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Wine is Going Mobile

April 19th, 2011 No Comments

In today’s business environment, virtually every industry is finding mobile technology to be a profitable addition to their marketing mix. Mobile applications are now taking on a new, refined role with many wine retailers introducing mobile wine apps.

Wine retailers are using mobile apps as tools to connect with other businesses who sell wine, and also as a tool to connect with consumers. Mobile wine apps give consumers an instant wealth of information about their favorite (or new) wines, right as their at the purchase point. There are wine apps that help users pair the best wine with their food, apps that alert wine experts when a rare or new wine has hit the market and wine apps that offer compare, contrast, and consumer review information in real time. There are many more wine app features that are simply too numerous to list. One thing certain across the board is that wine apps give users unprecedented access to information that is crucial to the wine buying process, and gives wine retailers the chance to interact with their customers on a new, more personal level.

With mobile wine apps, wine retailers can now develop deeper relationships with customers as consumers use their app to make informed decisions about each wine purchase. A higher, more social level of customer interaction also gives wine retailers many powerful marketing opportunities, like building an opt-in list and SMS based promotions.

As we progress further into the 21^st century, it is likely that using a mobile wine app will become a regular step in the wine purchasing process. For more information about wine apps or mobile applications in general, visit www.mowbi.com. Or call 1-800-985-9277. E-mail WBouton@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: Mobile Commerce, Mobile Wine Application, Mobile Wine Apps, Wine App, Wine Application

New Mobile Advertising Tip for the Travel Industry

March 26th, 2011 No Comments

It’s the time of year when many people look to escape the last of the cold winter or rainy spring by taking a vacation. The natural consumer desire to unwind presents key marketing opportunities to those who work in the travel industry. As reviewed in a previous post, Mobile Marketing is a powerful tool for travel and tourism professionals, because it provides unprecedented levels of communication and the ability to conduct real-time marketing campaigns.

A recent post in Mobile Commerce Daily outlined a great idea for travel pros to integrate mobile into their mix this vacation season. The basic idea is to conduct promotions that utilize a mix of SMS Marketing and e-mail marketing. This potent, two step communication engages consumers with e-mail newsletters or messaging, and then further engages users with a targeted marketing message. This is a powerful mobile marketing tip. Here’s how it works:

A travel agent sends a newsletter to their e-mail opt-in list. The newsletter highlights an exclusive Hawaii vacation package for two at a discounted price. The newsletter includes a link that prompts users to opt-in to their mobile opt-in list in order to be notified when the Hawaii packages are available for sale and when they have been sold out. The next week, customers who have opted in, receive a SMS communication from the travel agent, alerting them that packages are available and that mobile opt-in customers can purchase them at a deeply discounted rate. They click on a link in the text and are taken to a mobile website, where they can purchase the Hawaii package immediately, from their smartphone. When packages are sold out, the opt-in list is sent a text alerting them to the status and urging them to visit the travel agent’s mobile or standard website for more great vacation opportunities.

The above is just one of the many scenarios that an E-Mail/SMS Mobile Advertising campaign provides for travel professionals. The benefits of this type of advertising campaign span beyond an instant boost in sales. The texts that you send will be to a highly qualified audience. They opted in to receive the text, so there is a base of interest. Between the e-mail communication and SMS, customers will have to opt-in twice. This means, they would be doubled opted-in, which means you’re definitely legally compliant. And, you can get a good read on e-mail messaging, texts, and overall promotions that work, using the data gained from this kind of mobile advertising campaign.

For more information about mobile advertising for the Travel Industry and powerful mobile tools for any marketing campaign, visit www.mowbi.com. Or call 1-800-985-9277. E-mail WBouton@mowbi.com or Bill@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: E-Mail Marketing, Mobile Advertising, SMS, Text clubs, Texting, Travel Agent, Travel Industry

Find Your Pot of Gold with Mobile Marketing

March 17th, 2011 No Comments

In the spirit of today’s holiday (St. Patrick’s Day), here are two key mobile marketing insights to help anyone find their pot of gold with Mobile.

Plan your Campaign-Since mobile marketing is relatively new to the scene, it may be tempting for business owners to jump into a mobile campaign without properly planning, which can harm results and learnings. For example, before launching a text messaging campaign, the metrics by which success will be measured should be established. The items being promoted should be in-stock, all links should be live and tested. If you’re driving customers to mobile, your mobile site must be optimized for the mobile web. If you’re running a location based campaign, be sure to have the software in place to track “check ins”. Make sure you’re listed correctly in mobile directories, and that once in your establishment, it’s clear what users are supposed to do from there.

Another planning point that can easily be ignored at the peril of any company is the follow up plan of action. Once the active part of a mobile marketing campaign is complete, it’s important to follow up with your customers. Mobile audiences expect a high level of interaction. If the only time they hear from you is when you’re selling something, then you could be in danger of facing a dwindling opt-in list. It should always be a part of your plan to follow up after every campaign. You can send a survey, poll, text, drive users to a mobile site with questions. You can even use mobile social networking to follow up with your audience to get their important feedback and interaction. No matter what stage of the process you’re in, remember not to make the mistake of jumping into the execution stage of a mobile marketing campaign without proper planning.

Test & Learn- The great thing about mobile marketing, is that results are extremely trackable and accurate. You decide what you want to learn about your audience, product, service, or offer, and with mobile marketing, you get clear, measurable results virtually instantly. No matter what form of mobile you choose, make sure to have an understanding of not only what your goals are, but of what questions you hope to answer. Also keep in mind, that the insight gained from mobile campaigns can cross over to other channels in your marketing mix.

For more ways to find your pot of gold with mobile marketing, visit www.mowbi.com or call 800-985-9277. E-mail WBouton@mowbi.com or Bill@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: location based marketing, location marketing, mobile campaign, mobile marketing, mobile social networking, SMS, SMS Messaging, Text Club, Text clubs, Text Messaging

More Mobile Marketing Tips for Local Businesses

March 10th, 2011 No Comments

There have been many technological advancements since the last post with mobile marketing tips for local businesses. In 2011, there are several options to consider while planning a mobile campaign. Now, there is so much more than text clubs, optimized mobile presence, and a mobile commerce site available for local businesses to use as a strong marketing tool. Here are a few new mobile marketing tips and ideas for local businesses.

Engage in Mobile Social Commerce – According to the website “Social Commerce Today” , there are 3 basic types of social commerce. Social Intelligence, which is when purchase choices are influenced by friends/other users; Social Capital, which helps consumers enhance their social status by connecting with a given brand; and Social Buying, which is when consumers form/join clubs together and gain access to deals and incentives for buying. The lightening fast speed, and high consumer interaction make social commerce and mobile commerce a match made in heaven. Mobile Social Commerce allows you to have an open conversation with your customers while they’re engaging in their every day lives. It gives local businesses the chance to almost effortlessly become a part of your customer’s daily thoughts and the ability to interact with users at levels that have never before been experienced.

Mobile Directories- Becoming a part of, or creating a mobile directory has many advantages for local businesses. One instant benefit is that a directory listing puts you “on the map” in the mobile realm – meaning, customers will be able to find you more easily. Another benefit of a mobile directory is that it supports a companies mobile Internet optimization efforts. This also greatly supports your visibility on the mobile web. Mowbi Mobile Directories take the mobile directory concept even further, by allowing businesses to monetize their directory. Not only can a local business become a part of a directory, but they can also start their own directory and let other companies join them. This presents all of the benefits listed above and also the chance to increase your revenue significantly.

Location Based Marketing – This is another take on mobile social networking. Location based marketing is based on mobile social networks that are based on the location of users. Networks such as Foursquare or Gowalla, allow users to “check in” when they arrive at their destination. This gives friends and other users the details on where a person has been and is heading to. Many retail businesses, restaurants, and night clubs give users incentive to check in regularly, by making them “mayor” or giving them special discounts. Location based marketing presents unlimited opportunity for local businesses, as you’re able to market to consumers as they are in close proximity to your establishment. Another interesting aspect that will likely become popular, is location based ads. An example of this would be a customer who checks in at a record store receiving an invitation to book tickets for a 15% discount at a nearby theater. This mobile marketing technology will allow companies to reach out to consumers literally at the point where the consumer would be most receptive to the advertiser’s message.

For more information about Mobile Marketing or Mowbi Mobile Directories, visit www.mowbi.com. Or call 1-800-985-9277. E-mail Wbouton@mowbi.com or Bill@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: location based marketing, Mobile Directories, mobile marketing, mobile social commerce, mowbi mobile directory

The Freeport Merchant’s Association Finds Success with Mowbi Mobile Directories

February 23rd, 2011 No Comments

“I Highly Recommend the Mowbi Team” - Myra Hopkins

Freeport Merchants Association Executive Director Myra Hopkins recently commented, “Working with Mowbi to develop the FreeportUSA App was a great experience. From start to finish the Mowbi team was as invested in our success with the app as we were. The award winning final product far exceeded expectations the look and feel is very compelling and easy to use-it puts everything you need and want to know about Freeport in the palm of your hand. Mowbi made entering this new mobile market easy and exciting through their service and support before, during and after the development and launch of our new FreeportUSA App.”

Mobile is working for the Freeport Merchant’s Association. How many ways could your business benefit from a Mowbi Mobile Directory? For more information visit: Mowbi Mobile Directories or call 1-800-985-9277. E-mail Wendy at: wbouton@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: FMA, Freeport Merchant's Association, Mobile Directories, Mowbi, Mowbi Mobile Directories

Mowbi Mobile Directories are a Perfect Fit for Chambers of Commerce

February 22nd, 2011 No Comments

Due to recent technological advancements (such as phones with better browsers), people are now accessing business information on their phones to such a degree that many predict that mobile we access will outpace web access in a year or two. A mobile directory can increase sales, coupon redemption rates, phone calls and walk in traffic. Numerous regional Chambers of Commerce are realizing the huge opportunity that mobile directories presents for themselves and their members.

Mowbi is at the forefront of the popularity explosion of mobile directories, with a line of mobile directory software that gives Chambers of Commerce the starting point and lets them drive the development of a mobile application that will truly benefit their members.

Freeport Maine is the #1 tourist destination in Maine.The Freeport Merchants Association noticed the number of tourists with phones that allowed them to access the internet. The numbers were large and growing significantly. Since FreeportUSA.comwas already a valuable asset to its members, a mobile approach made a lot of sense. When tourists decide to visit Freeport, they can simply pull up the directory and check out the area business including coupons, menus and sales events.

To learn more about the exciting opportunities Mowbi Mobile Directories present, visit Mowbi Mobile Directories. Or e-mail WBouton@mowbi.com. Call 1-800-985-9277.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: freeport maine, Freeport Merchant's Association, Mobile Directories, mowbi mobile directory, mowbi mobile directory coupon

Mobile…Dating?

February 14th, 2011 No Comments

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and many people will be spending time with someone special or are in the market to find someone special to share the national day of romance with. As with shopping, directions, and social networking, many cell phone users are turning to mobile technology to find their next date. In fact a Juniper Reasearch Report Summary listed on Techcrunch, indicated that the mobile dating market is slated to expand to a $1.4 billion dollar market by 2013. Mobile Dating websites and Mobile Dating applications have exploded in popularity as comfort with mobile technology continues to rise. Mobile Dating sites can present great marketing opportunities for restaurants, movie cinemas, traditional theaters, and florists, as singles look to connect with new people and places.

An easy way for a company to tap into the marketing power of mobile dating, is to form strategic relationships with mobile dating websites. Get your cafe listed in a mobile dating app’s directory. Have your live flower delivery service offered as a way for users to send gifts or “flirt” with each other in real life. Work with a mobile dating site to allow their users to make reservations at your fine dining restaurant as they secure a date.

Another way to take advantage of the mobile dating concept would be to start your very own directory of mobile dating sites. Mobile Dating sites would pay a membership fee to be listed, and you would simply have to create a strong mobile presence for your directory.

If you haven’t seen or heard of mobile dating sites yet, take a look at the following sites to get an idea of what they’re all about. While browsing, think of how your business could fit into the mobile dating scene. Don’t forget to visit www.mowbi.com for more innovative mobile marketing tools and ideas.

Meet Moi- This is a location based mobile dating service that sends users alerts when other singles are in their area.

Dating.Mobi - This also is location based mobile dating, but offers mobile chat rooms and mobile social networking.

Dates Near Me - This site is another take on location based dating, that specifically taps into Facebook to help find and facilitate connections.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: Mobile Dating, Mobile Directories, mobile marketing, New Mobile Ideas, Valentine's Day

Spurwink Launches Autism App with Mowbi

February 2nd, 2011 No Comments

In an effort to provide the highest level of mental health support to children, teens, adults, and families, Spurwink has launched an iPhone application that assists adolescents and adults who are living with autism. App Publishing, a division of Mowbi LLC, developed this groundbreaking application for Spurwink.

The autism application is specifically designed for teens and adults on the autism spectrum, including Asperger’s and other developmental delays. This autism app helps support adolescents and adults in social situations by providing scenarios about every day communication with friends, classmates and other people users might encounter.

The app allows users to listen to and review stories about interacting with other people, taking care of oneself, and completing tasks that are important to every day living. The autism app also includes cues and reminders that help users navigate through social situations and everyday tasks. People with autism can use the app to assist them during situations that produce anxiety, frustration, and/or feelings of being left out or disappointed.

Spurwink is a nationally accredited non-profit organization that provides a broad range of mental health, educational and residential services for children, adolescents, adults and families.

They offer specialized programs throughout Maine and New England that are grounded in research, outcomes and evidence-based practices. For more information about Spurwink, visit http://www.spurwink.org.

Mowbi creates cutting edge custom mobile applications. For more information about Mowbi, visit http://www.mowbi.com or call 1-800-985-9277. You can e-mail Wendy at wbouton@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Application Development, Mobile Commerce

Tags: app developer, App Publishing, application, Autism App, iphone, iphone app, Mowbi, Spurwink

Farewell 2010

December 31st, 2010 No Comments

2010 is almost officially over! It was a big year for Mowbi, and there are many exciting ventures ahead.

Here is a quick look back on a few Mowbi highlights of 2010:

Mowbi Officially Launches- Amid much anticipation, the Mowbi platform officially launched on July 1st. The launch came as the m-commerce industry really started to heat up. Mowbi has been slated to be a key player in the mobile revolution.

Mowbi Connect Launches- Mobile Social Media became more easily available to businesses and consumers with the launch of the groundbreaking Mobile Social Media Platform, Mowbi Connect.

Mowbi Introduces Revenue Sharing Program-As a mobile commerce organization with roots in business platforms, it’s only natural that Mowbi offered it’s users the opportunity to get a slice of the income generated when they promote Mowbi.

Portland Magazine App Launches-App Dev Heds, a division of Mowbi, launched the Portland Magazine App, Portland Monthly. This app allows users to read Portland Magazine Features, Letters to the Editor, and more. Plus, users can check out the Portland Dining Guide, view Real Estate listings, and subscribe to Portland Magazine.

Freeport Merchant’s Association Launches Mobile Platform- The Freeport Merchant’s Association launched a robust mobile platform, powered by Mowbi. This platform made it easy and affordable for Freeport businesses to enter the mobile commerce market.

Juiced Apparel goes Mobile with Mowbi-Creative, retro inspired clothing line, Juiced Apparel jumped into the mobile commerce arena with Mowbi powered tools. The Mowbi Mobile Storemaker and Mobile Invoicer, let Juiced Apparel customers browse and purchase merchandise, interact with the brand via social networks, and enter cool contests while on the go through their mobile phones.

Pulp & Wire Connects with Mowbi Connect-Internationally recognized design firm, Pulp & Wire used Mowbi Connect to stay ahead of the mobile game. Client Manager, Michael Geneseo said, “Mowbi Connect has proven in a very short time to be an effective way of not only managing our own social media outlets but of connecting in a much more profound way through a combination of mobile technology and social media with our existing networks, be they business, social, familial, …whatever level.”

Mowbi Wins American Graphic Design Awards-Mowbi won two graphic design awards from Graphic Design USA, a leading news magazine for creative professionals. Mowbi picked up two American Graphic Design Awards for the Freeport Merchant’s Association Mobile App Design and the Mowbi Website Design.

Mowbi Sponsors Esperanza 5k- Mowbi was a proud sponsor of the Esperanza 5K for Safe Passage. It was another way our business showed commitment to strengthening our community, from the local to the global in 2010.

Mowbi CEO Speaks at Social Media Breakfast-Mowbi CEO Bill Broadbent was a key presenter at the Social Media Breakfast Maine event in downtown Portland, Maine. The event was an exciting chance for Maine business owners to learn about the impending mobile explosion, and the opportunities that mobile commerce brings.

Mowbi Partners with Portland Regional Chamber-The Portland Regional Chamber launched a new mowbi powered mobile application called “Portland, Maine.” This app gave Chamber Members powerful mobile commerce tools, such as a robust mobile directory and a free one page mobile website.

Mowbi Mobile Directory Takes Off-Mowbi launched a new website geared specifically towards the Mowbi Mobile Directory product. This website examines the benefits of building a Mowbi Mobile Directory, and describes the features as well as the ability to monetize the directory to create multiple income streams.

2010 was a great year for Mowbi. We want to thank all clients, vendors, staff, family, friends, and fans for an excellent year. We look forward to bringing even more cutting edge mobile technology into the market in the coming year.

Posted in Mobile Commerce, Mowbi

Tags: Bill Broadbent, Freeport, Freeport Merchant's Association, Holiday Season 2010, juiced apparel, Mowbi, mowbi connect, mowbi mobile directory, New Year, Portland, Portland Magazine, portland regional chamber, Pulp & Wire

Top 5 Mobile Marketing Ideas for Nightclubs

December 29th, 2010 No Comments

New Year’s Eve is almost here and if you own a bar, lounge, or nightclub; chances are, you’ve been planning ahead for this coming Friday (New Year’s Eve), as retailers planned for Black Friday, a few weeks ago. New Year’s Eve can be a huge holiday revenue-wise for nightclubs nation wide, as consumers step out to say farewell to the year past and usher in a year of new beginnings. And mobile technology presents exciting mobile marketing opportunities for nightclub owners who want to drive traffic to their establishments on this upbeat holiday. Here is a list of the Top 5 Mobile Marketing Ideas for Nightclubs. Whether you try one, or try them all, mobile marketing tools can greatly increase traffic to your venue this New Year’s Eve.

Text Message Marketing- This is the chance to make the opt-in list you’ve worked all year long to build, pay off big time. There are numerous ways nightclubs can use text messaging as a marketing tool this New Year’s Eve. One great idea is to text an exclusive drink special to your opt-in list. For example, you could text about a free pre-ball drop champagne toast going on at your venue in the next 20 minutes. Not only will this be an exciting moment for everyone in your nightclub, but it can also tempt customers on your opt-in list who are not in your club, to get there ASAP., in order to take part in the festivities. Another SMS Message that could give you immediate traffic, is a text that announces a waived cover charge for the next ten people to show up, and mention they saw the text. There are so many different ways for nightclubs to use text message marketing. A combination of knowing your audience, and creative brainstorming can set you up for an extremely successful texting campaign.

Location Marketing-This exciting form of mobile marketing allows businesses to communicate with consumers based on the consumer’s location. This is a huge opportunity for locally based companies, such as bars and nightclubs. As a local business, you should definitely be sure that you’re a part of the Mobile Directories that are key for your area, as well as major mobile search engines. This way, when people search for nightclubs in your specific city- your club appears in the search. Another way for nightclubs to use Location Based Marketing is by giving special drinks, VIP Passes, etc to people who “check-in” at your establishment. You can partner with an app like FourSquare to run this promotion, or be a little more creative. Is there a special act performing on New Year’s Eve? An ice sculpture on the bar? Have consumers take a picture of something unique about your establishment to check-in.

Mobile Social Networking- When you interact with customers via social networks, like Facebook or Twitter, don’t forget that the large social networks are all mobile- therefore, your messages should be tailored to a mobile audience. Did a local or national celebrity just walk into your nightclub? Tweet about it or post it on Facebook, with pictures. Mobile Social Networking provides real time conversation between you and your customers. Keep them up to date on the latest and greatest going on at your nightclub, and they’ll be more likely to remember you this New Year’s. Another way to use Mobile Social Networking is to give free VIP Passes to the first 5 people to “like” a post, or the first 10 people to re-tweet your promotional message.

Rich Media- Mobile technology has come a long way, and this includes the capability to incorporate rich media into your mobile webpage. You can post a Youtube video of your headlining band warming up, or post a podcast of an interview with the local or national celebrities who are attending your New Year’s Eve event. You can have ringtones or Mp3s featuring music from your house or guest DJ available to download. As more and more consumers turn to the mobile web, consumer expectations have risen. People expect a rich, entertaining experience with the mobile web- this holds especially true if your business is entertainment.

Key Part of Marketing Mix-You can incorporate any of the mobile marketing ideas for nightclubs listed above or more, by simply adding them to your traditional marketing efforts. For example, your fliers could have a call to action that drives texts or mobile url visits. Your radio commercial can announce your check-in promotion. Your newspaper ad can drive users to your Facebook page.

No matter which mobile marketing option you choose, it’s a smart move for nightclub owners to add mobile to your mix this New Year’s Eve, and into 2011. For cutting edge mobile tools that will help you reach your customers, year-round visit www.mowbi.com. Or call 800-985-9277. E-mail Bill@mowbi.com.

Posted in Mobile Commerce

Tags: ideas, Location Based Targetting, location marketing, Mobile Advertising, mobile marketing, mobile social networking, nightclubs, SMS, Texting

Mobile Application Development

Archive for the ‘Mobile Commerce’ Category

Wine is Going Mobile

New Mobile Advertising Tip for the Travel Industry

The Freeport Merchant’s Association Finds Success with Mowbi Mobile Directories

Mowbi Mobile Directories are a Perfect Fit for Chambers of Commerce

Mobile…Dating?

Spurwink Launches Autism App with Mowbi

Farewell 2010

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