iBeacon of marketing opportunity
Leaving behind the whirlwind that was SXSW14, top technology organisations truly signalled that iBeacon is just about ready to infiltrate our consumer in-trays and change the way we shop forever.
Leaving behind the whirlwind that was SXSW14, top technology organisations truly signalled that iBeacon is just about ready to infiltrate our consumer in-trays and change the way we shop forever.
iBeacon is a location-based technology that allows iOS products to talk to each other using low-power Bluetooth signals. This means that whenever you see something with that iBeacon logo, you know it should work seamlessly with your iDevice. Considering how many white headphones you see attached to peoples ears, it’s easy to assume this is a big opportunity.
The revolutionary tool will allow a more direct relationship between brands, companies and the consumer and could transform the coupon-snipping supermarket mum into a savvy shopper with a powerful tool in tow.
iBeacons essentially makes way for new range of apps and functions. With it, stores can channel coupons to your phone, mapping apps can offer indoor navigation and more.
The infographic below from Swirl illustrates the power of beacon-triggered content and offers in terms of consumer appeal and the potential to influence in-store purchase decisions. According to Swirl’s findings, 72% of consumers said that a relevant mobile offer delivered to their smartphone while shopping in a store would significantly influence their likelihood to make a purchase.
Check out their findings and listen to the beacon calling marketers, new relationships are about to be born in the hands of your own consumers. With the prevalence of Apple’s products all over the world, the iBeacon could perhaps become a marketers new play toy. Take this as a subtle hint marketers, it’s probably wise for you to start incorporating the software into future strategies.
Android devices also work with iBeacons. Apple have deliberately made iBeacon technology simple and open source in order to kill off NFC (which isn’t supported in iOS).