Discuss 5 features of mobile phones and how it can help play in a holistic digital marketing strategy

1. Mobile Friendly Website

Statistics claim that by 2013 more people will be accessing websites via their cell phones as opposed to desktops and laptops.  This means that mobile optimized websites are more important now more than ever before.

2. SMS (Text) Alerts/Reminders

SMS has many useful applications in the mobile technology realm, one of which is alerts and reminders.  Having the ability to contact your customers with simple text messages is non-intrusive and convenient.  Two current examples of industries utilizing SMS alerts and reminders are banks and retail chains. Banks use this technology to alert customers of balances on their accounts.  Retails chains can alert customers when certain products are discounted or available.

3. SMS Voting/Polling

Many of you may be familiar with this technology already.  Television shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent already utilize this technology to rank contestants.  However, this technology is also helpful in the business world, where users can poll or vote on various products and services.  What a great way to get valid feedback on your business!

4. Mobile Commerce

60% of consumers are purchasing goods and services on their mobile phones.  They are also able to compare prices with competing vendors.

The invention of Near Field Communications (NFC) in the mobile commerce arena is going to explode.  NFC allows you to wave your phone over a compatible device at your retailer to purchase goods or services. This ability to purchase products with your smartphone is a convenient technology that may one day “eliminate” the need for a wallet.

5. Mobile Applications

There’s an app for that, and that’s no joke.  Companies and organizations worldwide have adopted the use of mobile apps to help increase awareness and revenue streams.  Mobile apps can provide data such as product information, account information, games, scores to a sporting event, streaming audio, and this goes on and on.

Studies show that users prefer mobile games, social media, maps and music in the form of an app,  as opposed to a web based interaction.  There is a sense of security with an application that is installed and trusted by a relevant source on your mobile phone. This does not mean that mobile websites do not have their place, they do, and it’s up to the organization to determine the best use of a mobile web or mobile app.

Explanation:

leaning back,   no eye contact,   fidgeting in the seat