I am start getting more and more surprised about how the big companies are gathering interest in the bluetooth marketing. In Paris, for example, you can easily find “interactive” advertising box that ask customers to activate the bluetooth on their mobile phones, in order to send them some interesting content: maps of the city, discount coupons, etc etc.
The following is instead a more subtle promotion: to promote popular reality show Big Brother 2008 on Channel TEN in Australia, advertising agency Marketforce in Perth came up with a unique bluetooth SMS campaign that really caught people by surprise. The ads embodied the “Big Brother is watching” slogan, which is the essence of the show. The campaign installed Blue-tooth transmitters in over 20 high-traffic bus shelters around town. The transmitters automatically sent two anonymous messages to any bluetooth enabled phones in the area.
The first message was tailored specifically for the local location, with something along the lines of:
I’m watching u. Ur at the (customized current location)
The second message is received 30-40 seconds later with the big reveal, saying:
Big Brother is back. 7 PM weeknights on TEN
Hopefully people won’t get mad at them. 
6 Vital Tips for Choosing the Right Bluetooth Marketing Company
The Bluetooth marketing firm you choose can make or break your mobile campaigns. Good Bluetooth Marketing ones can run things smoothly, are easy to reach, and fix problems efficiently. But bad ones can have more problems than they are worth, be unreachable at critical times, and bring your mobile campaigns to a screeching halt. Finding a good one is crucial to your success.
Here is a guide for how to select a company that will save you money, show you the way, and help you achieve successful and measurable campaigns.
1. Choose a Firm that Primarily Does Bluetooth marketing
Although it might be tempting to sign-up with a firm that provides an umbrella of services in addition to Bluetooth marketing, a good rule of thumb is that if a company overly-diversifies its services, it won’t deliver top quality in any of them (e.g. hardware, support, maintenance, etc.)
2. Make sure the Technology is reliable
Find out which operating system the hardware is running. Normally, it’s either Linux or Windows, however, there is also integrated processor chip hardware on the market. If you are relying on a Bluetooth marketing solution that works, and can prove it does by serving usage statistics, then a robust operating system is a must. I’m sure we have all experienced Microsoft Windows freezing and crashing on our PC at some point – would you really rely on it to run your Bluetooth campaign?
3. Understanding Bluetooth marketing Features
Technology comes in many guises, and no two solutions are the same. Spend a little time finding out about the different Features on offer. For example, does the solution allow you to upgrade and integrate other hardware such as increased memory, Wi-Fi connectivity, 3G connectivity, and the ability to group solutions together (zoning). Does the Software allow you to create your own Bluetooth advert, or do you need to find a creative design agency to provide this?
4. Don’t be Phased by technological jargon
Some firms may blind you with technological jargon, claiming their solution is by far superior than its competitors. Don’t be phased by this, simply ask the right questions and you will be able to identify the right solution for you. I’ve compiled some questions for you to ask at the end of this article.
5. The Right Price for Your Needs
Sure, you can find a service for practically nothing. But there is no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to Bluetooth marketing. If you’re paying a dirt-cheap rate, chances are that you may experience ‘watered down’ services in some respect. Perhaps the firm offers minimal warranty or support. Afterall, who wants to be lumbered with a Bluetooth box you can do nothing with? ? If a firm charges an ongoing support/maintenance fee, this will give you some indication that are experienced enough to know customers may need looking after from time-to-time. The point is, read the fine print and price-compare before making a decision.
6. Important Questions to ask Bluetooth Marketing companies:
1. What is the maximum number of Bluetooth connections at any one time?
2. Does the Software allow you to remote manage your Campaigns and Statistics?
3. Does the Software allow you to group Bluetooth hardware together to work in synergy (zoning)?
4. Does Hardware use reliable Linux or Windows operating systems or purely by a embedded chip?
5. Is the Software web-based or PC-based?
6. Is the Solution capable of Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity?
7. Is the Solution portable (i.e. battery pack/car charger)?
8. How practical/expensive is it to upgrade your Bluetooth solution?
9. Does the firm cater for small business as well as providing enterprise solutions?
10. Does the firm offer creative services or provide DIY software?
Use Bluetooth Marketing for: Special Offers, Time-Sensitive Promotions, Promoting New Products or Services, Contact Details and Location, and Measuring Foot-traffic.
Bloo2 supplies Retails Outlets, Exhibitions, Outdoor Markets, Police Forces, Shopping Malls, Estate Agents, Pubs & Restaurants, Conference Centres, Live Events, Bowling Alleys, Cinemas and more.
bloo2 is a fast growing proximity marketing company based in Birmingham and Leicester, UK
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