Okay, so unless you've been living under a rock this past week or so then you've probably seen the latest phenomenon that is Pokémon Go!
For those of you who aren't familiar with the game (seriously where have you been?), it's basically an augmented reality mobile app/game which allows players to capture Pokémon.
Since being released the game has pretty much taken over the internet. Pokémon Go has become so popular that the game is now installed on more Android phones in the US than Tinder and is also set to overtake the number of active users on Twitter too. Players have even spent more time on Pokémon Go than Whatsapp.
So what can brands learn from this latest viral trend that's taking over the world?
1. The Mobile Generation
Have you ever just gazed around at fellow commuters on your morning train/bus journey into work? Chances are 90% of the people around you will be looking down at their phone either texting away or surfing the internet. These days not having a mobile or smart phone is almost unheard of. The power of mobile phones is taking over the world and popular apps like Snapchat and Tinder are the perfect example of creators making the most of this technological era we are in. So as a brand, if you're thinking of launching a new product or range ensure you're using the mobile generation to your advantage.
Along with the success of Pokémon Go, the power of in-app purchases is another important thing to consider. Although the actual game itself is free, gamers are willingly spending money within the game. This just goes to show that consumers will pay for extra services and add-ons if the content will enhance their experience of the original product.
2. Nostalgia
Pokémon Go isn't the first augmented reality game and it definitely won't be the last. So why has this game become so popular compared to other similar apps? The answer is simple. Nostalgia.
Let's be honest, it's been almost two decades but the love that users have for Pokémon never really went away. Pokémon Go brings back much loved childhood memories of Gameboy battles, collecting and trading exclusive Pokémon cards and of course early morning episodes of Ash and Pikachu's adventures.
Pokémon Go is therefore the perfect mix of nostalgia with something that is relevant today. For users across the world, it's a product that helps bring your dreams one step closer to reality.
As a brand, constantly creating new ideas and products is great, but have you ever thought about resurrecting some of your older much loved products and enhancing them with new technology? It just might be the way forward to creating something incredible...
3. Social Media Frenzy
Although branding as definitely helped, Pokémon Go has dominated social media over recent weeks with thousands of posts about people's experiences across platforms such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. As a result, excitement surrounding the game has built across the world and created an awareness of the app like no other.
Even celebrities and top social influencers such as Zoella have been raving about the game causing their followers to see what the hype is about and download the game too!
This just further proves the importance of influencer marketing and how having your brand promoted by social influencers can build a great deal of brand awareness across the world.
4. A Sense Of Community
Unlike a lot of other 'social' platforms and apps, Pokémon Go is an app that is actually making people more social. The chance to become a real-life Pokémon trainer is too much to miss out on so the game has managed to get users out of their homes, exploring new places and meeting new people.
If your product has the ability of connect people across the world and build a community then chances are it'll become a very successful venture.
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So there you have it! What started out as a joke with Google maps in 2014 has now turned in a reality for the millions of Pokémaniacs across the world. Nintendo and Niantic have achieved something truly remarkable here and there's a lot that other brands can learn from this latest craze so take note!
TBP x
