Chronicles of an Aspiring Digital Marketing Strategist: Part 2

 

"To app or not to app- that is the question"

With the growing number of mobile phone users, digital marketing is taking a massive turnaround from web applications and sites to mobile phones. Anyone seeking to make significant impact on their consumers should not only target the individual surfing on their laptop, or desktop but to the more mobile, not so patient consumer who has a smart or feature mobile phone. A mobile strategy is inevitable. 

A company's site should work across different platforms with the same clarity, information density and offer the same level of user satisfaction across all platforms. If you are a business owner with a website, you should make it your duty to know how your site looks like on all kinds of devices and operating systems. Am sure am speaking for many when I say some mobile sites are way too crappy and less impressive than their desktop versions. They are either too big, not scalable, have a lot of unnecessary content or the usual nightmare of unnecessary ads. 

It should be common sense for an organisation to design their sites with the progressive enhancement approach of 'Mobile-first development'; meaning development starts with mobile functionalities as it gradually builds up additional functionalities to the desktop versions. There are several reasons to back this up: for instance, the number of emerging opportunities courtesy of mobile devices are immense. Mobile allows for explosive growth- in areas such as location based services through inbuilt location detector technologies like Wifi, GPS and cell hour triangulation, that help a user get relevant information about what is close to their current location. Other emerging opportunities that can be supported by smart phones include inbuilt device orientation and acceloremeters that detect change in movement. 

The Mobile first approach will force the designer to embrace constraints inherent in mobile design. Some of the major constraints include having to design for small screens and having to deal with below average performance. Unlike desktops, a small screen on either a feature or smart mobile phone will not give the designer an option to beat around the bush with ad banners or irrelevant information but will literally force them to go straight to the point and include only the core functionalities necessary. By knowing your customer needs and requirements, why exactly they would be in need of your mobile app and what they mostly use it for will allow you to make the design and content as simple and straightforward as possible. 

Performance is another constraint that will force a mobile app developer to pay key interest to key performance aspects such as limiting the use of CSS grids, minifying JavaScript and CSS files, using lightweight technology as well as ensuring appropriately cached HTTP headers are used in the  browser's memory. Ignoring the little hogwash I just did there, I simply mean that you ensure the designed site will deal with the slower connections and longer waits that are associated with mobile phones. Designing for mobile first will therefore ensure that web applications have an even higher performance. 

Is there much need to have an application? This debate has been there for the longest time. Some people may not find it an argument anymore because having responsive websites should be s design default in this day and age. Plus with the new HTML5 capabilities, users can easily incorporate and get access to features of a device such as the camera and GPS, no need to develop a whole native app for that. Responsive websites also allow you to develop in short periods and work with a lower, more manageable budget. They also do well when it comes to SEO optimization which will work well for a company seeking to develop a web 'fan base'.

    

Developing an application is much more expensive than building a responsive or mobile site, and it often will take more time. It is also important that you develop for all the Operating Systems so as to make sure that none of the users are alienated. Applications are however known to provide the best user experience by providing a mobile centric experience that users grow to appreciate. They have a unique functionality and speed but unfortunately cannot be indexed on Search engines. 

Companies may choose to go with applications because they allow for personalization through data by supporting push notifications sent by the app. Native applications will work well with providing product recommendations and suggesting content to the users. They also provide a better platform to gather user information and patterns when users are prompted to sign up and make profiles of themselves. 

On whether to app or not, I think it all boils down to the business objectives of the organisation. In summary, I think that some of the major things that should be considered include: 

1. Your Budget

If money is not an issue, then a native application doesn't sound like a bad idea. It is important to ensure that it can be downloaded on all the different online stores though. However, if you are cutting down on costs, it would be best to invest in a responsive website which will be the cheapest design option. Second on the list is choosing to develop a mobile site that is different from its website version. 

2. Business Goals. 

Who are you targeting? Would you want to have a stronger fan base on the net? Is the site content centric? Do you want to incorporate SEO and marketing tools? In this case, a responsive website will suit you best. It can easily be indexed in Search engines and will provide you with one URL that users can easily access and memorize. The issue with mobile sites is that they will have different URLs from the desktop version and this may not run well with the fast paced, rather impatient user. 

3. Industry features. 

What exactly will the app be used for? If all it will have is static information that will rarely be updated, it would beat the sense to develop a whole application for that. A standard mobile site would do, or rather a responsive site. However, in cases where you will need to have unique users sign in and take part in transactions, an application would be the best option. It would allow you to take advantage of native features of the device for functionality and performance improvement. They provide excellent performance therefore fusing these features with a cross platform operation that has a flawless UX will be the best option for your esteemed user.  

For a successful app, it is important to capitalize on value engagement, ensure that the app is thoroughly tested on the different platforms, that the interface is self explanatory with the call to action buttons loud and clear in a "on-your-face-kind-of-manner", minimalist with a logical user flow and has an easy navigation.

If all this is not achievable, you can stick to Responsive designs, there is no pressure really. Remember, a negative app experience will equate to a negative shadow on the brand.

I am still on the run to be a kick ass Digital Marketing Strategist. How am I doing so far?

Come Witness the Launch of Bitpesa in Kenya!!

A revolution in Money Transfers to Kenya!

On May 24th, Nairobi-based company BitPesa began the pilot phase of a new, cheaper, faster way to send money to Kenya. BitPesa offers free money transfers with a highly competitive exchange rate. BitPesa allows people to send money from nearly anywhere in the world to any Kenyan mobile money wallet (M-PESA, Airtel Money, Orange Money and Yu Cash), within minutes.

BitPesa is inviting members of the Nairobi tech and business community to a World Cup Party at Nairobi Startup Garage (4th Floor of Piedmont Plaza on Ngong Road) on Thursday, June 26th from 5-9pm. They will be broadcasting what are sure to be two thrilling football matches at 7:00 pm: Ghana vs. Portugal and US vs. Germany. But to encourage people to come early, BitPesa will be providing beers, bitings, and bitcoins to the first 50 people to show up.

BitPesa is a Kenyan company, whose shareholders include Joe Mucheru, Google East Africa Lead, and Duncan Goldie-Scot, Chairman of Musoni. BitPesa developed the service to offer better value to the Kenyan diaspora who send billions of shillings to Kenya every year. Traditional remittance services currently apply a premium of between 6%-13%. BitPesa offers a much more competitive 3% premium, no additional fees, and transfer to any mobile money wallet within minutes. 

However, BitPesa is also designed to create value for Kenyans in Kenya - for example, if a software developer performs work for an international client, he could be paid in Bitcoin. Or, if a software developer wants to monetize a mobile app or web app, she could put her Bitcoin address on the app and receive payments from anywhere in the world, regardless of country or currency. Then using BitPesa’s online platform, the developer can convert his/her Bitcoins into Kenyan Shillings, which are deposited into any mobile money wallet within minutes. BitPesa is also developing an update to its site that will allow Kenyan NGOs to receive international donations via Bitcoin and convert these into Kenyan Shillings at zero cost. 

To learn more about BitPesa, visit their website, follow them on Twitter at @BitPesa and Like their Facebook Page.

To register for the World Cup Party on June 26th, RSVP HERE.

I hope you are keeping warm in this very cold weather! See you there!

Learn about The Nairobi Start Up Garage !!

Hey there!

Between learning how to paint, reading through Warsan Shire’s poetry and spending quality time with family and friends, I have been interning at the Nairobi Start up Garage. Heard of it? Cool name right? It is located at the Brew Bistro building, 4^th floor.

Nairobi Start up Garage is the home of 88mph and several other start ups that are making quite the waves in Kenya and Africa as a whole. It’s a co-working tech space that rents out working space to companies, start ups and holds the coolest events ever! It’s a beautiful space with an interesting interior concept, in some instances putting the reuse concept (which am a big fan of ). The open space environment, bean bags, telephone booth, the office bar, the couches are just some of the few things that make this one of the coolest working places.

A few pictures.

Nairobi Start up garage being the home of 88mph has lots of perks for those who are looking for seed fund for their start ups. If you haven’t heard of 88mph, it’s a seed fund and accelerator. They invest in early stage web/mobile companies with the ability to scale across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their main focus is attracting the best entrepreneurs, investing seed cash, and bringing them to a point where their businesses can grow independently, or be adequately evaluated by angels and VCs. They have been active in Africa since 2011 and are currently operating out of hubs in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. Their accelerators are supported by Google, Samsung, and Microsoft, get help. During the three-month program, the start ups receive mentoring, access to networks, technical infrastructure and work space, in exchange for an equity stake.

It’s actually a proven fact that for anyone wishing to dive into entrepreneurship or actively run a Start up, co-working spaces are more likely to be the best environment for budding and bringing your idea into something solid. Some of the advantages include having a chance to create a large network with the people you work with, the great ideas that you can exchange informally during simple conversation and a nice environment to meet your clients.

Some other advantages of renting out office space include the flexibility that comes along with it. For people who are always on the move, renting a space would prove beneficial since you do not have to get into legal contracts, all you have to do is pay for the months you will be in town and get your space reserved for you. Also, you can be able to easily expand your team or shrink it out without much of a hustle.

And this is why the Nairobi Start up Garage is perfect for any Start Up. Tones of networking opportunities and valuable resources are easily available . As the space offers several events in line with tech and other entrepreneurial related forums, it would be a wise idea to follow them on Facebook and twitter for any relevant information in regards to this. For instance, this Thursday we are hosting Start Up Grind Nairobi. Get the tickets here. Trust me, we would love to have you around. For inquiries about checking the place out or renting it out for an event or office space, feel free to email info@nairobistartupgarage.com

So, when in Nairobi and you are thinking of office space, think Nairobi Start Up garage. Karibu!

Chronicles of an Aspiring Digital Marketing Strategist: Part 1

In a year or so I believe that I will be your Digital Marketing Strategist, if you are planning to have a company or if you have one already. So get acquainted with me already J

Digital marketing involves employing use of electronic devices such as PCs, Tablets, mobile phones and game consoles for marketing while applying technologies such as websites, apps, social networks, text messages and e-mail.I will help you to come up with online marketing campaigns and strategies that will blow you away, get more market share than what you may have settled for, ensure that your company is catching up with the latest web analytic trends and optimizing the powerful web to your business advantage.

That is why I have started a series of posts talking about my ideas in regards to how digital marketing should be strategized and implemented. I welcome any form of constructive critique. 

MOBILE MARKETING

Companies are able to fully maximize mobile in the exact way they optimized the web to radically improve their businesses, know their customers more and make more lasting relationships with them in the process of earning more revenue. Companies like Coca Cola have incorporated mobile marketing strategies to their overall advertisement strategies and it is working miracles for them. It’s all about doing it right, as always. 

For any company, I think it shouldn't be a matter of investing in mobile advertisement, rather how much and how to go about it. Incorporating mobile does not only include awareness, brand promise and engaging customer loyalty, but also having two way communication with your consumers. Unlike bill boards and advertisements running on the radio and on T.V, mobile advertising allows you to have conversation and feedback with your customers. This is extremely important since it forms the major building blocks for longer lasting relationships with consumers. The two way communication allows you to hush, and listen to them talk too.  

With any kind of advertising, company executives will not buy into using mobile to get more fans and capturing as many phone numbers as possible, they want something more solid, for instance, what is their Return on Investment from this kind of market investment, is it measurable and is it of high value?
So why invest in Mobile Advertising? Mobile growth has been tremendous in the past 5 years.  Everyone I know has a mobile phone, it may not be a smart phone but it’s mobile all the same. Consumers are busier than ever, but despite all this, they get time to always engage with their phones or gadgets. The manner in which they always search for goods and services shows the urgency of their need to make purchases or at least get content on various subjects. Through the devices, consumers easily access information that allows them to make decisions on whether to make purchases or not. 

For a company, providing the right mobile experience at the right time, all in the context of a broadly well thought out and integrated mobile campaign equals a win. Being consumer focused for any company, their goal should involve crafting a seamless start to finish experience. With the finish being making sales, of course. 

Basic Principles of Mobile Marketing

 1. Identify the main objective of the business and try to realize how mobile marketing can come in to help with that. Is it to create more sales, create a huger fan base, attract new customers, and strengthen the company brand..?

2. Curve out the niche you specifically want to target. How do they interact with their devices? What kind of phones and gadgets are they most likely to have? In essence, understanding the customer is the most important aspect that will determine whether you make a financial breakthrough with them in the end or not. 

3. How do you plan to reach your targeted audience? What will be their first point of interaction? The thought of first impressions can only be made once are entirely true. Do you plan to do so using a QR Code on a billboard, through banners, mobile websites or through SMS?

4. After they have heeded to your call and are willing to know more about you, the best thing is to engage them. Through engagement, you can be able to create a relationship with your consumer. There are various ways to engage. Examples include 

• posting relevant content on the sight that is useful to the user e.g regular health tips, fashion tips… anything related to what you offer
• Shop alerts for instance, messages, offers, rewards and coupons will always go well with the smart shopper
• Asking for opinions regarding your service once in a while will help you to better your services as well as cater to the ever growing needs of the consumer. 
• Asking people to share their experience with your Company’s goods or services with you or on other social media sites would help boost the image of the brand. 


5. At the end of it all you have to analyze what you are doing and if it’s effective or not. The advantage of working with mobile is that it makes it easy to analyze and measure all your efforts. For instance, it is very easy to know the number of consumers you attract and what percentage of those are actually realized to actual sales. Analyzing helps in making decisions later on in regards to future marketing strategies and will help you know what you should work on to realize more profits. 

New Year 3 Weeks Late!!

New Year, Whats New? 

So I am happily wishing you, the reader and a friend of Cosmopolitanization (I assume) , a Happy New Year this late? It’s the thought that counts though, right?

Approximately a year ago, I started blogging and I have loved it thus far. So I turn one this month and I thank you for stopping by and reading, even when I sometimes force you to (for my very lazy friends).

What are your year Plans? I am now in my final semester and I am a bit excited about it. Can’t wait to see how this year turns out. Am hoping it’s the best one yet. One thing I plan to do is to take a more personal approach in my writing.

Speaking of year plans, have you registered for this year’s Mobile East Africa 2014 Conference? Kicking off the year is the Annual Mobile Web East Africa Conference scheduled to run from the 11^th through the 14^th of February. It is back for the fourth time in a row!

Speakers such as Tomi Ahonen (the man measured by Forbes as the world’s most influential expert in mobile) is coming! Also in attendance will be Managing Director for East Africa at SAP Mr. Andrew Waititu, Jose Henrique of Airtel Africa and Algy Williams of Every1Mobile. Senior representatives from IBM, Safaricom, iHub Research and Google will be in attendance too.

The 2014's focus is “Expanding data Usage and driving monetization through industry collaboration”. Having attended last year’s event, I can assure you of a few things: super networking check, a few ‘on-the-money’ debates check, high tempo presentations check and of course, penetrating panel discussions.

The tickets go for $400 for the 12^th and 13^th but in case you represent a startup, NGO or are an Independent app developer, it goes down to $200. With Ahonen’s eye opening workshop on the 14^th, tickets go for $550 and $275 respectively. You can register here.

I hope to see you there! Lets start 2014 on a high note, shall we?