What is Pokémon Go?
Pokémon go is the first widely popular augmented reality game for kids and adults alike. The premise of the game is to “catch Pokémon” scattered around your real-life surroundings. This hybrid between a “mobile game” and a “real-life game” demonstrates the growing convergence between mobile technology and real life through augmented reality. Pokémon Go uses the existing environment and overlays Pokémon on the environment through your mobile device.
So how can local business use this game to their benefit?
Innovation from sales and marketing strategies will be required due to this new rise in augmented reality technology. Smart businesses need to catch onto this trend now since we don’t know how long it will last. Capitalize on this craze and market your local business to Pokémon Go players. Even if you aren’t too familiar with how the game works, you can still get in on the action. Businesses can get creative and fuse successful marketing with Pokémon Go..
One way to motivate local businesses to take advantage of the Pokémon Go craze is by providing them with a guide on how to do so effectively. By offering a step-by-step approach to how to incorporate the game into their marketing strategy, businesses can feel more confident and motivated to try something new. From setting up a lure to attract nearby players to offering special discounts or promotions to those who catch a specific Pokémon, there are many ways for businesses to use this game to their benefit. By providing businesses with the necessary tools and information to succeed, this guide tells you all you need to know to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Here are 4 ways that local businesses can use this game to increase customers and draw em’ all to your business.
1: Near a PokéStop or Gym? –– Promote It
If your business is close to a PokéStop or a gym –– advertise it. Letting people know you are near them can bring people into your business. You could also include a promotion and offer a percentage off of a purchase or a free, small item. If people know you are nearby AND they can get something free or discounted, you could see an increase in customers.
2: Not near a PokéStop or Gym? –– Take your business on the road
Find out where droves of people are and create a pop-up store. Research where there is a lot of foot traffic and Pokémon Go players. If you’re a fashion retailer, maybe this means loading up a van with some of your latest styles. If you’re a restaurant, maybe this means going to the park and setting up a barbecue. Even just passing out swag and promotional materials can help make your business more visible.
3: Offer free wifi or charging stations
Pokémon Go is data and battery intensive and people will need to charge their phones while they are out playing. Have a sign outside or advertise on social media that you offer free wifi and/or charging stations if people purchase something at your business.
4: Encourage players to “check-in” at your business while playing
Having customers check-in at your store on social media platforms like Facebook increases social media visibility and can attract more people to your business. You can offer a discount or a free prize if someone “checks-in” to increase the amount of people that will come to your business location.
Be creative and act quickly because this fad might die out soon. Pokémon Go can be a great way to get more customers and increase revenue for your business. Why wouldn’t you want to join in on the fun?
by Constance Aguilar, The Abbi Agency
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