Starting the Day with Smartphones

In a recent Ericsson study, it was proved that over 30% of smartphone users load apps before they get out of bed. If you have some extra time, you can read the study's pdf results here.

These insights are incredibly eye-opening and it definitely goes to show how important smartphones are in our lives. To think that millions of people are sending emails, checking Facebook, tweeting, and texting before they get out of bed in the morning - it just proves how powerful phones are.

Marketers are definitely capitalizing on these trends with apps, text message marketing campaigns, location based services, and mobile-friendly websites. Phones are an extension of our lives and are finding ways to connect with people, apparently before 7 AM. I highly recommend reading Ericsson's study, there are a lot of amazing stats in there. Feel free to share your favorite insight/stat below!

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QR Codes in Action

I created a post a couple weeks ago about QR codes and how they can enhance a direct response marketing campaign. You can scan this code to read that post now!

I wanted to share with everyone that I recently received a brochure promoting the new Nissan Juke. This visually appealing booklet, had some great pictures, information, and QR codes to connect with consumers. I have included some pictures of the codes printed in the booklet below.

These two codes on the right lead people to videos and interactive, mobile-friendly websites where more information about the Juke can be found. I have to admit, I scanned these codes and watched a few videos about it's turbo engine, AWD, and navigation system. It was a great way for Nissan to promote individuals to take action on an advertising piece. 

MarketingProfs recently published an article detailing some stats about a recent study done on these codes. below are some of the impressive results.

• 52% of mobile users have seen or heard of QR codes; of those, 28% have scanned one

• iPhone users scan by far the most, at 68% (versus 26% of Android users and 4% of Blackberry users)

• QR-code scanning rose a whopping 1,200% from July to December 2010

• Companies like Starbucks are already using QR codes (as well as barcodes) to enable users to pay for their purchases via mobile. (And here's a fun fact from the chart: 3 million Starbucks customers have already tried it.)

Being proactive with this form of marketing can really pay off, because you can't argue with those results! Have you seen these QR codes recently used for any marketing campaigns?

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Smart Phones Are Now Personal Shopping Devices

Phones are people's lives that hold connections, friends, and family members at the touch of a button (or touchscreen). But when you take another look at it, phones aren't just phones anymore. They are computers, cameras, video recorders, gaming systems, televisions, GPS, and now shopping devices!

Leo Burnett recently determined that 50% of moble phone owners use their devices to shop. The eye-opening statistic is extremely important to businesses all over the world.  Apps, text message campaigns, and mobile friendly websites are a necessity for shopping websites/companies. These utilities are not only able to give customers info about store hours, GPS locators to find nearby stores, promotional coupons, and various product information/specifications, but it will result in more app downloads and more traffic on the mobile website. This will result in increased awareness, customer loyalty, improved customer perception, which will ultimately lead to a boost in sales.

People are on their phones for hours everyday, so you better have a presence there, or your competitors will. The number of cell phone users are twice the amount of internet users! With statistics like that, businesses big and small need to be up to date on their marketing efforts, especially with a focus in utilizing emerging digital techniques, including mobile marketing.

Check out this awesome use of social coupons on mobile devices - via LivingSocial





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