There is a growing list of messaging apps and messaging options available for brands including Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber and Kik. These apps are extremely popular with consumers and their users are extremely active in these apps. Brands are jumping on board to reach their fans and it’s not too late for you to start using messaging for your marketing.
Messaging apps give brands an opportunity to reach their customers in real time and in a personal way. Messaging expands on what social media already started: two way communication and personalized interaction. Messaging apps can be an excellent addition to your mobile and social media strategy. There are just a few things to keep in mind when using messaging apps for marketing.
1. Information needs to be fast and easy to digest
Attention spans are short lived and some messages are short lived so be clear and quick with your message.
2. Use your personality and have fun with it
Much like social media, you need to find ways to be creative with your messages. Users will not engage with you if you are repeatedly sending boring messages about products or sales.
3. Pay attention to your audience
On average, users of messaging apps are younger between 18 and 34. You need to adapt your message to a younger audience. It’s a niche audience and presents a huge opportunity, as long as you remember to fit your communication to these audiences.
4. It’s still a relatively new medium
Messaging apps are still relatively new for brands and businesses. Expect there to be changes and areas of growth on these apps. For example, not every app has analytics and you can’t always track your efforts the way you can with other marketing tools. There will probably be growth in advertising options on these apps and more paid options. However, it still gives you a huge opportunity to be innovative on these apps.
Messaging apps will get you right in front of your consumer and can be an innovative way to engage with your audience. Finding creative ways and testing the boundaries of these new apps will put you on the cutting edge of mobile and social media technology and can give you a huge leap over your competitors!
“Smart phone” by Android Open Source project. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.
