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How to Get Started with Mobile Marketing
Purplegator’s Bob Bentz was a recent guest talking mobile marketing on the Marketing Communications Today podcast from the Integrated Marketing Communications program at West Virginia University.
Mobile marketing has become one of the most powerful tools for businesses of all sizes. From optimizing your website for mobile users to engaging customers through text message marketing, social media, and geo-targeted ads, there are countless ways to build a mobile marketing strategy that drives results. In this article, we’ll walk through the essential steps to help you get started.
Make Your Website Mobile-First
The first step in any mobile-first marketing plan is ensuring your website is responsive and user-friendly on mobile devices. Responsive design allows your site to automatically adjust to any screen size, delivering a seamless experience without the need for outdated “m-dot” sites.
Why does this matter? Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in its rankings, especially for users searching on their phones. If your site isn’t optimized, you’re likely losing both visibility and potential customers.
A good rule of thumb is the “thumb test”: if users can easily navigate your site with just their thumbs, your design passes.
Text Message Marketing: The Next Best Choice
One of the most effective forms of SMS marketing for business is text messaging. With open rates above 90%, SMS is unmatched when it comes to reaching customers instantly.
Benefits of Text Message Marketing
- Immediate delivery and engagement
- High response rates compared to email
- Cost-effective communication channel
B2B SMS Strategies
Text message marketing isn’t just for consumer campaigns. Businesses can also use it to send appointment reminders, event updates, and exclusive offers to partners or clients.
However, it’s important to comply with TCPA regulations, which require businesses to obtain proper opt-ins before sending promotional texts.
Social Media Marketing: Meeting Customers Where They Are
Mobile users spend a significant amount of time on social platforms, making social media a core part of any mobile marketing strategy. Each platform offers unique opportunities:
Great for broad targeting and community building through groups, ads, and event promotions.
A visual-first platform ideal for lifestyle brands and storytelling through reels, stories, and influencer collaborations.
Perfect for businesses targeting planners and idea-seekers, from home improvement to travel.
Snapchat
An engaging option for younger audiences, using interactive ads and short-form storytelling.
Twitter (X)
Best for real-time engagement, industry news, and brand voice.
The go-to platform for B2B engagement, thought leadership, and professional networking.
Why Mobile Ads Are So Powerful
Mobile advertising is the fastest-growing digital channel because of its targeting precision. Whether you’re looking to boost awareness or drive sales, mobile ads offer unmatched flexibility.
How Mobile Advertising Enables Targeting
- Audience segmentation by demographics and behaviors
- Retargeting users who have already interacted with your brand
- Optimized ad formats for in-app and mobile web experiences
Geo-Targeting Tips for Local Businesses
One of the greatest advantages of mobile is geo-targeted advertising. Local businesses can reach customers based on their real-time location, for example, showing ads to users within a few miles of your store.
Mobile Marketing: Where to Begin
Getting started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on these four steps:
- Make your website mobile-first
- Start building an SMS opt-in list
- Choose 1–2 social platforms to focus on
- Use geo-targeted ads for local visibility
Ready to Take Your Marketing Mobile?
Mobile marketing isn’t the future, it’s the present. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing strategy, Purplegator can help. From text message marketing to geo-targeted advertising, our team is here to build a mobile-first marketing strategy that drives measurable results.
Contact us today to get started with a mobile advertising agency that understands how to reach your audience where they are, on their phones.
Relevance Raises Response
If you are interested in learning more about mobile marketing, and you don’t want to take Bob’s graduate-level class at the University of Denver, please consider purchasing his book Relevance Raises Response: How to Engage and Acquire with Mobile Marketing. It’s available on Amazon, at his book website, many retail bookstores, and at fine online book retailers everywhere.
Related Reading
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Geolocation, Geofencing, Geotargeting, Geo-Conquesting Defined
