If you’ve tried all the other marketing techniques and you are just not seeing a big enough reward for your effort and your money now might be the right time to change your tactics to something a little bit more effective.
Mobile marketing in South Africa is far from being a new concept, in fact, it is something that has been around for decades, and yet it is still vastly underused by companies.
Perhaps it is because it sounds a little bit complex or maybe it is just because up until now, such marketing has been a little limited, leaving those who are curious about this marketing method in the dark about what it can do for them. Either way, with the right provider to guide you and a little bit of know-how, mobile marketing could be just the tool for you.
What is Mobile Marketing?
Mobile marketing is all about connecting with your target audience where they spend most of their time: on their smartphones. It is a method that includes a variety of strategies designed to deliver marketing messages and engage with customers directly on their mobile devices.
This form of marketing can include anything from sending text messages (SMS) to running targeted ads on mobile apps and even social media platforms.
Why Mobile Marketing Matters in South Africa
South Africa’s mobile marketing industry is booming!
With 90% of South Africans owning phones and most primarily using their phones to communicate and access the web, businesses can no longer afford to ignore mobile marketing.
This mobile-focused behaviour has just about completely changed how consumers search for information, interact with brands, and make purchasing decisions, and if brands like yours decide to invest in mobile marketing, you can grow your business in a new direction, and find a whole new legion of loyal customers.
Mobile Marketing Techniques for Small Businesses
The great thing about mobile marketing is that every kind of business can use it, you just need to know which method of mobile marketing will work best for you:
South Africa’s SMME companies have unique challenges when it comes to growing and marketing their business. Mobile marketing, when used wisely and creatively, can help these businesses bridge the gap in a way, and become more visible to their ideal clients.
There are quite a few options when it comes to mobile marketing for small and medium companies, and these are some of the best:
USSD Solutions
Have you ever checked your bank balance without using an app? Or entered a competition or done a quick survey via SMS?
That’s what USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is designed to make easy.
This particular solution is a user-friendly mobile technology that uses a menu system accessed by dialling a specific code on your phone.
No internet connection or fancy smartphone is needed, just a basic phone and a few taps. This makes USSD perfect for South Africa, where feature phones are still widely used and where data still costs a small fortune.
USSD solutions can benefit your business in a number of ways, such as:
- You can reach just about everyone. USSD solutions can bypass the need for smartphones and internet data, ensuring your message reaches a broader customer base.
- It is so simple and convenient to use as customers can access information or engage with your service through a familiar menu-driven interface.
- It can be used for multiple things, like checking loyalty points, viewing product information, or even placing simple orders.
Bulk SMS Marketing
Bulk SMS marketing allows companies to send hundreds or even thousands of customers an instant message. Such a service is made to target a large audience and you can also use opt-ins or subscriptions as part of your campaign.
Bulk SMS is a winner for small businesses for multiple reasons:
- It is incredibly cost-effective especially when compared to other marketing channels. Bulk SMS offers a high return on investment with relatively low costs per message.
- It has high open rates. Unlike emails that often get buried in inboxes, SMS messages are more frequently opened, ensuring your message gets seen.
- It is timely and actionable, as SMS delivers information directly to customers’ pockets, making it ideal for time-sensitive promotions or appointment reminders.
SMS Shortcode Marketing
Shortcode marketing takes SMS a step further by creating a unique and accessible two-way communication channel with your customers. This marketing method makes use of a memorable keyword (usually 5-6 digits or letters) that customers can text to interact with your business.
Shortcode marketing can boost engagement in a few ways and it is certainly worth trying:
- It has easy opt-in options, with customers simply texting your preferred keyword to subscribe to your updates or promotions.
- It features interactive engagement, as shortcodes can be used for contests, surveys, or for gathering feedback, creating a more engaging customer experience.
- It can provide you with measurable results, by allowing you to track responses and engagement with your Shortcode to measure campaign effectiveness and refine your strategy.
So, how’d you like to benefit from convenient and cost-effective mobile marketing? You can contact Channel Mobile today to find out more about our selection of mobile marketing solutions.