Make $7 Billion in 5 Days
Nintendo increased it’s market value with Pokémon Go & you can too!
Pokémon is taking the world by storm. Now most people hear Pokémon and think of the cartoon created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995 or the Nintendo games with have mini novels of on screen instructions. Or perhaps your mind immediately goes to the franchises most beloved & famous character Pikachu!
Regardless of what you thought before, your perception will forever be changed by the release of Pokémon Go. Only 5 days old, this game has set a new standard for mobile games. The best thing since candy crush, this GPS based augmented reality free mobile game has already increased Nintendo Co. Ltd’s market value by $7 billion, making it the #1 grossing app currently in multiple Countries.
So what is it about this game that is causing such a stir and how can businesses benefit from it. Well the general concept of the game is to walk/drive around town and catch Pokémon. This is accomplished by the app using your phone’s camera and GPS to turn the city into a gigantic hunting ground for Pokémon. Businesses and landmarks are turned into gyms where you can train and fight Pokémon and PokéStops where you can get supplies and PokéBalls.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!
If you are a local business especially a small business, you might want to get in on this free advertising. You might be a Gym or PokéStop and that means two things, 1. Free foot traffic & 2. Free advertising. Here’s the thing, Pokémon Go is the top trending topic on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat so hashtag away. The app even allows you to activate a beacon at your location in 30 min intervals. Now Gyms & PokéStops are predetermined by Niantic so if you are not one of them you are out of luck as of now. The company is not accepting applications for new spots but considering the possible revenue stream this might be an option on v2 of the app. But don’t worry you can still capitalize on the frenzy by creating Pokémon Go advertisements, products or even sharable memes. Ride the train while its trending and pick up a few customers on the way.
ABSOLUTELY GENIUS!
So what lessons have we learned from the release of Pokémon Go?
1. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to expand to greater markets and substantially increase your company’s revenue/market value.
Branching out from the realm of 8-year-old kids and extreme gaming fanatics, Pokémon Go is attracting users of all ages and interests’ groups. All by
2. Using Technology to enhance existing products.
Adding a GPS feature allow players to merge reality with virtual reality creating a surreal gaming experience.
3. The best marketing is free marketing.
Create an interactive product that is worth sharing. After its initial release there is not much marketing needed to get the word out about this game. Allowing users to take cell phone photos that incorporate your product in every shoot and sharable to social media is genius. Going viral is priceless and Pokéman Go is catching the headlines of news outlets, radio shows, social media sites, and blogs worldwide. Even better this type of advertisement allows small businesses to get the same exposure as big businesses without the costs.
4. Audience engagement is everything.
Building a product that brings unlikely groups together or breaks down stereotypes can shape the perception of your company in the market and greatly increase your revenue. Walking around town looking for Pokéballs can bring people of common interests together and lead them to historical places and local landmarks creating awesome memories.
So there you have it. The phenomena that is Pokémon Go can be a Free revenue generating marketing tactic for your local business/ small business. So what are you waiting for stop by your Google Play Store or Apple Store and check it out. GO!
