Pokemon Go, Business, and Marketing: An Opportunity Not to Be Missed

Pokemon have taken over my house. And — I can’t tell a lie — my phone. Yes, I’m playing, too. It’s a game I actually enjoy sharing with my kids (unlike things like…well, never mind), and I love that it gets us all out and moving. Nonetheless, I’m constantly distracted by the missed — or, at least, not-yet-exploited — marketing opportunities this game presents. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

• PokeStops: I find it hard to imagine that businesses won’t soon be able to buy a PokeStop. Throw in a few Lures now and then, and you’ve got a steady stream of new foot traffic. Then come up with some ways to join the fun — discounts for people who catch rare Pokemon at your business, Pokemon-themed products, special events where you offer food and beverages and host a lil’ party…the list is limited only by imagination. And the fun isn’t limited to for-profit businesses. If you’re planning an auction for a non-profit, why not raise money with a donated PokeStop?
• Got a gym within range? Host a tournament, with discounts for customers who come dressed in their team’s color.
• Branded Pokemon: Once again, the options are endless. I grew up in Memphis and worked at Graceland all through high school and college, so my first thought was an Elvis-themed Pokemon available only at Graceland. Visitors to Rio could find Olympic-themed Pokemon, even some fashioned after particular athletes. It could be like the pins, but virtual!
• Items: This is another perfect opportunity for branding. From clothing to food and beverages, branded power-ups could get your name in front of a lot of people in no time flat.
• Movies: What better way to launch a movie than with a limited-time-only Pokemon? And instead of offering toys with Happy Meals, McDonalds could offer a scannable RFID card that would draw Pokemon to you faster than you could down your fries.
• Social media: This is a marriage arranged in Heaven. Got a rare Pokemon hanging out by your business? Or maybe a customer drops a Lure? Tweet it! Or how about taking pictures of the little monsters visiting your business and posting on Pinterest and Instagram?
• Kids’ parties: As an update on the time-tested scavenger hunt, host a Pokemon party. If PokeStops ever do become available for purchase, party hosts could scatter a few around the neighborhood, bait them with Lures, and send the kids out to “catch them all.” You could even offer prizes for the most creative photos taken with the neighborhood Pokemon.
• Road trips: If you don’t have a nearby PokeStop or Gym to draw people to you, take your show on the road. Grab your food truck and start cooking, or rent a pavilion at the hottest park in town, and offer Pokemon hunters a deal they can’t refuse.

I’m sure I’ll be adding to this list as inspiration strikes, and I invite all of you to do the same. In the meantime, just remember the old adage: If you can’t beat them, join them. Pokemon Go is here until another fad takes its place. Until then, don’t be a party-pooper.