Pokemon Go Creating Foot Traffic For Businesses Nationwide
Skyrocketing to the number one position in the iTunes App store in mere days, Pokemon Go has become an instant sensation around the country and its release into several new countries around the world is now even more highly anticipated. Officially launched on July 5th , the app encourages its users to get outside to “catch” Pokemon, which are viewed through the phone, altering the reality the user sees.
The Augmented Reality Experience
In addition to Pokemon on the loose, this new reality includes things like “Poke Stops” and “Battle Gyms”, located in real places in a user’s town. Pokemon Go is being touted as “more social” than other popular apps like Facebook and Instagram, its users forced to interact or, at least, shout “Red or Blue?” to each other from across a parking lot.
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Pokemon Go To The Store
It’s likely you have seen Pokemon Go users out and about in your city, walking through the streets, phones leading the way, as they enthusiastically exclaim, “Sweet! I got a rare one!” Or you’ve seen them gathering outside shops and in parks, organizing battles between their creatures.
Capitalizing on the Craze
At first glance, it might not seem like any of it concerns you (unless you have that rare Charmander in your pocket, of course). But, if you are sitting inside of a store and that store happens to be yours, those millennials out there might have something more than just Pokemon in their pockets.
Cashing In On The Craze
Some local business owners are embracing the increased foot traffic by enticing Pokemon Goers inside their store with special deals and offers. More money? Check. Increased popularity? Check.
Here’s how the most successful shops are cashing in:
1. Use the Pokemon Go app to check if there are any Poke Stops or Gyms close to your location (you’ll see them pop up on the screen as little floating dots)
2. If the app shows you have one of these landmarks nearby, you’re in luck!
3. But just being close isn’t good enough. If you’re not doing something to attract attention to your business, the only thing they are going to see is Pikachu. And, oh my gosh, there’s Ponyta! And Meowth! And Bulbasaur… you get the point
4. To get these Pokemon-obsessed wanderers into your door you need lure them in. No really, make a lure. Yes, it’s a thing. (I’ll wait while you Google it…) You can buy lures within the app for less than a buck and then place them at a pokestop near your store. (Requests are down, but I am sure businesses will soon be able to buy Pokestops)
5. Set the lure on the pokestop and they will come! Well, they’ll gather outside your door. To move them in, you need to get clever with signage and special offers (everyone loves to feel special!) By advertising specifically to the players of Pokemon Go, you will begin to enter their world – and, they will enter yours.
Pizza For Pikachu!
Creative Business Examples
Below are some examples of signs, deals, and offers that businesses are using to catch Pokemon money (don’t worry, it’s the same as real money in this case):
• Water Pokemon Inside. This will get the players in your door.
• Pokemon Are For Paying Customers Only. This guilts players into buying something before they can “catch ‘em all!”
• I Guess We’re A Poke Stop. Come In And Get Your Balls Or Whatever. Acknowledge the players, make them laugh, and sell them once they come in.
• Catch A Pikachu. Get A Pizza. Give players something free for showing you a specific Pokemon and sell them on additional items (“Can I get you a drink with that? Catching Pokemon sure looks hard!”)
• Half Price ________ If You Show My Mom How To Throw A Poke Ball. Compliment the players on their balls (Poke balls, that is) and how well they throw them. Offer them a discount on your items with the highest margins.
Pokemon Go’s users continue to grow exponentially, which means it looks like this augmented reality will be around for a while. But the early adopters are always the most passionate. Now is the time to advertise to them. Get creative, use a lure, and see how many customers you can catch!
What is Pokemon Go, and how can it benefit my business?
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality mobile game that encourages users to explore the real world to catch virtual Pokemon. For businesses, it presents an opportunity to increase foot traffic by attracting players to specific locations, known as Poke Stops and Gyms, through creative strategies.
How can I determine if my business is located near a Poke Stop or Gym?
Use the Pokemon Go app to check for nearby Poke Stops or Gyms. These locations are visible as floating dots on the screen. Identifying their proximity is crucial for implementing strategies to engage Pokemon Go players and drive them to your business.
What are lures, and how can they be used to attract Pokemon Go players to my business?
Lures are in-game items that can be purchased within the Pokemon Go app. Placing a lure at a Poke Stop near your business attracts Pokemon to that location, drawing players in. To maximize the impact, combine lures with clever signage and special offers to entice players to enter your establishment.
How long is the Pokemon Go trend expected to last, and when is the ideal time to capitalize on it?
While the Pokemon Go user base continues to grow, the early adopters are often the most passionate. The trend’s longevity is uncertain, but the current surge provides a unique opportunity for businesses. Acting now, getting creative with promotions, and leveraging the game’s popularity can yield positive results in increasing customer engagement and foot traffic.
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