It's no surprise that the mobile trend is growing and will continue to grow in 2012. Here's how to integrate each trend with your social-media strategy.
- Social context. Check-ins are great for those interested in habitually sharing their locations. The great part about check-ins is their ability to increase your network exposure. If you were to check in at a contact's office and share it on Facebook, for example, think how many friends would see it and possibly ask you about it.
- Geo-gaming. While mobile games aren't necessarily beneficial for the financial industry, playing them may help introduce you to new people and possible connections.
- Augmented reality (AR). You're probably wondering what AR is. "Augmented reality" is merging digital experiences with the real world, such as creating an online store for your organization. So far AR hasn't blown up yet, but it's a great way for companies to offer imaginative new ways to tell their stories. Think about the value clients would gain if they were able to tap into their portfolio from your business's mobile app?
- Near-field communications. Near-field communications involve establishing a connection by placing mobile devices into close proximity with one another or with another transmission point. The most popular way to use them at this point is to make purchases, but as the technology grows we'll see more ways to utilize it, especially for brands.
- Facial recognition. Mobile devices are getting smart enough to actually process facial recognition. How can this help you and your financial business? Think automatic tagging. Those that have registered with a facial-recognition service will be able to have their faces tagged in photos or videos online. Think about the viral ability your face holds as a financial professional and expert in your field. While it's still in it infancy, facial recognition will continue to grow and incorporate itself into more aspects of our mobile lives.
These are just a few of the mobile trends that we should be watching for in the upcoming year. It's important to recognize which ones will be most beneficial to you and your brand as well as which ones are off limits due to compliance guidelines. (Business communications delivered via mobile devices must be treated the same way as online communications.)
It's a brave new world out there. As mobile devices continue to proliferate, so, too, do your opportunities to make contact with your next new client.
