What Pokémon GO Can Do For Your Business

Top searched app in Apple App Store

Pokémon Go is already more popular than the dating app Tinder and according to recent data it might be short on Twitter’s heels. Twitter was released in 2006 – ten years ago – Pokémon Go was released barely a week ago.

SimilarWeb

SimilarWeb

The company responsible for this gigantically successful app, Niantic, also created Ingress, an augmented-reality multi-player online game that uses the basic same principle as Pokémon Go.

Cons and Pros

Due to the high influx of users downloading and playing Pokémon Go, it has caused the servers to crash several times. In order for Niantic to resolve this issue, they have paused the game’s international roll-out. But this has definitely not stopped international users from finding ways to get their hands on the game (Download Pokémon in SA). Apparently people will do anything to play the game, but be vigilant, a version of the app infected with a malicious remote access tool (RAT) called DroidJack is also making its rounds. You can read more here. 
So all warnings set aside, what does this mean for the business world and Niantic’s massive success?
Nintendo’s stock has skyrocketed to a whopping 23% in a day. Whoa!  This is one massive incentive for all the hard work.

investing.com

Good news for those die-hard fans

If you were a dedicated fan back in the day, chances are you probably have a few trading cards somewhere in a box in the attic or neatly displayed on a shelf.
1st Edition Pokémon cards are worth a lot more these days, especially those rare ones.

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Time to dust of those cards and start selling! Or just be nostalgic about the good old days.

Pokémon is profitable in more ways than one

Businesses are cashing in on this world trend, making their stores Pokémon-friendly.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept of the game, here is a quick break-down.
Pokémon Go makes use of your phone’s GPS and camera to combine the real world with the Pokémon-world, allowing trainers to hunt for wild Pokémon, while walking around and exploring their surroundings at the same time.
It also uses popular landmarks, churches, gyms and businesses that are PokéStops and  Pokémon Gyms. If you are a local business owner, this is a great opportunity to lure your customers in.

Take some hints from these clever entrepreneurs:
Indie Clothing Shop

Combine your love for thrift and fluff

Art Galleries and Museums

A wild Pokémon making some friends in a Museum

Coffee Shop or Restaurant

What’s better than both beer and Pokémon?

Food Truck or Mobile Business
TentaCOOLHAUS

COOLHAUSE has transformed their truck into a Pokémon power”haus”

E-commerce Store

Use the coupon code POKEMONGO at checkout and get 15% off any of the items below!

Fortunately, you can have more of a hands-on marketing approach, Pokémon Go has a purchasable in-game item called a Lure Module which attracts Pokémon to a particular PokéStop for 30 minutes. With wild Pokémon flocking to your business, it will increase foot traffic of eager Pokémon Trainers on the hunt.

Lures are only available close to Pokéstops

If your business is not a PokéStop or close to one, you can still use Incense to attract Pokémon to your location for 30 minutes. Making it a hot spot during lunch hour!

Pokémon will flock to your sweet-smelling incense

While it is not possible yet to create or register your own PokéStop, a recent comment from Niantic CEO John Hanke to the New York Times confirms that the company recognises the opportunity for additional revenue for local businesses, and will be announcing details about sponsored locations inside Pokémon GO in the near future.
Pokémon has much potential and can impact your business in many positive ways. Embrace the new era of AR (Augmented Reality) and all the potential customers and opportunities it will bring.
Gotta catch’em all!