Facebook finally files to go public: did we ever have any doubt?

We all new the day would come, though no one was ever able to predict when. But, it seems Mark Zuckerberg finally got tired of everyone speculating about the value of the Book, and decided to put a price tag on it himself: $5 billion! Not too shabby.

The new speculation, of course, is does that dollar figure over-value the social networking phenomenon, or will it follow the path of the Google’s before it and prove everyone that Zuckerberg and team were actually airing on the side of conservative? Only time will tell!

The decision to go public may have been prompted by the expectation that Facebook will probably hit its 1 billionth users this year, and that they turned a tidy profit of $1 billion last year. Another very interesting fact to come of the filing for an IPO, is that about 80% of the Facebook fan fare is based outside of North America. Weird? We at Plastic Mobile were positively baffled by this stat, since no one we know isn’t sharing, posting and chatting on Facebook – except for one guy. But, he still uses Explorer as his web browser.

One final tid bit of interest we read in PCWorld stated Zuckerberg is not only chairman and CEO, but he has also included a clause to allow him to name his successor if he is still the company’s controller upon his death: “In the event that Mr. Zuckerberg controls our company at the time of his death,” Facebook’s S-1 filing says. “Control may be transferred to a person or entity that he designates as his successor.” Reports from The New York Post and Bloomberg Businessweek suggested that analysts found this mighty strange, but one thing is for certain; Mark Zuckerberg is, and will remain, Facebook’s reigning king.

We’re standing by to learn more about the over-under value debate and to see where this major moves takes the world of Zuckerberg, err, Facebook.

Mobile has been under the thumb of skeptics ever since it arrived on the scene. It’s been a long time coming, but we think Mobile Marketing is finally being taking seriously. Consider these top three examples that support our hypothesis:

1. Brands bringing mobile in house – According to an article in Mobile Marketer, Walmart and e-bay, are following in Amazon’s footsteps and bringing their mobile markting development and management in house. This major move indicates they are ready to take the mobile space seriously: “These acquisitions are a welcome validation that competent mobile executions are critical to a healthy marketing program, and that expertise is in short supply,” said Brennan Hayden, vice president of WDA, East Lansing, MI.

While other big-name brands, like Lexus, who are outsourcing to agencies are still doing it right, these stores are being super-savvy in preventing their competitors from using the same tools. This bodes well for the future of mobile, but has the potential to be bad for business. Thankfully, we know that our quality work validates itself.

2. Brands that aren’t, are going down – Those big names that are not taking steps to incorporate mobile into their marketing plans seem to be feeling the effects of their negligence. For instance, we recently blogged about how e- and m-commerce were partially to blame for the demise of a number of Sears and K-Mart stores after grimm holiday figures.

Furthermore, in 2008, Kate Spade New York was a strugglin,’ but, when Craig Leavitt came on board as CEO, he woke up a sleeping giant and changed its outlook on online marketing. The result? Kate Spade is now one of the strongest brands supporting m- and e-commerce.

3. Facebook hearts mobile – The social networking behemoth was one of the first companies to jump on board the mobile train. They continue to bolster their mobile platform at ever chance they get, and are careful to always listen to their users. Thus, Facebook recently announced a new Comments Box plugin for mobile websites – a feature in high demand by business owners and website proprietors. The new plugin will make it simpler for websites to engage consumers regardless of where they are. Essentially, if the Book is doing it, you probably should be too.

There are countless other examples of how Mobile Marketing has finally grabbed everyone’s attention, but the bottom line is, if you’re not going mobile, you really should be. What do you think? Is it mobile’s time to shine?

Watch Melody Adhami, also known as the Queen of Apps / Mobile Maven, provide the latest mobile and tech news on CTV News with Jennifer Ward. Please excuse the low quality video.

What if, Facebook got into e-commerce by allowing you to process payments with your Facebook account. Is that a stretch? The question was raised at a Deloitte presentation in called ‘Social Media for Consumer Business.’

Facebook is always finding new revenue streams; and frankly selling ads on the site isn’t cutting it. On July 1st, the social networking giant is forcing Facebook Credits to their game developers. So, virtual currency will be a thing of the past when you use Facebook’s social games like Farmville. The game apps are free to download, but if your farm needs more hay and animals to survive, expect to pay up (with the real currency). Facebook will earn 30% on payments for all virtual goods when paid with Facebook Credits. (Not a bad source income). Players can buy credits though Facebook via PayPal, credit card, or paying it using their mobile phones.

Now that last payment option for Facebook Credits, leads me to the initial question – Could Facebook become a mobile payment processor?  Could there be a ‘Pay with Facebook’ option for your next purchase?  As mobile payment will be a huge trend in 2011, and with over 500 million users, it’s potentially a lucrative opportunity for the social networking site. But do they have the trust of their users?  I’m not encouraging this payment system, as I’m nervous to disclose my phone number to Facebook, let alone credit card information.  Especially, since several reports alluded that certain Facebook applications were sending personal user information to ad and Internet tracking companies.

Would you use a ‘pay with Facebook’ option? Or can we trust Mark Zuckerberg with our digital wallets?

I guess, we’ll wait and see what Zuckerburg and his people are brewing up at the Facebook headquarters.

Mobile phones are using millions of people throughout the world everyday!

They have changed our lives; nobody can deny this. Mobile is no longer just the most convenient tool of communication, or the best invention of 21st century; it is a part of our fibre! And with this trend, who can be happier than the digital marketers right now? Well, probably no one. While digital marketers are joyfully embracing mobile phone’s popularity, they need to take a moment to understand how they need to take full advantage of this space at the current moment and more importantly for the exciting years to come.

Dear Digital Marketer

Your app has to compete with many apps, all screaming for attention in competitive app stores, right? So, how are you going to make sure that your app is going to beat them all? How are you going to make sure your app is going to win people’s heart? Well, If you want to win the battle, here are some basic hints that many tend to overlook while being all excited about the current mobile app boom.

Be the first, OR the best!

If possible, be the pioneer of an app category; if not, then aim to become the best in that app category. Add value to the existing app by adding an extra ordinary spin & come up with not only a better, but THE best app in your category.

Futuristic view
Anticipate future trends, predict potential needs, and create your app based on it.

Don’t be a  stingy scrooge
If possible, invest and spend on a well developed application and a  sound marketing & promotion plan, go big in terms of your launch. Whether this means traditional media or social strategies, put the effort to get the word out.

Be in the loop
Watch out for competitors, evaluate what they’re doing right, what they’re doing wrong, what is it that they are not doing, and what is it that you can do better than them.

Love at the first sight
Your landing screen is so very important. Have a likable landing screen; try your best to attract your audiences at first glance.

One of its kind APP
Your app needs to be exceptional & unique, or you should say goodbye to app marketing for good. Innovate, plan excellently, and build something magnificent.

à la mode
Know the trend, be chic, be hip, be modish if you want your app to be unbeaten.

Take it easy!
While trying to create something unique, don’t forget to make it easy to use. Complications are very quick and easy way to say goodbye to your user for good.

Go for a test drive!
Make sure you’ll have all your friends, family member’s, co-workers, ex’s, neighbors, frienemies, and enemies, try your app before you launch it. Ask for their feedback, find out about the parts that confuse the user and take advantage of  enhancing your app.

Fish for compliment
The more people you get to talk about your app, the more successful you’ll get marketing it. Remember, the more discussions = more exposure = more sales!

Social media is your BFF
Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, these are your marketing department’s team members! Benefit from the ease of sharing info on your app through these mediums.

Continuing education
Constantly read tech news, blogs, attend seminars, tech events, and review other apps to learn what’s happening out there. Keep your knowledge up to date.

In the end, think of anything unique that will make your app stand taller than the competitors. Start strong & launch big.

For more tips on how to make and market a great application, contact us.

There is no doubt that the importance of on-the-go online connection is important to the working business person, but I am slowly starting to wonder if the younger generation will surpass mobile data usage sooner rather than later.

This question comes to me with the release of the new Facebook 3.0 application upgrade for the iPhone. Obviously, Facebook is seeing a benefit in upgrading their application and enhancing their mobile offering. Why would they do this unless either their main demographic is quickly adopting mobile usage or they see the future potential in this area. Either way, mobile usage and application usage is increasing at an alarmingly quick rate and young generation is right at the centre of it all.

It was an exciting time at the 14th Global Mobile Awards where INQ, a fairly new entrant in the Mobile Device industry has triumphed over some of its much larger competitors such a  LG, Nokia, RIM.

Their first ever handset, INQ 1 has won this years award for the ‘Best Mobile Handset or Device’.  Their strategy was simple:  revolutionize the industry by putting all your web and mobile contacts in one place at a cheap price.  Ok so that is definitely an oversimplification but that is exactly what they did.

Impressive Features:

• simple user interface
• Self-explanatory icons and easy option menus
• Integration with popular Web services such as Facebook.
• Facebook intergratin allows for automatic integrattion of  contact details with phone contacts
• Friends profile pictures show up when you call or they call you (fun feature)
• Access to Windows Live messenger for IM use
• Access to Skype to make VoIP calls
• Shows who is online and then allows contact with them via the three Web-based services.
• ability to add widgets to the start page allowing for customization

The most impressive of the features is obviously the integration with social media. There is a lot to be said about this award and its winner.  It shows the direction and trend of the mobile industry and the incorporation with social mediums such as Facebook.

I can go on about move of the facinating features but you can also see a video demo of the features and functionality of the INQ 1 below.

At the 14th  Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona, ‘Best Mobile and Device’ award winner: