Part of my job as a social media strategist is to make sure my clients are able to effectively use their social media on the go. So while this means I need to research new apps all the time, I come across some pretty weird ones as well. So I had to share this amusing video of the most useless iPhone Apps ever I think!
It does make you wonder why businesses go to the effort to have these apps created right? But stop to think why businesses are paying a lot for the creation of stupid videos – it’s in the hope of one going viral! And why is that? For branding. A recent video I’ve just seen is IKEA AUSTRALIA’s latest about the 7 sleeping habits of Aussies. Or why companies spend hundreds per month to have inspirational images shared on social networks such as Facebook and Pinterest.
If it is a new business this can actually work out to be the quickest and most cost effective way to get their brand noticed. It may be to build on a brand’s presence or manage a reputation of a brand quickly also. Viral videos and pointless mobile apps could also be used as a platform to launch a brand’s new product or seasonal range.
The purpose of these are purely to build brand awareness – not direct sales. Sometimes a more smarter and cost effective mobile marketing strategy than building a mobile app is to ensure you have a mobile friendly website. The only people who tend to be using your mobile app is the people who already know you and so it is more of a customer service tool than a lead generating marketing strategy. It’s also easier and cheaper to set up and maintain a mobile friendly website for a small business on a tight marketing budget as well!
If you’re a business wanting to investigate if you’re the type of service who would benefit from a mobile app or want a mobile friendly website created contact my agency and a web marketing specialist will help ‘clear the mud’ from your mind so you can make an informed decision before spending 100′s on the wrong marketing tool.
And if you’re not convinced yet you even need to worry about having a mobile presence for searches – then I suggest you read the results of this survey to see what you’re missing out on!
About the Author:
Lee Ussher is the Social Media Strategist & Business Training Consultant at Buzz Web Media. She is also known for Speaking and Writing under the title of Social Media Babe and co-founder of DIY Custom Fan Pages. If you're new to Social Media, or would like to stay up to date by Lee, sign up to her FREE E-course and bonuses.