Internet Marketing Tips, Tools and Strategies

Internet marketing is one of the fastest changing industries on the planet. Nothing stays the same in the internet marketing world for very long, which is why it's so important to stay current with the latest technology and applications that are available. 

For businesses that participate in social media marketing the latest development is the introduction of location based applications. These applications enable users to "check-in" at business locations which will automatically send a post to their Twitter or Facebook page. Common location based applications include Foresquare and Facebook Places (see my post about So-Lo-Mo to learn more).

For a business that wants to take advantage of the benefits of location based marketing here are 6 simple steps to get you started.

1. Get comfortable with location based applications -
Download Foresquare to your mobile device and link it to your social media profiles. Using the application yourself is the best way to understand how your audience is going to use it.

2. Evaluate your goals -
Depending on your business and your marketing strategy Foresquare can be used to do a few different things. If you are a new restaurant you may want to use Foresquare to market your business and offer a discount for checking in at your location to encourage new and repeat visits. If you have a retail location you may use Foresquare to move a specific type of inventory or to promote a new product. Focusing on your goal will make your locations based marketing more successful.

3. Register your location -
You will need to verify your location on several location based applications. Foresquare, MyTown, Loopt, Facebook Places, and Gowalla are a good place to start. Your listing should be simple, however make sure the important physical location information is complete and correct and include contact information.

4. Start spreading the word -
Make sure all staff, friends and contacts know you have registered with Foresquare and the other top 4 location based applications. Put a sign at the counter, front door, menu, ticket, business card,....or whatever, letting visitors know to sign in when at your location. Tell everyone you know about the benefits of signing into these applications. 

5. Give them a reason to check-in -

People will act if you offer a reward, coupon, content. Provide customers a discount if they check-in at your location. A free gift or rewards program will provide great incentive for customers to check-in with Foresquare or Facebook Places.

6. Start the interactions -
Get on your location based social network and get talking to customers. What rewards are they competing for? Why would they choose a competitor over your business? Find out what you can do to keep their business or gain a loyal customer by engaging and testing.

Any internet marketing expert will tell you that mobile devices are vital to online marketing success now and into the future. But not all businesses are a great fit for location based marketing using the "sign in" feature, but there are some creative ways to incorporate local, mobile and social into your campaigns (which we will discuss in the future on this blog). 

Joining location based social programs will help incorporate mobile users into your social media plan. Following these steps will get you started and help build your mobile social media presence. 

Want to learn more about Mobile Marketing? Download our Mobile Marketing Strategy Kit Today!