Mobile statistics throughout the industry are indicating that it has now reached the point that over two thirds (70 percent) of people in the United States with mobile devices are in the habit of regularly sending text messages, and that another 40 percent use their mobile device to use apps or browse the mobile web.
Businesses wanting to take advantage of this knowledge can use the following techniques to generate new sales via mobile technology:
• Create an email newsletter that can be obtained via text message. Businesses that offer an email newsletter can receive better subscription rates by allowing consumers to subscribe to the publication when they are most motivated to do so. Therefore, instead of waiting until they get home to sign up (at which point, they won’t be as excited, or they’ll have forgotten), they can simply use their mobile devices to subscribe.
• Build a text message mailing list. Though it’s traditional to collect consumers’ email addresses in order to send information, promotions, and discount opportunities, businesses can now collect cell phone numbers in order to receive permission to send them texts with the same opportunities.
• Use QR codes. This is an inexpensive technology that is growing at a phenomenal rate. All a smartphone or tablet user has to do is aim the device camera at the code and use a free barcode reader app in order to scan the code. Once the image of the code is taken, the user is automatically redirected to a mobile homepage, a landing page, an app download, or many other useful locations that can generate loyalty, interest, and sales.
• Mobile optimized landing pages. To encourage mobile device users to interact with a company or brand on the mobile web, a page needs to be optimized to the screen size of the device and the fact that it will not be accessed with a mouse.