Let me take you back to a moment that hit me hard—this was a few years ago, pre-pandemic, when I was waiting in line at my favorite coffee shop. I’m scrolling through my phone, like we all do, when I get a text notification about a sale from a brand I shopped from once. I barely had time to sip my latte before I found myself on their mobile site, already adding things to my cart. Just like that, I became part of a mobile marketing success story.

That moment, for me, was a turning point. I realized mobile marketing was much more than pushy ads and unsolicited texts—it’s about connecting with people in a way that feels personal and immediate. And let’s be real: we live on our phones. Whether it’s checking emails, swiping through Instagram stories, or browsing for the latest sneaker drops, our mobile devices are an extension of ourselves. And this trend is just growing – according to Yesim.app, 97.6% of internet users aged 16-24 own a smart phone. If you’re a brand and you’re not engaging with people on their phones, you’re missing the boat—no, scratch that—you’re missing the ship.

MOBILE MARKETING – TOP 6 STRATEGIES AND EXAMPLES

1. App-Based Marketing: Keep Them Coming Back for More

2. Location-Based Marketing: It’s Like Magic, But Real

3. SMS Marketing: Short, Sweet, and Seriously Effective

4. Push Notifications: The Gentle Reminder That Works Wonders

5. Mobile Video Marketing: Where Creativity and Conversions Meet

6. Mobile-Optimized Email Marketing: Yes, It’s Still a Thing

What is Mobile Marketing and What It Includes?

When I say mobile marketing is everywhere, I mean it—it’s everywhere. Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly interacting with brands on our phones. For me, it’s like those moments when you’re deep in a Netflix binge, and it suggests another show you might like, and you end up hooked for hours. That’s mobile marketing. It’s not just about flashing banner ads or bombarding you with notifications; it’s about subtle nudges that guide you toward something you didn’t even know you wanted. And suddenly, you’re hooked.

1. Mobile Marketing: A One-Way Ticket to People’s Hearts (and Wallets)

At its core, mobile marketing is really about crafting that connection. It’s reaching people in the most personal way possible. I’ve worked with clients who thought they could ignore mobile marketing because “our audience doesn’t need that.” But let me tell you—everyone needs it. Whether you’re a B2B business or selling luxury sneakers, your customers are on their phones. Period.

But here’s where it gets interesting: mobile marketing isn’t just one trick or one type of ad. It’s this multi-layered beast that includes everything from SMS marketing to location-based ads, all designed to meet consumers wherever they are.

2. SMS Marketing: The Power of the Ping

If I told you I used to hate SMS marketing, would you believe me? Yep, I hated it. It felt invasive, like someone barging into my space uninvited. That is until I got my first 20% off discount code delivered right to my phone, and suddenly, it was my favorite thing ever.

SMS marketing is like that one friend who always knows just when to hit you up—timing is everything. What I love about SMS marketing now is that it’s direct. No distractions, no fluff, just a quick message that cuts to the chase. In a world where we’re bombarded with noise, getting a concise, valuable offer via SMS can feel refreshing. Plus, with open rates that skyrocket past email (we’re talking 98% open rates), you can’t ignore the power of a text.

The real secret? Make it feel personal. If you’re sending a generic “HEY CUSTOMER!” text, you’ve already lost. But if you hit me with a “Hey [my name], we noticed you left that [specific item] in your cart—here’s a discount if you still want it,” you’ve got me. It’s personal, timely, and straight to the point.

3. Push Notifications: That Subtle Little Nudge

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost deleted an app, only to get a push notification reminding me of why I downloaded it in the first place. Push notifications, when done right, feel like a whisper from your phone—a soft nudge saying, “Hey, don’t forget about me.”

The beauty of push notifications is their ability to reconnect you with your audience when they’re not thinking about you. It’s not aggressive, but it works because it’s so timely. The secret sauce here is personalization again—if your push notifications are too generic or feel like spam, users will quickly shut them off. But a well-timed, relevant notification? That’s gold.

Let’s be honest—we’re all living busy lives. Half the time, I don’t even remember what’s in my online shopping cart. But send me a push notification at 8 p.m. when I’m lounging on my couch, and suddenly I’m reminded of that jacket I wanted. Next thing I know, I’ve hit “buy.” Push notifications may seem like tiny pings, but they pack a massive punch.

4. In-App Marketing: The Ninja of Mobile Ads

Now, this is where mobile marketing really gets sneaky—and I mean that in the best way possible. In-app marketing is all about blending into the user’s experience. Whether you’re scrolling through your favorite fitness app or catching up on a game, the best in-app marketing never feels like an ad. It’s woven into the experience.

I remember one time I was using a photo-editing app, and a little banner ad popped up suggesting I check out a new phone case brand. I’m not even someone who obsesses over phone cases, but this ad didn’t disrupt what I was doing—it felt like it was part of my app experience. So, of course, I clicked, checked it out, and yep, ended up with a brand-new phone case.

In-app marketing is like that friend who slips you the best restaurant recommendation while you’re deciding where to eat. You’re not annoyed—they’re just helping you make a choice. When done well, it’s subtle, seamless, and, most importantly, effective.

5. Location-Based Marketing: The Jedi Mind Trick of Ads

Let me tell you about a time I was walking around my neighborhood, casually thinking about grabbing lunch. As I strolled past my favorite burger joint, my phone buzzed with a notification about a lunch special. It was spooky, but also brilliant. That’s geofencing in action.

Location-based marketing feels like something straight out of the future. It uses the power of location services to send tailored offers and messages when you’re in the right place at the right time. And from a marketing perspective, it’s genius. It’s like being able to read your customer’s mind and deliver exactly what they need when they’re standing a few feet from your door.

For brands, geofencing allows you to catch people in those fleeting moments of decision-making. It’s immediate, targeted, and—honestly—kind of magical.

6. Mobile-Optimized Websites: No Excuses, Only Smooth Sailing

Finally, I can’t talk about mobile marketing without mentioning the unsung hero of the mobile world: mobile-optimized websites. There is nothing—nothing—worse than clicking on an ad or link and landing on a website that looks like it was designed for a desktop in 2005.

If your mobile site is clunky, slow, or impossible to navigate, your customers are gone. You’ve got seconds to impress them, and if they’re pinching and zooming just to see what’s on your site, you’ve already lost the battle.

What I love about mobile-optimized sites is that they’re sleek, fast, and they make the entire shopping experience frictionless. When done right, you barely even think about the fact that you’re on a phone—it feels natural, easy, and intuitive. And in the world of mobile marketing, smooth sailing is everything.

Top 6 Mobile Marketing Strategies and Examples

Continuing from where I left off—once I realized just how powerful mobile marketing is, the next big question became: how do we make the most of it? After years of tinkering, experimenting, and watching brands hit the jackpot or crash spectacularly, I’ve discovered a handful of mobile marketing strategies that work like a charm. They aren’t just “textbook ideas”—these strategies are like my personal arsenal. I’ve seen them win over audiences, drive sales, and make customers feel like brands get them. So here are six of my go-to mobile marketing strategies, complete with examples of brands doing it right.

Mobile Marketing Strategy #1: App-Based Marketing: Keep Them Coming Back for More

Let’s start with the big one—apps. I’m not going to lie, I’m an app junkie. I’ve got everything from travel apps to productivity trackers sitting neatly on my home screen. But here’s the kicker: not every app earns a prime spot. Most of them? Deleted after a week. Why? Because unless your app gives me something valuable every time I open it, it’s toast.

Take Starbucks for instance. Now, I love coffee, but their app? It’s borderline addictive. It’s not just about buying coffee anymore—it’s about rewards, personalized offers, and even mobile-only perks. Every time I open it, I know I’ll find a new reason to visit the store. The app lets me track my rewards points, and I’ve lost count of how many times a push notification about a limited-edition drink has lured me in. It’s not just an app; it’s a loyalty-building machine. Starbucks has mastered the art of keeping me engaged beyond that morning coffee run, and that’s where app-based marketing shines.

Another killer example? Nike. They’ve taken app-based marketing to another level. Their Nike Training Club app doesn’t just push their products—it offers value in the form of fitness content. You get workouts, expert tips, and even community challenges that make you feel like you’re part of a movement. And yes, in the middle of my workout, they’ll suggest a pair of sneakers or yoga pants that would be perfect for my routine. Subtle? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

And it’s not just big brands like Starbucks and Nike that understand the power of app-based marketing. Smaller brands have capitalized on this as well. Headspace, the mindfulness app, keeps users engaged with personalized notifications reminding them to meditate based on their past behavior. These notifications are customized to suit your routine. If you meditated in the morning for three days straight, the app might nudge you around the same time on day four. This kind of personalization keeps users hooked and returning to the app.

Another example is Duolingo, a language-learning app that mastered the art of user retention through gamification. Their app doesn’t just teach languages; it makes learning feel like a game. Every time you complete a lesson, you earn points and move up leaderboards. The app’s push notifications are friendly and humorous, nudging users to complete their lessons with lines like, “Your Spanish won’t learn itself!” Users are kept engaged with streaks, rewards, and friendly reminders, making the learning process fun and addictive.

Takeaway: The best apps aren’t just functional—they’re fun and rewarding. If you can create an app that feels more like a personal assistant (or even a best friend), you’ll have customers hooked. It’s all about keeping users engaged and coming back for more, through personalization, rewards, and gamification.

Mobile Marketing Strategy #2: Location-Based Marketing – It’s Like Magic, But Real

Let me tell you about the first time I experienced location-based marketing. I was wandering around the mall, with no real intention to shop (you know how that goes), and suddenly—ping! My phone buzzed with an offer for 15% off at a store I had walked by not 30 seconds earlier. It felt like they were reading my mind. That’s the beauty of geofencing and this strategy has a HUGE marketing ROI. It’s like the Jedi mind trick of mobile marketing—brands can reach you exactly where and when it matters most.

I’ve seen location-based marketing work wonders, particularly for brick-and-mortar businesses. For example, Burger King pulled off one of the cheekiest and most genius geofencing campaigns I’ve seen. They launched a promotion called the “Whopper Detour,” where they offered customers a Whopper for just a penny—but only if they were within 600 feet of a McDonald’s. I mean, how can you not love that? The app directed users to the nearest Burger King to redeem their deal, turning a regular lunch break into a mini treasure hunt. They managed to swipe foot traffic from their biggest competitor while creating an experience that was too fun to pass up.

But it’s not just fast food brands. Walgreens uses geofencing technology to send location-specific offers to customers. If you’re walking by a Walgreens, you might receive a notification about deals on the products you usually purchase. Walgreens goes a step further by combining their loyalty program with these offers. You’re not just getting a random discount—you’re getting one tailored to your shopping history. This kind of precision marketing drives foot traffic while enhancing the customer experience.

Then there’s Sephora, which uses location-based marketing to remind users about in-store events, promotions, or rewards redemption opportunities when they’re near a store. Picture this: you’re walking down the street, and your phone pings you with a message that says, “You’ve earned $10 in rewards! Stop by Sephora to redeem it.” It’s instant gratification, and it’s hard to resist.

Takeaway: With location-based marketing, timing is everything. Catch your audience in the right place at the right time, and your message will feel like serendipity. Geofencing is perfect for retail brands looking to drive foot traffic and make their mobile marketing feel hyper-personal.

Mobile Marketing Strategy #3: SMS Marketing – Short, Sweet, and Seriously Effective

I know, I know—SMS marketing doesn’t sound sexy. But let me tell you, it works like a charm. There’s something incredibly powerful about a well-timed text message, especially when it’s personalized and feels like it’s meant just for you. I’ve been on both sides of this—both as a marketer and a consumer who gets pulled in by a smart SMS campaign.

One brand that does this brilliantly is Sephora. I signed up for their SMS alerts a while back (because, makeup sales!), and they don’t spam me with random messages. No, they hit me with perfectly timed notifications—like a quick text when I’m due for my next free sample, or when my favorite products are about to go on sale. These messages are quick, to the point, and tailored to my preferences. And guess what? I almost always end up making a purchase.

Another brand that’s killing it with SMS marketing is Domino’s Pizza. Now, I don’t know about you, but pizza texts are one of the few marketing messages that I’m always happy to receive. Domino’s has taken their SMS game to a whole new level by sending personalized offers at just the right time. It’s Friday night, and just when I’m starting to wonder what to have for dinner—ping! There’s a message from Domino’s offering a deal on my go-to order. It’s instant, personal, and often irresistible.

Let’s not forget Adidas. The brand has mastered SMS marketing by sending exclusive offers and first-looks at new collections to their most loyal customers. This tactic makes their audience feel like VIPs, which in turn strengthens their brand loyalty. They’re not just throwing out random discounts; they’re creating an experience that feels personal and tailored to each customer.

Here’s the beauty of SMS marketing: it’s instant, it’s direct, and it gets attention. People check their texts faster than their emails, so when you need to make sure your message is seen, SMS is your go-to. The trick is to be selective—don’t overload your audience with messages, or you’ll come off as spammy. Hit them at the right moment, with the right offer, and you’ve got them.

Takeaway: SMS is a powerful, underappreciated tool. Keep it short, make it valuable, and time it right, and you’ll see conversions soar. The personal nature of text messaging makes it one of the most effective channels for driving customer engagement.

Mobile Marketing Strategy #4: Push Notifications – The Gentle Reminder That Works Wonders

I’ve already confessed my love for push notifications, but let’s dig a little deeper. These little messages are like your phone’s way of tapping you on the shoulder, reminding you that there’s something you need to pay attention to. But here’s the thing: the best push notifications don’t feel like nagging. They feel like reminders from a friend.

Take Netflix, for instance. Every time they drop a new season of a show I’ve been watching, my phone lets me know. It’s like a virtual friend reminding me, “Hey, remember that show you loved? New episodes just dropped.” I never feel bombarded, because the notifications are relevant. They’re simple, clear, and always welcome.

Retail brands do this beautifully as well. One of my favorite examples is from ASOS. I get push notifications about sales, but what I really love are the personalized style recommendations. “We found a pair of boots we think you’ll love”—and they’re right. It’s almost eerie how spot-on their recommendations are. By tailoring their notifications to what I actually care about, they’ve kept me engaged without feeling overbearing.

Amazon is another genius when it comes to push notifications. Their notifications are timely, reminding you when your package is out for delivery or when an item you were eyeing goes on sale. They’re not just sending you deals—you’re getting updates on things that are relevant to you and your shopping habits. This type of personalized approach makes the interaction feel less like marketing and more like helpful nudges.

Spotify is also an app that has mastered the art of push notifications. If you’re anything like me, discovering new music is half the fun of using Spotify. They’ll send notifications about new releases from your favorite artists, playlists curated just for you, or even events happening in your area based on your listening habits. It’s like having a personal DJ who knows exactly what you want to hear and when.

Takeaway: Push notifications work best when they’re personalized and respectful of the user’s attention. Make sure your messages feel relevant and timely, not just filler. If done right, they can increase app engagement, drive sales, and keep your brand top-of-mind.

Mobile Marketing Strategy #5: Mobile Video Marketing – Where Creativity and Conversions Meet

You know that moment when you’re mindlessly scrolling through social media and suddenly stop dead in your tracks because of a video ad? Yeah, that happens to me all the time. And guess what? That’s exactly what mobile video marketing is meant to do—stop the scroll.

Video content is hands down one of the most powerful mobile marketing tools, and the best brands know how to make it memorable. TikTok and Instagram are like gold mines for brands that know how to tap into the magic of short-form video. I’ve seen brands like Glossier and Gymshark absolutely nail it with fun, engaging, and super-shareable videos that keep popping up in my feed.

And let’s talk about TikTok for a second—this platform is the place to be if you want your mobile marketing game to be on point. What I love about TikTok’s mobile video marketing is that it doesn’t feel like traditional advertising. It’s authentic, sometimes silly, but always engaging. I’ve watched creators transform a simple skincare routine into a viral moment, all because of how relatable and visually engaging the video was. Brands that master this form of marketing? They become part of the cultural conversation.

A great example? Chipotle. Their TikTok videos are fun, fast, and full of personality. They’ve used the platform to not only promote menu items but to start trends, like the #ChipotleLidFlip challenge, which racked up millions of views. The power of video marketing is that it sticks—it grabs attention, holds it, and then leaves an impression that stays long after the video is over.

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted video. With mobile users devouring video content faster than ever, this is one strategy that can drive real engagement.

Mobile Marketing Strategy #6: Mobile-Optimized Email Marketing – Yes, It’s Still a Thing

I know what you’re thinking: email marketing, really? Isn’t that a bit old-school for a list about mobile strategies? But here’s the thing—email marketing is far from dead, and if you’ve ever checked your inbox from your phone (which I bet you have), you know exactly why it’s still relevant.

Mobile-optimized email marketing is not just about shrinking down your desktop emails to fit on a phone screen. It’s about rethinking the entire experience for a mobile audience. I’ve seen brands do this so well that opening their emails feels like an event. Take Harry’s for example—the men’s grooming brand. Every time they send me an email, it’s clean, visually appealing, and easy to interact with on my phone. Whether it’s a sale, a product launch, or even a “thank you” note, their emails are designed for my mobile experience. The result? I actually look forward to their messages.

Then there’s Anthropologie. I once got an email that was so beautifully designed for mobile that I couldn’t resist clicking through. Their visuals are stunning, the buttons are big and clickable, and the message? Straightforward and intriguing. It didn’t feel like an email blast—it felt like a personal message curated just for me.

Takeaway: Mobile-optimized emails aren’t dead—they’re just evolving. If you can create beautiful, easy-to-read, and compelling emails that work seamlessly on mobile, you’ll keep your audience engaged in a way that feels natural.

Conclusion: The Power and Future of Mobile Marketing