Get Started with Social and Mobile Media

Social media and mobile web are all the rage. They are changing the way we relate to the world and everyone in it. While new technologies offer amazing opportunities to communicate on different levels, they also create new challenges for marketers. Getting started with these platforms can certainly be tricky, but using promotional products to tie social medial and mobile marketing into your campaigns can help to create a smooth transition. They can make the process fun, rewarding and a great outlet to showcase your incredible creativity.

Like us...

Everyone knows that Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs are a great way to engage customers and improve your search rankings. But how do you get people to become a fan or follower? Using the promotional products you are already purchasing can provide a great incentive. Consider running a promotion such as "Like us on Facebook and receive a FREE t-shirt" to begin building your fan base. You can advertise your promotion on your company website, in employees' email signatures, at the bottom of email blasts or by running an ad right on Facebook. With a quick Google search, you can even find promo codes to get vouchers for anywhere between $50-$150 in free Facebook ads.

Text to win...

Mobile is huge. There is no way around it. Billions of text messages are sent each day by people in every age group. It's a great way to reach customers directly and get an immediate reaction. Many companies are using mobile marketing to send product updates, reminders and even coupons. For novices looking to begin building their mobile contact list, running a Text-To-Win promotion is a great way to start. Even if you don't have the budget to offer a life-changing prize, giving away a small promotional product can still be a great incentive for people to hand over their highly protected digits. You can advertise this type of promotion through any type of digital, print or on-pack media. Just be extremely clear about any charges that may apply to participants. Remember: hidden fees = huge turnoff.

Scan this...

In addition to marketing through texts, accessing digital communications through mobile devices has become part of everyday life for much of the population. Around 20% of emails are opened on either a smart phone or a tablet, causing most companies to realize the importance of having a mobile version of their website. To be effective, a mobile website must be clear, concise and easy to navigate on a tiny little touch screen. Limit the amount of images and stick to only the most important information.

Using QR codes on various marketing materials is a great way to introduce your mobile website and drive more traffic there. These small bar codes are free & easy to create and can be scanned with a smart phone when printed on almost any flat surface. Even the most standard promotional products like tote bags, t-shirts or drinkware, can be a great stage to feature QR codes. And don't forget your stationary! Basic materials like business cards, letterhead and brochures should all have QR codes inviting people to learn more about you while on the go.