Last Week’s News Recap

Last week was really exciting for all of us here at Plastic Mobile. We were really pleased with the launch of our latest mobile application innovation,  ETF Central , created in partnership with Claymore Investments, a subsidiary of Guggenheim Funds Services Group, Inc.

Apparently our enthusiasm was mirrored by our media buds, as ETF Central got a lot of love from the press. Check out what the likes of the Financial Post and Mobile Marketing, among others, had to say about ETF Central:

Plastic Mobile in the News:

Advisor

Investment Executive News

CNW News

Digital Journal

Financial Post

Mobile Marketing

Tech Vibes

iPhone in Canada

Remember January 2010 when people working at charities had a “holy Mobile!” moment? Remember the instant when nonprofit organizations realized that mobile giving is a game changer when the American Red Cross raised 7%(more than 32 million) of all funds benefiting the Haiti earthquake crisis via mobile? Many believe that mobile giving reached a tipping point with response to the Haiti crisis last year but we know that this year it’ll grow even more.

In the old days, everyone had a charity box at home but that’s been supplanted by online and mobile giving, available to donors at any time. The mobile giving market represents the next step in this evolution, and is growing exponentially. We believe there’s never been a better time to start a mobile initiative than right now. In fact many experts believe that mobile giving has the ability to match or even outperform online donations.

Giving on-the-go and cause marketing via mobile media is the next trend for nonprofits and charities, and you have the chance to take advantage of the emerging mobile medium before consumers start getting bombarded by text messages asking for donations. And it doesn’t stop with raising money; nonprofits are also using mobile to share their organizational messages, stimulate volunteerism, and increase engagement and interactivity.

Although raising money via mobile giving is the primary goal for nonprofit organizations, mobile is more than just a fundraising tool. Therefore, it’s important to view the mobile channel not only as a mechanism for donations but also realize the benefit from the fact that the mobile phone is the most personal device to launch creative campaigns on, that reach for the heart and the pocketbook.

There are endless opportunities in the mobile channel. Mobile technology dramatically changed how consumers interact with brands and brands that understand consumer mobile behaviour will ensure success as the channel evolves. Still not convinced that mobile is game changing for nonprofits? Then read this:

Why is mobile a big deal for charities and nonprofits?

• Obviously for donations it’s simple, quick and can generate substantial volumes
• It not only it makes it technologically easier for supporters to donate, but also make it possible for them to donate on the go to fit their busy lifestyles
• Mobile integrates well with other media, so it allows you to use the strengths of each
• Mobile has become the preferred way to access Internet
• Mobile is the most effective means for you to reach out to people
• Mobile marketing today is where email marketing was years ago
• Mobile is compatible with nonprofit’s characteristics such as urgency and intimacy
• Mobile allows for real-time broadcasts
• Social networks are largely accessed through mobile and they have moved from being a mere vehicle of personal interaction to become the most comprehensive means of dissemination of any good news or cause
• User experience in mobile is vastly improving everyday
• Charities will reach new groups of donors by having a mobile initiative
• Provides innovative ways to engage with the public and invite them to support your cause
• It helps charities to think about how they can use geo-location tools to show their impact and to engage volunteers and donors wherever they are
• Mobile phones are highly personal and this allows you to get personal and even stir up emotions

The bottom line is that entering the world of mobile marketing could open up many new fundraising opportunities for your nonprofit organization. So, before it gets too late in the game to be on the cutting edge, integrate mobile into your multichannel marketing activities and benefit from “ the channel du jour”. Interested yet? Need help from industry experts? Give us a shout and will help you with all your mobile related needs.

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.

It is a new year but not just any year we are entering.  We are entering the first year of a new decade and I want to call it the mobile decade.  Anyone that works in the mobile industry is probably nodding their head in agreement and is waiting for the rest of the world to catch on.

With the release of the new Google phone Nexus One, and the many other existing web-enable “smart” devices, there is a shift and change in consumer perception and behaviours with respect to mobile phones.  Consumers are starting to demand more from their mobile devices and their carriers for that matter.  Consumers want information wherever and whenever they need it.  This very rapid change in consumer behaviour is spearheading the mobile industry into a new era.  Similar to the Internet, the mobile world is about to exponentially take off and most of us will be astonished by its rate of growth.

Major changes have started and will continue to take place in the marketing world, media space and commerce arena just to name a few.  Marketing will no longer be in its traditional forms and mobile commerce will drive people to the point of sale or take them away for competitor deals.   Business will need to keep afloat the whirlwind of information to ensure they are still reaching their target consumers.  They will need to change and adopt new business models to maximize the benefits of this new space.

More consumers will rely on their mobiles to find news, information, entertainment and some will even venture to make purchases through their handheld devices. Brands and companies who want to stay on top in this decade will have to ensure that their marketing plans encompass a 360-degree approach that includes mobile advertising on key sites,  mobile-friendly sites and mobile applications to enable two-way communication with their target audience.

Although Mobile marketing will not come at the expense of TV or radio or other older media and mobile commerce may not replace storefronts, businesses will soon discover that mobile media and commerce are as efficient, if not more, in attracting and retaining customers.

Whether your business is currently pursuing mobile initiatives or are just planning to begin,  you have made the choice to get ahead. Enjoy the mobile decade and don’t let the numbers hold you back from getting ahead of the trend.  Start listening and ask your customers, they will tell you.