes.
6. Customer Service. A bank can allow its customers to check account balances using phones. A retail store can use the same technology to let customers know of the ongoing sale. A doctor can send text messages reminding clients of the upcoming appointments. The same technology can be used to track prices, stock movement, and airline departures and arrivals status. The possibilities are numerous. It all depends on creativity and the industry one operates in.
7. Customer Payments.Countries like Japan and Kenya have a very developed mobile payment system. You can make payments with your phone. You can deposit and withdrew money from your bank account, which protects credit card information, and reduces risk.
8. Fundraising. Whenever there are emergencies and funds are required, a country with a good mobile payment system, can raise millions within hours. It just requires an appeal and a number that will receive the funds.
9. Lead Generation. Mobile marketing is a very good way of qualifying prospects. Simply offer something of value in exchange for potential customers' details. The people taking or asking for what you are offering are hot leads.
10. Watch TV/ listen to radio. Mobile handsets can also be used to listen to radio or TV viewing. And a lot can happen in these sessions, like listeners being exposed to ads or getting short code numbers of an organization.
This list is not exhaustive. You realize that traditions and practices from country to country and region-to-region differ. So, what one requires is to study the market well and see how best you can use mobile marketing to generate income.
Mary Wilhite is a Mobile Marketing Specialist, also known as the Mobile Marketing Queen. Teaching small businesses, entrepreneurs, and internet marketers how to attract better customers with mobile marketing devices. Get more of her mobile marketing tips, tricks, and strategies
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