Maybe you've been in business so long the whole digital era snuck up on you, and you figure you've gone this long without worrying about it, so what's the big deal? Perhaps your business is so small and focused on the local population, you don't see the need to bother with mobile marketing. Maybe you've tried to dip your toe in the mobile marketing waters, but you didn't feel like it was worth the trouble. No matter your circumstances, you can make mobile marketing an integral part of your marketing campaign if you know how to simplify it and make it more effective.

Companies that do most or even all of their business offline absolutely should look into mobile marketing. The customers that walk into your shop most likely have a smartphone in their purses or pockets. Take advantage of the tool that goes wherever your target consumer base goes and use it to encourage them to stop by when they're clear across town. Even if you've got a decent customer base, mobile marketing can help you build an even more impressive one. Face it, the days of the yellow pages are long behind you. If you want to be the go-to business for your targeted consumer base, you've got to appeal to them on mobile devices.

Exclusive Coupon App

Even if people like your business, they need a reason to go out of their way and sign up for mailing lists and social media posts from you, and they need a reason to download an app your company offers, even if it's free. Provide an exclusive coupon app, where only people who download the app are alerted about special offers. In addition to the coupons, you can use the app to send out notices related to your business. But the only way to keep people subscribed is to offer them some sort of discount.

Follow-and-Show

The savvy modern business uses the most popular social media websites to connect with their customers. They don't just promote the business with every post, either - they learn to post the kind of content their targeted consumer base enjoys. But the kind of content you post is irrelevant when you still need to convince consumers to follow your accounts in the first place.

Offer a special discount to anyone who whips out her mobile device to prove she follows you on social media when she's shopping in your store. You could offer a general discount, a free small bonus item or a special offer that changes from day to day or week to week.

A Game App

What do people do the most on their smartphones and tablets? After texting, they usually game more than anything. A coupon app is well and good for smart shoppers, but if you want to appeal to a more general audience, offer an app that provides entertainment. Develop a game app with professionals that promotes your business. If you sell bakery items, for example, design a game where bread and buns are used in place of Xs and Os for tic tac toe. Make sure the game is playable in small doses, and offer exclusive discounts when players score high.

Designing an effective mobile marketing campaign may seem overwhelming when you've got so much else on your plate, but you don't have to do it alone. Enlist the help of professionals with mobile marketing experience. They can assist you with a consultation or they can take over the entire venture for you, leaving you more time to focus on the day to day operations of your business.