Have you noticed an increase in pedestrian traffic lately? You may have seen more people than usual over the past two weeks, walking around your neighbourhood excitedly with smartphones in hand. On July 6th, Pokémon Go was officially released, an augmented reality game that has been immediately snatched up by happy players the world over. The game asks players to search for and catch Pokémon, visible only through the screens of their smartphones. Using GPS and the phone’s camera, players can spot the locations of nearby Pokémon, Pokéstops (places to gather more supplies), and gyms (where battles take place).
It didn’t take long for the “Poké Craze” to take over. Almost overnight, Nintendo’s stock made an unprecedented and major jump. The app has quickly surpassed the engagement of other super-popular platforms such as Snapchat, and has garnered international news attention for its massive and swift popularity.
Pokémon Go has many real benefits, the most apparent of which are the social aspect of the game as well as the physical activity it requires. Players are up and moving and meeting new people as they travel through their towns and cities in search of the elusive Pokémon species. But for a local business owner, there’s something else that Pokémon Go brings: the possibility of a significant increase in customers. Have you joined the craze yet? If you are a smart and savvy business owner, here’s how (and why) you should.
Why Capitalise on the Craze?
With more than 21 million daily active users (and growing), it’s likely a large portion of your customers are players of the game–particularly if your business caters to millennials. Pokémon Go is getting people out and about, and your business can get in on some of the action. And being a part of the craze itself just might attract even more customers.
Players Will do Anything for a Pokémon
The first step is to determine if your business is a Pokéstop, gym, or within range of these areas. Then, let the world know! Restaurants, bars, and other businesses have already taken advantage of their fortuitous locations with Pokémon Go-friendly advertising. If your enterprise is in one of these hotspots, your business has the potential to bloom. But will these players become customers? The evidence shows that this is happening in businesses across the globe. And if the news is any indication, there is very little that players won’t do to catch a Pokémon.
Lure Them In
To really take advantage of this Pokémon craze, take part yourself! The app offers purchases of special items called “lures.” For as little as a few dollars, these in-app purchases boost the number and frequency of Pokémon creatures in an area near a Pokéstop. Using social media, businesses are advertising these lures, letting players know that their shops and the nearby area will soon be seeing an increase in wild Pokémon. Not only is this a smart advertising move, but it is a brilliant and inexpensive way to participate in and make the most of this craze. It’s a strategy Pokémon Go players will love, and you’ll see them flocking to your door.
Future Money-Making Potential
The Pokémon Go mania doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon. And the future suggests even greater potential for businesses to benefit. Soon, in-app advertising will begin on the game, and with the emphasis on GPS and local exploration, this will present a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to gain attention as “sponsored locations.” As Pokémon Go continues to grow, businesses can also get creative, hosting themed events or asking customers to show off their Pokémon in order to receive a special discount. The possibilities are endless.
Has your business jumped onboard the Pokémon Go craze? Webics has!
