Local Marketing video

Marketing with Mobile Applications (Apps) with Rebecca Lieb (6:46) Dr. Ralph F. Wilson , Web Marketing Today - Apr 6, 2010

In this video interview, Internet marketing expert Rebecca Lieb discusses two ways that marketers are using mobile device or iPhone apps (applications) to promote their businesses -- both local and nationwide. Apps have helped eliminate the barrier of needing to type too much on a mobile device to accomplish a task.

1. Mostly local marketers need to optimize theire presence on mobile apps. For example, UrbanSpoon has launched an app that helps a person decide on a local restaurant. Marketers need to make sure that their local restaurant appears on the app and includes distance, price, user ratings, menu, pictures, etc. To get ratings -- very important these days -- a merchant might post a sign: "If you like us, please give us a positive review on CitySearch."

2. Businesses are also creating apps useful for their businesses. TapIt, for example, helps consumers locate businesses that would refill plastic water bottles rather than throw them away -- a perfect match for WholeFoods Market that promotes this, and gets walk-in traffic as a result. AAA offers an app to find the closest gas station or mechanic. Marketers should be asking: What do we do that could build user value in an app?

Rebecca Lieb, former editor of ClickZ, has opened a US office for eConsultancy.com, the largest provider of interactive and digital marketing best practices, news, information, research, training, and events in the UK. This interview was taped in August 2009 at the Search Engine Strategies (SES) Conference in San Jose, California.