Everywhere you look, you’ll probably see groups of kids, teenagers, and even adults glancing at their phones, stopping in place, and furiously tapping on their screens before continuing on their way. Odds are, they’re probably playing Pokemon Go!
Pokemon Go! is the latest craze in augmented reality (AR) gaming. This app has already surpassed Twitter and Snapchat in daily users and time spent on the app and is currently the most popular mobile game in US history.
For this reason, it makes sense for businesses to want to use Pokemon Go! as a tool to drive customers to their location. Here, we’re bringing you our top tips for utilizing Pokemon Go! to your business’ advantage.
Pokemon Go! Overview
Pokemon Go! is a new mobile game by Nitanic which allows users to catch Pokemon in real-time. The app utilizes your phone’s camera and allows you to scan the area when Pokemon are present.
In the mobile game, like in the TV show and popular Nintendo games, there are Gyms where players battle with their Pokemon to become the gym leader. There are also stations, or PokeStops, where players can receive bonuses or items just for being in the area. Gyms and PokeStops are located in places where a lot of people congregate – think historic buildings, popular businesses, and parks. These stops refresh for players every five minutes, and some players hang around for quite some time to gather the supplies they need.
Why Your Business Should Get Involved
Businesses should always look for their “in” when there is a notable shift in technology and popular culture. Pokemon Go! appeals to people of all ages, locations, and demographics, so your business’ inclusion of Pokemon Go! in your marketing strategy will likely reach your target audience and beyond.
Regardless of your type of business, you have the ability to bring in more people just by being a part of this culture. Small businesses utilizing this app have already seen an increase in sales, and Pokemon Go! isn’t showing any signs of slowing down soon.
How to Use Pokemon Go! For Business
Now that you are well on your way to becoming a Pokemon master yourself, how can you use this information to draw attention to your business?
PokeStops
If you’re lucky enough to have a PokeStop at your business, you have the ability to use it to your advantage. To figure out if you have a PokeStop at your place of business or nearby, simply download the app for free. If there’s a blue marking, congratulations! If you don’t have a PokeStop near your business, don’t worry too much – Nitanic just released a form you can fill out to request a PokeStop be placed at or around your business.
Along with being able to gather supplies at these stops, players are also capable of dropping “Lure modules” on them. This will attract different Pokemon to that PokeStop, making them hotspots for players to gather to. Some businesses have been offering discounts to customers who have dropped the lure, and some have just been downloading the game and dropping a lure themselves to bring in more customers. Others have even seen an increase in customers just by having a PokeStop at their business.
Photo credit to Business2Community
Discounts
If you don’t want to place a stop in your shop, there are other ways to use the game in your favor. Some shops have started offering discounts for whichever level of the game the player is on, or even for finding specific Pokemon (some are rarer than others, so you can offer discounts based on that, as well).
Even our local Rita’s is getting in on the action!
Player Stations
Even if offering a discount isn’t your desired route for generating interest, you can still drive foot traffic to your location by offering up your business as a place for players to recharge and refresh. Pokemon Go! uses up a significant portion of your mobile device’s battery life. Setting up a charging station for players or offering free water could also bring in customers. Even if you’re not charging them to be there, you’re encouraging people to visit your business and building relationships with them, which could convert them into potential customers in the future.
Photo Credit to Loose Canon
Unlike other popular mobile games, the Pokemon Go! trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. According to a recent survey, this app is seeing user retention levels above normal levels for other mobile games, so you’ll have plenty of time to determine if using this game for your marketing strategy is beneficial for your business. With so many ways to use Pokemon Go! to attract new customers, you’ll catch ‘em all in no time!
Creative Click Media specializes in creating unique marketing strategies to generate interest in your business. Contact us today to see how we can help your business attract new attention and generate new leads.
