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.