July » 2011 » mobilegroove

We got an interesting read this week on Amazon’s Kindle ereader sales. This device is particularly significant to marketers since Amazon has brought to millions an ereader device bundled with "special offers" and screensaver advertisements.

As we can read in the Associated Press coverage of the 2Q2011 earnings, Amazon followed its usual tact and did not reveal the precise number of Kindles it sold in the quarter. Instead, it only noted that Kindle sales in Q2 showed an increase over Q1 sales. The figures are vague --as we have come to expect from Amazon. Meanwhile, AP reports that Q2 was also a good quarter for sales of eBooks for the Kindle device. Specifically, Amazon said it has sold more eBooks (that it offers for the Kindle) than hardcover and paperback books.

At MobileGroove we're taking advantage of the summer downtime to map out several mobile industry projects focused mobile marketing and mobile commerce.

In addition to white papers and reports on behalf of MobileGroove thought leadership partners and clients, I have started work on a new mobile marketing resource that marks my first collaboration with the Mobile Marketing Association.

I am excited to research and write this definitive work -- and I am opening the project up for YOUR input.

Put another way, I am open to your ideas and 'on the lookout' for solid case studies, robust business models and cool people/players (brands, agencies,

The group of those who are bullish on mobile and its place in the marketing mix grows every week. And these executives aren't betting on a gut feeling. They have been convinced by real results. Initiatives have moved product, raised brand awareness and engagement, and given marketers more confidence in mobile marketing and advertising. As a result, more money is moving into the mobile channel.

Meet Paul Gelb of Razorfish, who redefines what it means to be bullish. (Disclosure: Razorfish is a Hipcricket client).

In an interview with Adweek, Paul, the agency’s mobile practice lead, was quoted as making the mother of all mobile predictions. "I think mobile ad spend will overtake television," he stated.

Groupon’s most interesting offer to date doesn’t involve a discount but instead a deal with consumers to provide relevant offers via its new Groupon Now service in exchange for user permission to factor in location and buying habit data.

In the last week, Groupon gave mobile users in select cities the option to receive relevant, on-the-go offers (via iPhone and Android apps or the mobile Web).

In an email to users, Groupon put it this way: "If you use a Groupon mobile app and you allow sharing through your device, Groupon may collect geo-location information from the device and use it for marketing deals to you."

The monthly Carnival of the Mobilists (COM) sets up camp at MobileGroove with an entertaining and eclectic mix of themes and topics that speak volumes about recent developments in mobile. From a curated list of Mobile Web influencers to an examination of the pros and cons of mobile apps, it's all there - so let's dive in!

Tomi Ahonen is in rare form this month with a deliciously disruptive post dripping with sarcasm. It would be a great laugh if it was only fiction. But this quiz, which tests our ability to run Nokia into the ground (as it appears Microsoft and Stephen Elop are doing as we speak), is based on keen observations from a long-time Nokia watcher (and former employee).

And if I do, how can I maintain a "personal" touch?

What a *great* question, thank you! The simple answer is you shouldn't automate ANY part of your social media marketing, communications, product development, customer service, or talent acquisition efforts. At least, not until you understand social media well enough to know exactly how to use each social media channel to connect with your target audience. Yes, it is very tempting to use every tool you can find to reduce the time you spend managing your social media efforts, but think about the irreparable damage you can do to your brand. Do you really want to drive faster in the