Beacon Powered Marketing
Nearing 2018, most savvy business owners are well aware of mobile in their marketing strategy. Many are already using these platforms to some degree (knowingly or not) in their current campaigns. But what about the concept behind it all? Beacon powered marketing, ibeacon, bluetooth beacon, proximity marketing – whatever you call it, how much do you really know about beacon technology?
What is Beacon Marketing?
Beacons are small, battery-operated wireless devices that use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology to transfer Bluetooth signals to nearby smart devices. The best thing about this form of mobile marketing is that it enables marketers to push targeted information via sponsored content or ads. Imagine shopping in-store and just as you pass those perfect pair of jeans, a $25 off coupon appears on your smart phone – just for you! Nice right?
No matter your company size, all businesses can add beacon tech into your advertising campaigns. This proximity marketing is ideal for a number of different sectors including museums, art galleries, theme parks, hotels, airlines, restaurants and many more. With beacons, the shopping experience becomes more immersive and personalized.
Marketing through beacon technology is a relatively new concept but one with great potential. Let’s look at some key points in this distinctive, mobile marketing advantage.
Beacon Marketing on Facebook
Facebook’s beacon device has, naturally become very popular. Business owners can place the device in-store and it lets customers get more information about the store when they visit Facebook. With the help of beacon technology, users can instantly view ‘Place Tips’ regarding their business. Such tips can include:
- Page promotions, posts, special offers and so on
- News about upcoming events
- Reviews about your business
- Welcome note as well as photo
- Friends recommendations on your business
Place tips will appear at the top of your customers’ news feed. It will help in increasing your Facebook likes, content views and check-ins. Now you can expand your business by using this proximity marketing without paying a single penny.
A Retail Renaissance ?
Brick & mortar retail stores have relied heavily on foot traffic for decades. But now, shoppers are seeking a more tailored and personalized shopping experience. Initial reports suggest Amazon captured an almost 55% share of all black friday sales this holiday season and that continues to be a big problem for retail.
Can beacon powered marketing technology ignite a retail renaissance in part? Well, like shopping online, beacons allow a retailer to suggest items based on a customers preferences and shopping habits. This more personalized approach can help encourage long-term customers and foster a more engaging shopping experience overall.
And what about that all important foot traffic? Retailers now have the ability to trigger ads based on a customer’s proximity to their store. In essence, potential customers can be marketed to at the right time, in the right place and in real-time. All because of beacons.
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Beacon Powered Marketing Tips
Advanced technology has made huge leaps in the field of mobile marketing. Now you can track your target audience through beacon technology. Here’s some tips on adopting proximity marketing into your business.
- Offer Value to Customers
Always give value to your customers so that they can easily share their locality information. In a portable, social world, sharing is everything! You can tell shoppers about your existing in-store promotions or discounts, arrival of new products, product reviews, or styling ideas.
- Consider the Shopper Experience
It’s important to consider the experience of your shoppers. Put yourself in their shoes. How much is too much? Brands must carefully consider the number and frequency of mobile messages, sequencing of ad campaigns and content.
- Be Clear with Customers
Some customers are understandably hesitant in sharing their smart device’s location info that’s why you must be transparent with them. Let them know how you will use this information and what benefits the customer will gain in return.
- Get started
Early adoption of technology can give competitive advantages over the late adopters. Get started now to reap the benefits!
Send out a Signal !
Using beacons as a part of your retail marketing strategy could be a real game changer. With an affordable cost of under $100 and easy set up, beacon tech could be a very worthwhile product to try. The technology gives marketers the chance to reach users with a custom content experience tailored uniquely to them.
Proximity marketing is the future especially in the retail industry and likely one of the most powerful marketing tools available today. Another great reason to send out a signal today.
Thanks for reading!