Proximity marketing refers to localized wireless distribution of advertising or promotional content. A localized marketing campaign can be distributed via a traditionally localized broadcast, but it is more common for advertisers to target specific devices such as cell phones or tablets that happen to be in an area. Locations of devices can be determined through a few different methods including cell phones being in particular cells, Bluetooth or other wi-fi devices being in range of a transmitter, or Internet devices with GPS enabling them to receive data from localized servers. Proximity marketing communications can be targeted to a specific group of people in a specific area such as a tourist hot spot, and they can be time specific as well as location specific. Some popular uses of proximity marketing include media distribution at events such as concerts, distribution of information about local facilities, and social applications such as the popular Four Square app.
Bluetooth-based proximity marketing systems have proven to be especially popular. These systems generally involve setting up Bluetooth broadcasting equipment that sends information to Bluetooth-enabled devices in the area. Users will get messages and advertisements in the form of text, audio, or video messages sent to their devices. The only caveat to using Bluetooth-based marketing is that many Bluetooth users often have their devices either powered off or not set to “discoverable,” which makes them unable to receive signals from marketing systems. Many advertisers have solved this problem with “calls-to-action,” or using traditional advertising such as posters and television monitors to tell Bluetooth users to turn on their devices.
A GSM-based system can also be effective in proximity marketing. This allows messages to be broadcast to all mobile users in a specific geographical area, although the accuracy of this method can vary from one location to the next. This system is often used not only by advertisers to get the word out on a product, but by government agencies and emergency services to convey important messages.
One innovative use of GSM-based proximity marketing was employed by the UK shopping center Bluewater. Bluewater used a GSM system to track shoppers through the center via their cell phones to monitor what they are buying. The info take from this has been used in market research. Shoppers also received specific special offers and coupons over their mobile phones as they were shopping.
Now that practically everybody has at least one mobile device on them at all times, proximity marketing has proven to be very effective in advertising and marketing. Users received special offers from stores when they happen to find themselves nearby, coupons can be sent to users instantly by phone instead of by mail, and up-to-date news reports can be sent to cell phones and computers about nearby events. Proximity marketing is the wave of the future, and while it will probably never replace traditional advertising methods it is a surefire way to get the word out on any product or event.
