There is a new game in town and it’s called Pokemon Go. But what is Pokemon Go? How does it work and why are people so crazy about it?
Pokemon Go is a free-to-play augmented reality mobile exploration game developed by Niantic for iOS and Android devices.
It is a location-based game where players use their mobile device’s GPS capability to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon. Pokémon appears on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the player.
Since it was released, the game has witnessed millions of downloads and installations. It has also increased engagement on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Twitter, and others.
Businesses using Pokémon Go
Clever business owners are already cashing in on the popularity of this mobile game. Some businesses are lucky to be within the range of a PokéStop while others have one for their business with just a few bucks.
SEE ALSO: Super Effective Internet Marketing Strategies For Small Business
With a few bucks, you can stack up modules for the day, and draw in customers from around the area. Below are some of the businesses that have already profited from Pokemon Go popularity:
- L’inizio Pizza Bar in Manhattan have created Pokémon-themed pizzas to go along with their stop. According to some studies, a $10 investment in lure modules led to a 30 percent increase in food and drink sales throughout the weekend. Talk about return on investment!
- An indie clothing store has lured people inside with a visible sign and catchy art.
- Kaleidoscope Café in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania noticed the increase in foot traffic and started offering a 10 percent discount to anyone who showed off their app.
- Best Buy phone outlets are getting in on the craze by promoting more powerful phones for those struggling to run the app.
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — as well as many other museum and art gallery locations — recognizes that its grounds happens to be full of PokéStops and is encouraging trainers to stop in to take advantage. Reportedly over 60 percent of their visitors one day were playing the game.
- It’s A Grind in California was playing it with a more aggressive stance, offering a fresh lure on their stop for every 15 paid drinks purchased.
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How to drive sales with Pokemon Go
No doubt about it, the speed at which Pokemon Go has spread is unprecedented and local businesses are already taking advantage of this new-age game.
But is your small local business cashing in on the popularity of this mobile game too? Do you know how to leverage Pokemon Go to increase your business sales?
Pokemon Go is a great marketing tool your local business can tap into. All you need is to create a strategy to attract players to business. Below are some of the best ways you can use Pokemon Go to attract shoppers to your local business:
#1]. Gym or PokeStop? Where do you belong?
PokeStops are places in Pokemon Go that allow players to collect items such as eggs and more Poke Balls to capture more Pokemon! Most often, a PokeStop will grant players three to four items at a time.
In other words, PokeStops and Gyms attract foot traffic without any effort – (players flock to them for rewards and to battle other players) – and they can be leveraged for massive sales if you know how.
This is why you should figure out whether your business is a PokeStop or Gym as this will help you to easily attract players to your business.
Pokemon Go relies on map and GPS data from Google to fill the world around the players with virtual Pokemon that they can catch, level up, and later use in battle against other players.
This feature only works in the area around the players and doesn’t show players where a specific Pokemon may be hiding. Check out the Ingress Intel Map, an interactive map that displays Pokemon locations all over the world (where the game is available), in real time.
#2]. Use ‘Lures’ to attract prospects
One of the most interesting things about Pokemon Go is the ability to purchase Lures, which is one of Pokemon Go’s ranges of in-app purchases. The Lures will entice Pokémon Go users to come to a particular location – this location could be your business!
Pokémon Go users are always on a virtual scavenger hunt – physically trying to find characters – so, a local business, such as a restaurant, retail store, or even an event can purchase “Lures” called “Lure Modules” in the app, and draw these users to its location.
Lures increase the rate of Pokemon generation in the area around the PokeStop where they’re placed for one-half hour. That may not sound that powerful, but Pokemon are scarcer than you think. Luring is an insanely powerful tool that you really have to see to believe.
What’s even more incredible is just how affordable luring is. For a little more than a dollar an hour, you can bring virtually guaranteed crowds to your business. The ROI here is ridiculous, so if your business is anywhere near a PokeStop, this is something you absolutely have to try.
#3]. Make use social media
Making use of social media to announce Pokémon Go promotions can help drive sales. Businesses can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and others, as well as the business website or blog to announce Pokémon Go promotions for better awareness and greater exposure.
It’s all about leveraging the popularity of social media to boost awareness. Ideally, you can make this announcement about a day or two ahead of time, giving your customers and social media followers enough preparation time to come to your business.
But it’s not just about that alone as you can also offer a special incentive to drive more sales. Restaurants, for example, can offer a free dessert or appetizer. Ask patrons to show you that they’re using the Pokémon Go app to qualify. Think of another promotion, such as 10 percent off, or another incentive.
However, you may not need to offer any special incentive — just using $100 to attract the app’s users to your business may be enough to increase foot traffic.
