Thread: Bluetooth Marketing

Originally Posted by luckyrock2

You've heard of Bluetooth. In fact, you probably spoke on your Bluetooth headset today. But what in the world is Bluetooth marketing?

Bluetooth marketing or advertising is the sending of virtual tours, contact forms and more via Bluetooth. It's free to send/free to receive and it's permission-based with responses logged to prevent spam. And it's much more effective than traditional advertising, with real world success rates as high as 57%. When is the last time one of your print, web, tv or radio campaigns yielded even 20%?

Your only hard cost is the Bluetooth transmitter itself (which has a range of about 150 feet and can be managed remotely). And using Bluetooth advertising to reach folks who pull up to one of your properties or visit your office could significantly reduce flier-printing and brochure costs. Better yet, you will absolutely shine with Gen X and Y buyers.

Companies now using Bluetooth include Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Nike, Hard Rock Cafe, DBS Bank and many others.

An after-hours answering service and a giant sign with your phone number will cost more and won't yield nearly the results as Bluetooth marketing to targeted clients.

The Bluetooth products like this one still nead lots of bugs worked out. Plus 150 ft transmission is not enough for most users and to add to this not everyone has Bluetooth capable equipment. To top this off few people know how to opporate their Bluetooth device. So, with all this said I would say that using this form of marketing is a waste of money.

I'm not sure which devices you're speaking of, but we only use devices with the bugs worked out, which is why McDonald's and others just purchased 100,000 boxes from our manufacturer after months of test-marketing. Also, 150 feet would be plenty far enough to reach curbside of most residential and commercial properties.

As far as software, we use simple drag-and-drop software that comes free and pre-loaded with every transmitter. This software will send content and track results automatically. If you can drag and drop files, you can run a Bluetooth campaign.

As far as everyone having a transmitter and the cost, it can be as little as a few hundred dollars for a transmitter that works with a PC, or under $1K for a transmitter that has its own processor and requires only a power source to broadcast. And both types of units can be managed remotely via broadband connection. With typical, real-world success in the 30-50% range, Bluetooth can be an incredible, cost-effective lead generator.

If you want proof of what I'm saying, check out bluetoothbroadcasting.blogspot.com for loads of case studies from a variety of fields.

For the true entrepreneurs among you who have an office located in a high-traffic suburban area, town center, or downtown, you might also explore setting up a Bluetooth ad network consisting of just a couple of transmitters, on which you could sell ads to local businesses.

I'm planning to establish such a network with a Realtor who's moving his business to a Mexican resort city. Local clubs, restaurants, hotels and service providers should love being able to send ads at specific times of day to targeted consumers for relatively low-cost.

I have to admit, I found your post very interesting and informative. I have never heard of this type of technology being used here in Minnesota, but again, it seems very intriguing and perhaps worth a try. My team and I are always open to new marketing ideas.

Thanks again for sharing this information.

Thanks for your kind words and interest.

It's actually a breeze to setup with us, requiring low startup and a small monthly fee which includes a tidy replacement policy.

I can't stomach the idea of Realtors missing any prospective buyers and I also love the notion of cutting print costs and actually doing the the environment a favor by using Bluetooth to reduce the need for print fliers. In fact, if I were you, I'd use Bluetooth and market it as a sign of your eco-friendliness. Then I'd call up the local newspaper and tell them about your Bluetooth campaigns. The reporter will be intrigued by your marketing methods and by your environmentally-friendly tactics.

Thanks again for your feedback. Check out my Bluetooth blog at bluetoothbroadcasting.blogspot.com. It features loads of case studies and info on getting started.

i think that this bluetooth marketing is a great idea...but i also think that the time isn't right yet in other countries...well thats my idea..

I completely respect your opinion, but Bluetooth is catching on here in the States, as evidenced by the massive number of Bluetooth transmitters being purchased and the real-world success of Stateside Bluetooth campaigns. For instance, this Hard Rock Cafe campaign.

As you may know, the big holdup in the U.S. was the carriers; they would purposely disable certain Bluetooth capabilities to force customers to use their fee-based service rather than free Bluetooth. Thank you, Verizon!

Now the tide is turning and a great number of U.S. phones are able to receive Bluetooth content, this on the heels of Bluetooth success in 38 countries around the world. Considering the ROI of Bluetooth marketing (30-50% acceptance rates are standard), the low buy in and low monthly fees, now is a great time for Stateside real estate brokers and agents to better reach prospective buyers by incorporating Bluetooth into their sales strategies.

Does anyone know of any real estate companies, websites, or agents who currently use this type of technology? I have actually never heard of it until today...sounds impressive but not sure people are ready for this.

Diyhomesellers,

Though I've received interested about marketing Bluetooth advertising to real estate agents, Bluetooth marketing is still new to home sales. FYI, Bluetooth has been widely used overseas and is now taking off in the States, especially in retail, trade shows and pretty much any type of venue where there are targeted consumers. Placing a remotely-manageable transmitter on a property is a green, cost-effective way to reach every prospective buyer and the best Bluetooth software is permission-based to prevent spam.

Good question...