Imagine a world where your voice is heard the same as Apple’s, Paramount pictures or even Target.
I’m here to tell you that day is coming and it’s closer than you think.
Many times I have been asked why I am drawn to topics like social media, viral marketing and connectivity.
My answer is always the same.
I LOVE LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD!!!
And that is exactly what technology does best especially in this information age.
Take the iPhone for example.
It has set new standards in mobile devices and has clearly marked what consumers want. It’s open source development and functionality has been unparalleled… well till lately.
These new trends have lured the Web Gods at Google to develop their own phone, the Android set to be officially revealed this month.
The greatest factor about technology is that it is always getting cheaper, faster and smaller.
It’s what many professionals actually refer to as the “democratization”.
In other words the process of moving from more of an authoritarian structure to a democratic structure.
Social Media and Viral Marketing are two of the most effective means to “leveling the playing field” in growing not only your business brand but bottom line revenue.
Imagine… playing in the big leagues with the big boys if you will.
What do I mean?
Well we all love seeing those commercials from Apple… you know the ones.
“There’s an app for that”
How many times have you actually thought just for a second… how cool would it be to have an iPhone App for my business?
You just sit back and imagine the possibilities.
You can automate so many of those little tedious tasks like taking orders, processing orders, publishing content, building a email list.
But before you even begin to look into it you stop yourself because we all know that any form of mobile media like an iPhone App cost a small fortune. Right?
Well I am happy to tell you that this is no longer the case. That’s right.
iPhone Apps for everyone!!!
Before an iPhone App even at it’s most basic features would easily cost over $15,000 and that App wasn’t that impressive and really did not deliver much functionality.
But as all good technology does it has evolved and evolved for the masses.
Today.
Right now you can go to companies such as swebapps.com and in minutes have your own iPhone App.
The cost?
Between $250 to $850 based on how many options you want in your App.
The company offers four-, six- and eight-button packages, which all include a one-time set-up fee of $50 per button.
Then there is a $25 monthly hosting fee applied to every application going forward.
Now for you skeptics out there let me assure you that these are not some flimsy little apps with no real functionality.
On the contrary. You can take reservations, create your own mobile video channel or even process orders via PayPal.
In other words a mobile store front!
The possibilities are truly endless. Regardless of your market or business you have information that potential customers not only want but are actively looking for.
Now you can put that information, offers, deals, training and even products right in the palm of their hands!
While it is still very early in the game for this level of accessibility to your own iPhone App the consumer response has been over overwhelmingly positive.
Especially in regards to stability and functionality of such Apps.
Now as with any form of technological advantage in marketing you have to remember two key elements.
1. By the very nature of using technology in media you are no longer just completing a task or tasks. No in fact you are branding your company and increasing exposure all while stream lining some of your more basic day to day tasks. If a consumer decides to download your App it is for a reason. They want to stay connected and feel as if they are on the inside track. In order to keep them using your app you must create and incentive for them to do so. NO ONE continues to give their time to any form of business unless they are receiving something in return. So don’t fall for the “we are so cool because we have an App” trick. Give discounts, invite only events or even free monthly drawings to name some of the more obvious. What ever you do find a way to ENGAGE them through your App.
Here’s a hint: The most effective form of engagement is the one that makes customers believe they have a say in the outcome of anything!
2. As hinted above technology is as good as the strategy behind it. You can have all the bells and whistles but if you are not clear on your message and direction you are trying to send your customers it simply becomes embarrassing. Every time I speak in a convention, company or panel I always give this warning.
“If your not going to be consistent with these tools then you are far better off not even begging to use them. Nothing says unprofessional like blogs, apps or social media networks that have not been updated or comments not responded to.“
By the way if anyone is interested I was able to get a special promo code to offer to my readers.
If your going to use the Sweb option I listed above then use this code and you get 5% off of the development fee.
Here’s the promo code and please let me know when you get your app so I can review it here on my blog!
PROMO Code
Popularity: 5% [?]
