5 tips on how to enhance your business using Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm and was recently ranked the most popular game in U.S. History! This may seem like just a silly game to some but there are massive implications in how this technology can affect businesses and parks around the world. Already we are seeing reports of how the Pokemon Go game has elevated traffic in just about every park and downtown area across the nation as eager hunters search for their next Pokemon catch! Here is just one example highlighting the power of this phenomenon: Pokemon Go Boosts attendance, doubles membership at Phoenix Zoo.
This article is a quick guide offering 5 tips on ways that Parks and Business can prepare for the influx of traffic at their locations and also offers creative tips on how to attract more players to your business.
TIP #1: Do Not Dismiss It!
Pokemon Go players in Bellevue Washington Park
It seems easy to dismiss the Pokemon Go trend as the current flavor of the week, however with a few simple steps you can start attracting players to your business immediately.
Start by keeping signs outside your venue welcoming the players in and offering free Wi-Fi and charging stations for Pokémon players to find respite at your business. Without phone battery players simply cannot play so offering free charging stations is a great simple method to get in on the Pokemon craze! This will also keep people in your park or business and while you’re at it, why not make them feel welcome with some special Pokémon deals!
Pokemon Go is just the beginning of Augmented Reality taking hold and while it may not last forever, it will be important for Parks and Business to keep an eye on the “next big thing” in AR technology and how it can enhance their relationship with their customers.
TIP # 2: Lures, They’re not just for fish anymore!
For the more advanced Pokemon Go strategist you might consider purchasing what are called “Lure Modules” in the game. Lures are an item that attracts players to specific location where an excess of Pokemon can be found. These in game items are one of the greatest things you can do for your location, not only does it attract Pokémon but Pokémon trainers as well! Plus, these items are cost effective, $100can buy you enough lures in game for 840 hours of lure time. This can open a door to a plethora of huge ideas and business for you. Here is an article describing what Orlando Businesses have seen by using these Lures to attract players to their business: Pokemon lures attract more than cartoons to Orlando businesses
TIP #3: Prepare your location!
If you follow the advice suggested above you might find yourself with a influx of traffic that your business will need to be prepared to handle. Here is a video of THOUSANDS playing Pokemon Go at Bellevue Park:
It will be important to make sure your business has an adequate number of trash receptacles available on site so Pokemon Go players do not have to lose a valuable hunt while looking for a place to put their trash. More traffic always means more litter and there are already reports of increased litter at parks that Pokemon Go players frequent. In some locations however players have banded together to clean up after themselves and not leave a bad impression on the community: Pokemon Go players take ownership of local parks
You may also want to consider adequate seating to accommodate your increase in traffic. Using lures will attract a crowd, so making sure you have enough seating for your Pokemon Go players and your customers is key. If you have an outdoor patio, you may consider picnic tables and umbrellas to provide shade to your customers. For parks and churches, ensure there are benches for Pokemon Go player's to have a place to take a break from their pokemon training!
TIP #4: Pay attention to your location!
This tip is dependent on where you are located on the in-game map and what landmarks you are near but if you find yourself near a Pokémon Gym, take advantage of it! You can advertise that fact on your social media channels and offer discounts to players or “teams” that are near that location. For example, you may offer a free drink or discount to someone who drops a lure at your location. Many restaurants have been able to increase customers when they are near one of these valuable locations and they have been smart to promote their location and connect with players.
But, if your location isn’t a Pokémon gym or near one, there are a lot of other engaging activities you can do to be active with your patrons. For instance, your business or park can hold a neighborhood Pokémon Hunt on foot starting and finishing at your location. Be sure to have a few lures to use on the walk or set them up before hand. Have your employees all in business garb for advertising and branding. This will be a good way to promote your business to the community while also having fun!
We hope you found these tips helpful to your business or park location. If you find yourself with an overflow of Pokemon Go players such as here at Bellevue park our staff will be ready to reinforce your location with whatever site amenities you need!
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