Expansion into iPhone: When's the Right Time
For some brands, the iPhone serves as the catalyst for making the brand relevant and more accessible to its core demographic. For others, it’s just the cool thing that they can afford to devote their marketing spend toward. With all the hoopla around the portable device, it makes sense that someone actually states when iPhone development is necessary. This article should give further insight into the crux that many companies have learned the hard way or have avoided altogether.
When It Makes Sense:
a) When your site analytics show that a sizeable percentage of your visitors are using their iPhones to browse.
This hard data proves that your audience uses the device and is interested in getting information from you on the go. Building an iPhone-compatible site, or maybe even an application, that could keep them updated with your goings on would behoove the company.
b) When your employees tell you.
As an often ignored audience, your employees know more than you think. They interact with each other and your customers regularly and know what’s being said (behind your back and to your face). If they tell you that an iPhone site/app would make a process easier, whether for internal or external use, you should oblige.
c) When you have money to experiment and want to reinvigorate sales.
Let’s face it. Sometimes, your customers won’t know what they need until you give it to them. However, this uncertainty forces you to be a lot more wise when it comes to technological advancement. If you’re wanting to go all the way with the app, try and focus on pragmatism with the app before you pay for the bells and whistles, which will ensure that you are building something that people will actually use and not just praise then leave idle.
d) When a trusted source tells you it’s time.
Often times, companies get ideas from mavens, visionaries, and key industry insiders on when it’s for change, as well as when innovation will lead to profit. If a trusted source (specifically, your trust is in them) tells you that an iPhone site/app would bring great things to your organization, you should oblige and investigate how you can fit this new technology into your business.
e) When it leads to efficiency.
By learning more about the iPhone’s features and technology, organizations can begin to leverage those assets to help improve efficiency, whether it’s related to marketing, operations, or utility. Your company can benefit from making something easier for your stakeholders and probably cut major costs in the long-run.
Going Back Home
Well, we’ve seen our building go from intact to storm-ravaged to inhabitable to pure beauty. Beginning in May, Whiteboard Labs will be back in our regular space at 3100 Richmond. Our pre-Ike normalcy will be back.
MotionNotes for Hotels
As a pilot test, Duane Street Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in New York City, has implemented a video post card tool on their site using MotionNotes. Site visitors, including hotel guests, can send their contacts a video message with an included photo slideshow of the property. Hospitality is about to get a major technology upgrade for their communications and outreach. Check it out for yourself.