Dec 14th, 2011 | Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Sales | Comments Off
What’s in Your Wallet? Is it Google Wallet?
Imagine not having to make another payment with coins, paper or plastic cards. Say good-bye to our past, and say hello to our future. Introducing the Google wallet, where everything that once was in your wallet, is now on your phone! So, leave your wallets and credit cards at home. All you need is a charged phone.
Right now, Google wallet is only available to stores that offer the electronic payment application. Within time every store will offer the Google wallet. It’s available for the Sprint Nexus 4G and the Android phones. The iPhone is currently in the process to have access to it. Only two kinds of payments can be used, MasterCard and Google Prepaid Card.
More and more stores are taking this route for future purchases with customers. Presently, Google wallet is working with and encouraging companies to make it accessible for their customers.
Google wallet makes the check-out process faster and easier. Customers can also redeem coupons and use their rewards cards. American Eagle Outfitters offers the Google wallet. When a customer is ready to purchase his/her items, he/she simply takes out their phone, clicks on the app., and “swipes” or “taps” the phone over the register and the transaction is complete. After a transaction is complete, there is a confirmation notice that appears on their phone to make sure the purchasing process was successful.
It’s as easy as one, two, three.
Not only does Google wallet make the purchasing process faster and easier, it simplifies the purchasing process and keeps customers organized. Customers won’t have to dig through their purse or back pocket and search for their credit cards or coupon. Instead all they have to do is pull out their phone and “click.”
Many wallets are unorganized with coupons, credit cards, rewards card and personal identification cards. Google wallet can prevent disorganization by making it applicable for people to have their credit cards and coupons on their phone.
I’m sure the biggest concern people might have is the security factor. “What would happen if my phone was stolen?” In this situation, you would contact your bank and wireless company. Basically, it would be the same procedure you would take, if your credit card or phone were lost or stolen. “How safe and secure is it?” Google wallet has a secure element function which is designed to protect the data that is stored.
“How does it protect my payments?” Again, all data is stored in a secure element, which is separate from the phone’s vital operating system and hardware. Google also requires a PIN number before an initial payment occurs.
As consumers, we need to educate ourselves on upcoming technology such as the Google wallet. It will help us understand and become accustom to a new advancement. Making payments through our phone, without the usage of credit cards, is our future as consumers in the marketplace. Leave your wallet and bring your phone!
by Lauren Becher
Dec 6th, 2011 | Communication, Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Sales | Comments Off
Hold the Phone!—QR Codes to be Overpowered by NFC
As you may have noticed, QR codes are becoming more prevalent and recognized in popular culture. These small codes are found in advertisements, on product labels and in promotional materials. Consumers can scan these codes using their smartphones and it will direct them to additional information.
While these codes seem high-tech and “all the rage,” recall the story of the Laserdisc. Some of you may be asking, “What on Earth is a Laserdisc?” The Laserdisc was an intermediary technology between videocassettes and DVDs. Almost 12 inches in diameter and very expensive, the Laserdisc was poorly accepted into American households during its ten-year lifespan. The DVD, which improved the functions and capabilities of movie watching, completely replaced these Laserdiscs by the late 1990’s.
What is my point exactly? Near Field Communication (NFC) is an upcoming technology that will perform the same functions as a QR code and much more. Just like the Laserdisc, the QR code will be short-lived, as it is merely a stepping-stone to something greater. If you knew DVDs were coming in the near future, it would be pretty silly to invest in Laserdisc technology. So, before putting the time and effort into integrating QR codes into your marketing plan, take a minute to consider that bigger and better things are to come. Would you rather get caught up in a fad or prepare for what’s next?
QR codes are a type of barcode that, when used for promotional purposes, typically directs users to additional web content when scanned. In order to scan the codes you must have a smartphone application and a camera with good focus.
NFC revolves around the same concept of linking interactive material to the physical world. It allows any equipped smartphone to interact over a distance of about four inches with another NFC device. With just a click, you will be able to share information, such as a digital business card, with another smartphone. A simple wave or tap will initiate data exchange and even monetary transactions.
This will allow consumers to make purchases or book reservations from NFC chipped posters, magazine ads, and other promotional materials. Which is better: giving your customer the option to learn more about your product with a QR code, or giving your customer the option to learn more about your product and then buy it with NFC?
Many smartphones are already equipped with NFC capabilities. Apple plans for the next versions of the iPhone and iPad to be equipped, as well. Two of the most innovative companies, Google and Apple, are already working to prepare for a future with NFC. When NFC is successfully integrated into the market, where will be the need for QR codes?
by Emily Farmer
Aug 16th, 2011 | Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Sales | Comments Off
Mobile tickets for transport and entertainment are influencing mobile payments growth
A new report by analyst firm Juniper Research forecasts that the number of mobile phone users making payments for digital goods will reach 2.5 billion worldwide by 2015, up from 1.8bn forecast for 2011. This represents a growth of 40%.
Mobile tickets for transport and entertainment were found to be two of the key sectors influencing growth although new service and application adoption will also be very important.
Senior analyst David Snow gave more details: “Whilst the mobile payments sector offers substantial growth opportunities, it needs to be seen by innovative players as a platform from which to develop new value added applications and services such as personalized mobile coupons, loyalty schemes, and novel augmented reality offerings.”
However, the Juniper report also warned that fraud levels with certain types of payments such as PSMS and direct billing are on the increase with mobile security becoming a key issue in the not too distant future.
Further key research from the Mobile Payments for Digital & Physical Goods report shows:
• The Far East & China region will be the largest, accounting for nearly 30% of the total by 2015;
• The Indian Sub-Continent is forecast to exceed 400 million users by 2015.
Jun 2nd, 2011 | Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Sales, Sales and business development, Social Media Marketing | Comments Off
More and more advertisers are choosing advertising formats that relate to users’ identity and their online experiences in the real world. With better connectivity and access to the Internet, people have taken to the social networks online like bees to honey all over the world.
The reason for social media’s magnetic attraction to people is very simple. The social networking sites enable the users to bond and create a collectivistic environment, just as strongly as in the real world, if not stronger. Online users bond with friends and family by collectively playing games, going to the virtual farms and shops, discussing purchases and shopping options, etc.
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May 31st, 2011 | Advertising, Marketing, Sales, Sales and business development | Comments Off
Continuing from FREE Part 2:
Now that I have your attention … or do I?
Here are some positive examples of how to use the word FREE. You have all seen at least some of these. Businesses would not use them if they did not work. And they DO work!
Restaurants use FREE in a responsible way. Buy one get one Free. My favorite is Kids Eat Free, even if I have to purchase a minimum it is still satisfying.
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May 16th, 2011 | Advertising, Communication, Marketing, Sales, Sales and business development, Social Media Marketing, Web Design | Comments Off
FREE (PART 1)
This is a 4 part series on designing and marketing with the word Free.
I was working with a resort in the timeshare industry, and the marketing team asked my partner and me to create a high-end ad that would drive their customers to buy timeshares. They were particular about who they were selling to because of the cost involved. They were also giving away free Disney passes and a hotel stay. → continue reading
Jul 6th, 2010 | Marketing, Sales, Social Media Marketing | 15 Comments
- Research is a crucial step in any social media campaign. Studying the demographics and psychographics of the target audiences affects the method of reaching them. The platform used to carry a social media campaign must be analyzed and studied. For instance, YouTube is often better for video messages as opposed to Twitter which serves well when it comes to events and promotion. Having enough knowledge about specific platforms is vital as it is important for a social media marketer to learn about their used platforms inside out. → continue reading
Imagine not having to make another payment with coins, paper or plastic cards. Say good-bye to our past, and say hello to our future. Introducing the Google wallet, where everything that once was in your wallet, is now on your phone! So, leave your wallets and credit cards at home. All you need is a charged phone.
