Jack Threads on new Mobile App for iPhone & Android; “Would it have benefitted us if we had it sooner? Yes."

JackThreads, an on-line only retailer of apparel, shoes, and accessories for men,  has just announced the availability of their first Mobile App for the Android and iPhone market. The App allows shoppers to browse new deals and sales as they are announced on the Jack Threads site and also make purchases directly through the Jack Threads App.

Lead developer Chris Steib said that Jack Threads had noticed that much of the traffic to their website was coming from mobile devices, something they had not expected or foreseen.

“One-fifth of the traffic and a tenth of our revenue is now coming through iPhone and Android smart phones,” he said. “We’ve seen traffic rise more than ten times in a year-and-a-half and we’re seeing different behavioral patterns than we initially expected.”

The Jack Threads App will include push notifications as well as “nightlife sales” for shoppers who stay out late. Users who download the app will receive an automatic invitation to the notification service, a great example of true permission based marketing.

“The App is fashion forward, for people interested in style,” said Steib. “It’s a very smooth, polished, enjoyable experience with OpenGL animations for that ‘Wow’ factor.”

JackThreads has been on the forefront of eCommerce, offering cool clothes to kids on-line using an “exclusive sales model,” with a techno/urban twist.

When asked why it had taken so long for them to bring an App to market Mt. Steib had this to say. “Would it have benefitted us if we had it sooner? Yes.” he said.

Jack Threads worked three months on the project with an outside vendor. The App is available today for download on iTunes and the Android Market.

How to grow your new Branded Mobile App.

OK, so you've just invested in a Branded Mobile App for your business.

Congratulations!

And what an App it is! Attractive to look at, lots of great functions and features, and it's sooooo easy to use that you're sure all your customers will love it.

Of course you can't wait to start using it to market your business. You have visions of the droves of new customers who will be flocking to your business, your store, your restaurant, all needing your services and wanting to purchase.  

You see your customers LOVING the App! The Push Notifications tell them about upcoming events and specials,  the mobile coupons are a tremendous hit,  and they love the ease of use and ability to interact with the App and your business. 

In your mind's eyes you see so many smiling, happy customers, their dollars flying,  and your bank account getting bigger and greener.  It's wonderful, isn't it?

But there's only 1 problem;  Nobody has your new App on their smart phones.

It's like the old adage;  If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? 

If a Branded App isn't on a smart phone, does it make a sale?  No. Definitely not.

So the question is, how do you get that hot new Branded App onto your customer's smart phones, working for you and generating new revenue?

Well my dear readers, listen closely and pay attention and I will tell you.

How to get your Branded App onto lots and lots of smart phones and working for you and your business.

Simple, no / low cost methods.

• Put a sign on the Front Door of your business telling people about the App.
• Direct everyone, from the secretary on up, to 'talk up' the new App to any and all customers every time they make contact with them.
• Put small signs around the interior of the business telling people about the NEW APP, especially if it is a restaurant, club, bar, salon, or retail shop of any kind.  
•  Have a small give away in-house for customers who download the App onto their phones RIGHT THERE in the business.
• Talk about the App every chance you get to anyone, whether in the biz or not.  Friends, family, strangers on the street, the guy who bags your groceries, your hairdresser, the lady at the bank, the person next to you in line at the grocery store. ANYBODY.  If you have an App that is interesting and helpful PEOPLE WILL THANK YOU  for telling them about it. 
• Direct secretaries to answer the phone with 'Hello and thanks for calling XYZ. Did you hear about our new App for smart phones/'. 
• Direct your waiters, waitresses, bartenders and any other wait staff to talk about the new App with all customers.
• Direct salespeople, cashiers,  and anyone who comes into contact with the public to ask about and talk about the App.
• ASK people who have downloaded the App to share the App with friends and family.
• Give an incentive (free cocktail, shampoo sample, car wash, whatever) for sharing the App. 
• Drop a flyer into every bag, box or envelope that leaves the business telling customers about the new App and how great it is.
• Have a Contest to see who can share the App to the most people and give a discount or freebie to the winner. 
• Feature the App prominently on any Web media, including websites, email correspondence, and Blogs.
• Have a 'call to action' attached to every bit of content that reaches the public, giving them incentive to download and/or share the App.
• THANK everyone who downloads the App with an email message and a discount coupon.
• Have an App Guide available, telling your customers what they can do with the App and how to use it.

Paid methods.

• Send flyers to your community telling them about the App and giving an incentive to download it to their smart phones.
• Add a reference to the App in every bit of promotional material that leaves the business. Boxes, books, flyers, promos, receipts, tags, everything.
• With every print promotion, for any purpose, include a reference to the new App with a call to action to download it.
• Include a reference to the App in any and all Radio and TV ads with a call to action comment or blurb.
• Team up with other local businesses to promote the App.
• Promote a contest for anyone who downloads the App with a great prize or give-away.
• Have a BIG SIGN created to put up at the business telling people about the App and how great it is.

Remember that the key here is to have your App on as many phones as possible and have as many people talking about the App as possible.  An App is only as good as the number of phones that it is downloaded to. If it is on enough smart phones it will be a revenue creator. If not it will just be like a shiny toy that sits in a closet.

Also remember that you need to have a little patience.  If the App has been well designed, if it has great functionality and is easy to use, and if it offers the customer incentives to not only use it but keep it on their phone, it will succeed with a little bit of patience and some care.

Finally, make sure that you don't overuse the App for promotions that don't bring added value to the customer. Tell them, through the App, about IMPORTANT information and also give them great PROMOTIONS and COUPONS through the App.  Make having the App something cool and valuable and watch what happens.

Soon your Branded App will grow into a great big revenue tree, giving you fruit in the form of new customers and new business all year round. 

When you're ready to get growing on your Branded Mobile App give me a call.

Cheers.

Mobile App Man

 

Who are the Top Mobile Retailers?

According to a new report from Foresee Results, a customer satisfaction study of top retail mobile sites and apps shows that Apple.com is the top mobile retailer with consumers. Amazon.com came in a close second.

The average mobile satisfaction score for the 16 retailers measured in the report is 76, compared to 79 for the same companies’ websites.  However, a few companies had comparable performance on mobile and web: Apple (which had a mobile score two points higher than its web score), Toys “R” Us, Best Buy, Staples, Netflix, Dell, and Blockbuster.  Others reveal large gaps between the website and the mobile experience, including Avon (satisfaction 8 points lower on mobile) and Walmart (7 points lower). 

I believe what this study shows is that Mobile is becoming a very large part of the marketing scheme for all the big name players.  Further, those making the mobile experience better for their customers will have an advantage in the future as Mobile marketing and Mobile Apps continue to be used with ever increasing regularity.

So again, not only do you need a Mobile marketing plan and a Branded Mobile App but you also have to make sure that the customer experience when utilizing these new marketing tools is a positive experience that will lend itself to further use and revenue generation.

Cheers.
Mobile App Man.

18% of people who scan QR Codes MAKE A PURCHASE!

In a  recent poll,  Chadwick Martin Bailey , a market research provider,  found that 18 percent of people who scan a QR code into their mobile device (smart phone) MAKE A PURCHASE after scanning!

That is a HUGE click through number!  18 percent !!  Almost 1 out of every 5 people make a purchase!

CMB also notes that nearly 80 percent of survey repsondents have heard of QR codes although many were not sure exactly what they do or what they are used for. 

Even more positive results as to the effectiveness of QR codes was seen, as CMB found that nearly 50 percent of smart phone users had scanned a QR code.

So it seems obvious from this poll that QR codes have made their way into the public eye and are being scanned not only on a regular basis but also on an increasing level by consumers.

Here at SearchPoint Marketing we can help you put together a great QR code promotion and also help you put QR codes into your overall Mobile Marketing scheme.

Just another way to attract the public, gain attention for your product or service, and INCREASE YOUR REVENUE in 2012.

Cheers, 

Mobile App Man                                                                                                                                                                                     

Mobile set to Dominate in 2012. Is YOUR Buisness ready?

Happy New Year!

I have been telling my customers for months that they need to focus on Mobile in order to increase sales and revenue because that is where the market (and their customers) are headed. I have also been saying that a Branded Mobile App is the tool necessary for keeping up with the coming mobile explosion and the revenue that will come with it.

The article below, from Business Insider, confirms everything I have been saying and then some.

So it begs repeating;  If you want to compete in you local marketplace you NEED to Invest in a Mobile strategy and with that Mobile strategy comes a Mobile Website and a Mobile App.  The businesses who Invest in Mobile in 2012 are going to see huge increases in traffic and revenue, and those who don't, like during the Internet explosion of the 90's, will be left behind to pick up the scraps.

Don't be a scrap picker-upper.  Let's talk about your Mobile Strategy.

Cheers.
Mobile App Man

Domino’s Pizza finding continued succes with Mobile advertising.

Founded in 1960, Domino's is the second-largest pizza chain in the United States and has over 9,000 corporate and franchised stores  in 60 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

Domino's has been using Mobile advertising, including several Branded Mobile Apps and a Branded Mobile website, to much success for several years.  Domino’s is using social media also, and has a big presence on Facebook and Twitter.

“Pizza is the kind of product that people want to be able to order while they’re on their way home from work or simply just sitting on the sofa,” says Nick Dutch, multimedia manager at Domino’s Pizza.. “It’s vital that we give them a fast and easy means to do this through our iPhone, Android and iPad ordering apps.

“Online orders account for such an increasingly large proportion of our business and mobile sales are naturally a key part within this,” he said. “As such we’re placing a greater emphasis on mobile within our digital marketing mix.”

This begs the question;  If Domino's is using Mobile to great success, and Investing in Mobile advertising with a Branded App and Mobile Website is very economical,  shouldn't you be using Mobile as a way to promote your business?

It's a good question, yes?

If you need help with your Mobile campaign, or have any questions related to Mobile Apps, Websites or Marketing, please feel free to contact me a any time.

Cheers,
Mobile App Man

What Makes a Succesful Business App?

Branded Mobile Apps have become ubiquitous with big retail. Why? Because companies like Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Target and many others saw the telltale signs of the tremendous growth in mobile devices and realized that with that tremendous growth there would be a tremendous OPPORTUNITY to generate more REVENUE through Branded Mobile Apps.

That foresight has helped retailers like eBay, Kohl's, Papa Johns Pizza and Starbucks, to name but a few, rake in BILLIONS of retail dollars in the last year alone. And the rise of mobile devices as well as Mobile Marketing is just getting started. In the next few years the experts expect mobile to take over and even REPLACE THE PC AND DESKTOP as the main portal to the Internet and world wide web for consumers.

Seeing the astounding facts and figures keep rolling in has spurred many smaller businesses to take notice, and many are rushing to get in on the new mega-trend.

One problem facing these businesses is the lack of good information and data that tells what makes a good business or retail App.  Which features work, which don't?  Which feature are must-haves and which can be left out? Should an App be all business or should it have some engaging and entertaining features?

I address these questions and more below, allowing the small business owner the information needed to make informed choices when purchasing a Branded App for their business.

User Experience and Entertainment.

• Is the App playable and/or engaging?
• Does it make people laugh?
• Does it give your customers access to great content?
• Does it have a polished look and feel?
• Does it give the user a unique experience?

Content Evolution and/or Longevity

• Does the content update and/or evolve over time?
• Can content be added and/or improved through user interaction?
• Does the content have a lasting appeal?
• Can the content be used as a reference tool?

Originality

• Does the App solve a unique problem?
• Does it appeal to a specific or Niche audience?
• Is it new, innovative or greatly enhance an existing idea?

Utility and Functionality.

• Is it useful, usable and pleasing to the customer?
• Is it designed around the inherent qualities of the mobile device?
• Does it offer something a website or  PC App can't?
• Is it easy to understand and navigate?

If your Branded Business App has all (or at least most) of the features listed above then you will have yourself a useful, functional and engaging Branded App that YOUR CUSTOMERS WILL LOVE and that will also ADD ANOTHER REVENUE STREAM to your Business.

If you have any questions get in touch with me and we'll work them out together.

Cheers,
Mobile App Man

Mobile Marketer Awards 2011 include Mobile Apps, websites, campaigns, and much more.

Drum-roll Please...

Mobile Marketer announces their MOBILE AWARDS FOR 2011.

All of the Award Winners have embraced mobile technology, enhanced their mobile presence, and brought their products / services to market via mobile platforms during 2011.

Congratulations to all !

Mobile Marketer of the Year  Macy's 

Mobile Advertiser of the Year: Coca-Cola

Mobile Publisher of the Year: Condé Nast

Mobile Agency of the Year: AKQA

Mobile Researcher of the Year: Forrester Research

Mobile Service Provider of the Year: Hipcricket

Mobile Program of the Year: Macy’s Backstage Pass

Mobile Campaign of the Year: Hennessey Kaws

Mobile Web Site of the Year: United Parcel Service

Mobile Application of the Year: Facebook

Convenience leads to nearly 40% purchases on Smart Phones.

Thirty-eight percent of smartphone owners have used their Mobile device to make a purchase, according to a study from comScore.

Their report, “Mobile Retail Advisor” looked at a number of factors including; How consumers are interacting with their smartphones when buying a product, which items they are buying, where users were located when they purchased through their mobile device and which categories and areas consumers were buying from on their smartphones.

The study found that two in five mobile users own a smartphone, making mobile shopping available to 90 million Americans.

As far as purchases, according to the comScore study;

• 47% bought digital products from their devices, including songs, eBooks, images, movies and television shows, showing the tie between ecommerce and mcommerce.
• 37% of consumers bought clothing and accessory items.
• 35% purchased tickets on their mobile devices.
• 31% ordered delivery and pick-up food through mobile ordering.
• 24% booked airplane tickets on their smartphones.
• 24 % paid for car rentals on their devices.

The comScore study showed that location at time of purchase was varied;

• 56 % of purchases were made at home, which is interesting for smartphone purchases that are stereotypically thought to be made while on-the-go.
• 42% purchased items on their devices while out and about at places including schools and restaurants or at work.
• 37%  purchased items while traveling.
• 36% of users bought items via mobile while in-store.

The study is more proof that mobile commerce has become mainstream and is being used for more than just product research.  Consumers are continuing to embrace the convenience of mobile to perform their shopping, whether during commutes, at home or in-stores.  Smartphone adoption is the key factor in the advancement of mobile shopping, as more and more Americans purchase smart phones and begin utilizing them for more and more daily tasks.

Your customers are using their Smart Phones to make purchases.  Are they going to find YOU on their phones, or your competition?

Staples has seen the power of Mobile Apps. Has your company?

Staples, the office supply mega-store, has introduced a new Mobile App that simplifies the shopping experience both in-store and on the go.

Their new iPhone App enables users to scan items inside (or outside) of the store to build a personalized shopping list. Using the store locator and inventory check feature, customers can then find the nearest Staples location that has the product they are looking for.

One of the small business 'pain points' identified by a Staples customer survey is shopping for ink cartridges.  The new Mobile App has a built in feature allowing customers to store ink cartridge information that they can pull up on the Mobile App in-store, thus eliminating the need to remember all the different cartridge number and/or brands and saving time-loss caused by forgotten cartridge numbers.

Another feature of the Mobile App eliminates the need to bring a rewards check to the store.  With the App, customers will be able to pull up their rewards on their iPhone and apply that money to what they are buying, in the store, without the need for the actual paper check.

The goal of Staples' new Mobile App is to provide their customers an easier purchasing experience, which will save them time and man-hours.

Staples has seen the power of Mobile Apps and now has a highly functional and easy to use Mobile App for their customers that gives them high value and saves them time and money.  They have seen that a Mobile App is a Value Feature that will keep customers happy and coming back.

Isn't it time your business had the same valuable tool?

If you answer yes, than call me, Greg
the Mobile App Man

Have a great day.