Last week we documented the origins and background of 2016’s hottest gaming app, Pokémon Go which has exploded in popularity worldwide since its launch at the beginning of July. Recent figures have suggested that the game has been downloaded a staggering 75 million times, making it the most downloaded app in history, both on IOS & Android.
In financial terms, the success of Pokémon Go has already helped to increase Nintendo’s market value to almost double while Apple is expected to bring in over $3 billion into their profits. The big question, however, is how can small business owners tap into the game’s monstrous success. Pokémon Go is a geographical-based game which makes use of real-world of real world locations by using them as interactive points within the game. There are two types of fixed locations; Poké Stops and Pokémon Gyms.
This week we examine how SMEs can leverage this cultural phenomenon and use Pokémon Go to encourage business and new customers to their premises.
These are fixed points on the map where players can stop by and collect extra poke balls, potions and other in-game goodies. That makes these spots invaluable for local businesses in terms of attracting people through the door. Many of these PokeStops are based around local landmarks and existing businesses, so even if your business isn’t listed as a stop, chances are there will be one nearby. An alternative is to submit a request to get a PokeStop at your business. Once the stop is verified, you could set up an exclusive discount offer for Pokémon players to encourage their customs while they stop by.
These are items which can be bought and placed in PokeStops and can spawn multiple Pokémon on your premises. A lure module lasts for about 30 minutes and spawns new Pokémon every 2-3 minutes. This is an ideal method for business owners to attract potential new customers to visit the business.
This could be done through advertising to lure parties to the premises through posting and promoting events on social media. For instance, a Cafe shop could run a promotion such as “ 2-for-1 on all hot & cold drinks for Pokémon players” while also offering complimentary sample food items and spot prize giveaways. Another example for adult players could be a bar that creates special “Pokémon Cocktails” at a special rate for players.
Best of all, these Lure Modules are generally inexpensive, a pack of 8 lure modules will cost about $8 (€7.50) and can last up to four hours. A tiny fee when you consider the revenue that can be generated from hosting a lure party!
As with any craze, there will always be a few begrudgers who will try to spoil the party, in this case, probable business owners who seek to ban these“pesky” gamers from coming to their store. Don’t be one of those guys! Turn your business into Pokémon friendly zone by offering perks such as free WiFi, charging stations and concessions to encourage players to visit. You can advertise this to the public through window signs and sandwich boards while posting information on your social media channels. Then it’s a case of sitting back and watching the queues build up!
Looking to use Pokémon Go to encourage business as part of your marketing strategy? Conatct the experts here at Matrix today!.
By Iñaki Castellet Hernández
By Conor McCaffrey