More and more, businesses of all sizes are discovering the power of mobile marketing.  The ability to connect and engage in one-on-one direct communication with a client has an unlimited potential to grow your in-house list, increase your profits and expand your marketing horizons.

But like every other marketing strategy, there are specific practices to follow to ensure you will get the best results and highest return on investment. 

According to Giselle Tsirulnik, senior editor at Mobile Marketer, here are the essential Mobile Marketing Best Practices:

1. Keep it simple and relevant
2. Ensure the consumer can understand what to do and how to do it
3. Engage the consumer with a call to action that resonates
4. Do what you promise you are going to do
5. Monetize the program to provide positive ROI for the brand/client
6. Try a viral marketing component with social media baked in (i.e. “Like” button on Facebook, invite friends to watch a video, post to Facebook/Twitter account)
7. Utilize mobile as a lower funnel marketing strategy to get people in-store or remind them about last minute deals/offers
8. Give consumers an incentive to engage – offer has to be meaningful
9.  Include a call-to-action (go to Web site, go in-store, watch a video) on all mobile engagements

Also, with mobile marketing campaigns starting to soar, consumers will be very conscientious as to who follows proper etiquette, and who doesn’t.    A good rule of thumb: always ask yourself “would I want to get that text message?”  Here are some basic Etiquette Guidelines:

  • Do let your clients know that by opting in to your business’ list, they may receive not one, but multiple text messages.  Let them know the types of messages they may receive in the future, and the schedule/frequency they will receive them.
  • Do pay attention to your target market and THEIR schedule. If you are a deli, and your customers are busy professionals, sending a text at 10:00am (prime meeting hour) is not a good idea.   But if they opt-in to your daily specials delivered to their phone at 11:30am every day, you can expect your message to be happily received.
  • Do thank your clients for opting in to your mobile list.  Offer a special discount on their first purchase, or create a special “members-only” club that they’re now a member of.  Be sure to detail just what a client saves or gains for handing over their mobile phone numbers.
  • Don’t forget that giving up a phone number can be a very personal and nerve-wracking experience for a potential client.   Therefore, don’t push a client for their phone number, and be understanding if they appear hesitant at first.  A few discounts and/or free gifts should make the process easier for them.
  • Don’t ignore the importance of good writing.  A text message may only be limited to 160-characters, but if you miss out on a punctuation mark or spell a word wrong, you can bet that your clients WILL notice.  Nothing says “unprofessional” like a text message that’s riddled with typing errors and grammar mistakes.

With these important steps, AND with iZigg leaders Brian Underwood, Jason Borne, and Dr. Scott Elliott leading the way, you are surely going to “wow” your target market and enjoy huge rewards in your mobile marketing endeavors.

Text “izigg” to 90210 for daily updates on mobile marketing activities!