A bright future for mobile advertising in Japan

Japanese mobile advertising expects to grow from the current $328 million to over $1 billion by 2011. This growth is possible because of the cohesive nature of the mobile industry in Japan. Advertisers are not burdened with the problems associated with segmented carriers and divided services like in the USA. Instead, advertisers benefit from the uniform platform standards that allow their ads to be seen by all mobile consumers. Japanese mobile users are among the highest ad consumers in the world. 54% of Japanese mobile users consume ads and 44% actively click on mobile ad links. With the introduction of new and more sophisticated phone models, we can expect to see carriers and advertisers take advantage of the increase connection speeds, rich media and Flash presentation and 3G terminals to push highly interactive and better converting ads. Yahoo Inc. launched a mapping service that combines search with location based technology. Whenever a user enters a keyword into the Yahoo mobile search, advertisers registered with the Yahoo data pop up on a map that the user can easily click on for further information. Offline retailers are also tapping into the power of the mobile phone to help reach more consumers. Japanese TV spots regularly feature a short mobile URL on screen to allow the viewer to either order or seek more information about a product. Special mobile bar codes that can be scanned and read by almost any phone in Japan can be found printed on everything from Subway posters to name cards and magazine ads. Users simply scan the bar code and they are instantly connected to the advertisers mobile site without the need to manually input a URL. Advertising networks that target mobile users continue to enter the market in Japan. One of the fastest growing among mobile networks is Smart-C owned by Adways. Smart-C specializes in affiliate programs for the mobile platform, not unlike what Commission junction does for the Web in the States. Currently, Japan has over 80 affiliate network providers servicing both the web and mobile space. These providers allow any retailer to easily create and manage a mobile based advertising campaign while paying only for actual transactions and not just traffic. The mobile affiliate providers all offer sophisticated tracking and reporting features that rival what is found on many web based platforms. Japan is definitely the market to watch for mobile advertising and marketing trends.

Ways To Attract New Customers

Ways To Attract New Customers Now !

1. Give Away An Electronic Information Product

The product could be a simple report posted on your Web site or autoresponder to a
downloadable e-book. The information product should relate to your target audience. Just place
your advertisement somewhere on the product. Allow other people to give away the information
product to attract even more customers.

2. Offer Free Consulting Via E-mail

Allow potential customers to ask you specific questions relating to the subject of your business.
Giving away free advice can show your prospects your expertise and give you instant credibility.
Another benefit is when you e-mail them back the free advice or information include your
signature file to get free advertising.

3. Hold A Free Chat Room Seminar

People go to seminars to learn about a particular subject. With chat rooms you don't need to fear
public speaking or spend money to rent out a seminar room. You can use your own chat room or
hold the seminar in someone elses. Holding a chat room seminar is an incredible way to get free
publicity. Just send a press release to the media announcing your free seminar.

4. Start A Free-To-Join Club

Having people join your club is a creative way to attract new customers. People want to belong
to something, why not your online club. The club should be related to your product or service.
You could give away a free e-mail newsletter for club members only . Have a members only
message board, e-mail discussion group or chat room. Post your advertisements on all the club
information.

5. Provide Your Product Or Service For Almost Free

Tell potential customers you'll accept barter deals for your products or services. You may not be
getting money but they will become your customers. If they are satisfied they might pay money
the next time they make a purchase. Barter for things to improve your business or your own
personal life.