Retailers Poised to Spend More on Mobile Marketing

In today's competitive environment, savvy retailers need to use all the marketing tools in their arsenal, such as organic search, e-mail marketing, social media, and mobile strategies, or they will be left in the dust. A number of businesses are already well versed in internet marketing procedures and e-mail campaigns, but the next Big Thing is going to be connecting with customers through mobile marketing efforts.

A group of retailers recently participated in a survey conducted by Lauren Freedman and the e-tailing group, and the results were very interesting. Facebook and Twitter are currently being used by over 80 percent of retailers who participated in the survey. Another eight percent intended to start using these social networking sites in 2012.

When asked about mobile applications, 19 percent of respondents stated that they are already using this technology and a further 27 percent plan to use this strategy within the next 12 months. Bar codes and QR codes are currently more popular among retailers, with 38 percent of respondents using them now and 31 percent stating they intend to do so within the next year.

Customers will become increasingly accustomed to seeing QR codes and coupons delivered to their smart phones. Retailers who don't jump on the technology bandwagon are running the risk of being left on the proverbial shelf when it comes to loyalty and building their business.