How to Use Geofencing Marketing to Reach New Customers

Geofencing marketing is a location-based digital marketing strategy that allows businesses to engage with smartphone users in a designated geographic area. Through geofencing, companies can send targeted advertisements, promotions or notifications to customers’ mobile devices when they enter or leave a specific location. This innovative approach can be extremely effective in reaching new customers, boosting engagement and driving sales.

Here’s how to leverage geofencing marketing to expand your customer base.

What is Geofencing Marketing?

At its core, geofencing creates a virtual boundary around a specific location using GPS or RFID technology. When a mobile device enters or exits this boundary, it triggers a response, such as sending a push notification or advertisement. This technology enables businesses to target customers in precise locations, such as near a store, within a shopping mall or at an event.

How to Use Geofencing Marketing

Define Your Geofence

The first step is to identify the geographic area where you want to target potential customers. This could be around your physical store, a competitor’s location or a relevant event. The key is to choose locations where your target audience is likely to be.

Set Clear Objectives

Determine what you want to achieve with your geofencing campaign. Objectives could include increasing foot traffic, promoting a sale or event or raising awareness for a new product. Your goals will guide the creation of your messaging and offers.

Craft Targeted Messages

Once you’ve established your geofence and objectives, create compelling, relevant messages or offers to engage users who enter your geofence. Personalization is key; tailor your messages to reflect the interests and behaviors of your target audience.

Choose the Right Platforms

Decide which platforms you’ll use to deliver your geofenced messages. Options include SMS, email, social media or push notifications through your mobile app. The choice of platform will depend on where your audience is most active and how they prefer to receive communications.

Leverage Local Events

Capitalize on local events or festivals by setting up geofences around these areas. Attendees are already in a receptive state, making them more likely to engage with timely and relevant offers.

Analyze and Optimize

Monitor the performance of your geofencing campaign closely. Analyze metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates and foot traffic to understand what’s working and what’s not. Use these insights to refine your approach and improve future campaigns.

Ensure Privacy Compliance

It’s crucial to navigate the legal and ethical considerations of geofencing carefully. Ensure your marketing practices comply with local privacy laws and regulations. Always obtain consent from users before collecting location data or sending notifications.
Best Practices for Geofencing Marketing

• Be Specific with Your Target Area. Smaller, more targeted areas tend to drive higher engagement rates than larger, less specific ones.
• Offer Real Value. Discounts, exclusive offers or useful information will be more effective in attracting new customers.
• Time Your Messages Appropriately. Consider the time of day and the context when people enter your geofence. The timing of your message can significantly impact its effectiveness.
• Respect Privacy. Be transparent about how you use location data and provide users with clear options to opt-out.

Start a Geofencing Marketing Campaign

Geofencing marketing offers a powerful way to connect with new customers by delivering personalized and timely messages based on their location. By understanding how to effectively implement geofencing strategies, businesses can create more engaging and successful marketing campaigns that drive real results.

Always remember to focus on adding value to the customer’s experience and respecting their privacy to build a positive relationship from the start. To learn more about geofencing marketing and how it can enhance your existing marketing strategy, schedule a consultation with WSI Star Web Marketing at 844-412-8786.