Mobile is Essential

Mobile marketing is extremely hot right. Of course, most marketers are aware of this and I am not stating anything revolutionary here, but I was surprised to see some new numbers come out that predict that U.S. ad spending will reach $1 billion by 2011. The growth of this industry is staggering! The report also expects mobile advertising spending to reach $743 million this year, which is up 79% over last year.

So, what is behind the extraordinary growth? No surprise here – Apple and Google are leading the way with their mobile advertising network. Apple iAd and Google AdMob are two of the most innovative platforms that are driving the huge growth that we’re seeing. IAd was Apple’s answer to Google’s acquisition of the AdMob platform last year that focuses on premiums ad content for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

What else is contributing to this growth? Smartphones, smartphones, smartphones. People are upgrading their mobile devices and by some point next year, it is predicted that the number of internet-enabled phones will surpass the number of basic-feature phones.

If your brand isn’t already engaging with consumers via mobile, it is time to consider getting on board. With so many emerging mediums to develop a campaign, whether its an app, mobile website, banner ad, or SMS text, there are multiple ways for a company to design a program that will best work to reach their marketing goals. As mobile devices become more and more ingrained into our daily lives, companies that aren’t embracing mobile advertising will be left out in the cold.