Facebook launched a new app last week designed in partnership with Snaptu. The app is designed specifically for feature phones which can be described as less expensive, Internet-capable phones. The Facebook app for feature phones works on more than 2 500 devices from a number of manufacturers including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG and many more. The app will offer millions of users a better Facebook experience with quick and easy access to their Facebook profiles, messages and so forth thanks to the easier-to-navigate home screen, contact syncing and fast-scrolling features. “We want people to have a great mobile experience no matter what type of phone they carry. Smartphones have offered better features for sharing with friends but aren’t used by most people around the world” said Mark Heynen, Program Manager at Facebook.

Fourteen mobile operators in various countries have agreed to let Facebook users try the new app free of charge, offering them free data access during the first 90 days. The app is initially being made available through nine mobile operators, mainly in emerging markets, with five more to follow soon.

The app will be made available through more carriers in other countries which will allow more users to have a better mobile Facebook experience regardless of the mobile device they use. Mobile is Facebook’s biggest growth engine and in July 2010 Facebook had about 150 million mobile users out of a total of 500 million members. Now Facebook users who want to update their Facebook profile on-the-go but don’t have a smartphone, have access to an app that allows for bigger functionality. We can’t wait for the app to launch in South Africa!

Don’t be surprised if you receive a Valentine’s greeting via mobile and not mailbox this year. More and more consumers are using their mobile devices for shopping – why would it be any different on Valentine’s Day?

2011 is the year to include a mobile marketing component in your marketing strategy if you haven’t already. Mobile marketing, however, should aim to reinforce the existing message in other channels and not replace it. There’s an obvious increase in advertising around seasonal events, especially Valentine’s Day, for this day transcends all religions – love is universal.

Mobile video, sms, mobile coupons and loyalty programs are at the top of any marketer’s to-do list. It’s one of the few times a year when a brand’s target audience might change when businesses compete to “woo” men into buying gifts the special women in their lives. Mobile marketing appeals to your entire audience across demographics and caters for users in every which way they connect. You need to reach your consumers the same way their peers communicate with them – via sms.

Various companies established themselves in the digital world through the use of mobile marketing during Valentine’s Day. Mogreet and American Greetings Corp have partnered for MMS e-cards, but according to Retrevo, 48% of consumers over 50 still prefer hand-written cards. American Greetings launched a free greeting card iPhone app which rose to number 8 on the list of “Most popular free apps” in “Entertainment” within only 2 weeks. Clickatell estimated going on previous stats that consumers will send 1.15 billion text messages this Valentines Day, exceeding the previous year’s 1.06 billion.

It is clear that for many sms is the message protocol of choice. As a brand using sms to communicate with consumers you can reach out to them instantly – it is easy to do, costs less than a phone call and isn’t as irritating as telephone sales. Brands can benefit from last-minute, forgetful consumers by reminding them via sms about special or important days like Valentine’ Day and informing them about last minute deals and specials. The immediacy of a text message combined with creative design and editorial equals a winning idea.

Mobile marketing brings new possibilities for retailers, not only does your brand remains relevant by keeping up with current trends but it also allows for more frequent, informative, instant communication. On the other hand, don’t get too text-happy and overdo it by sending too many messages. Also be sure to send communication only to those consumers who have opted to receive marketing messages from you.

With the ever-changing landscape of technology, your business’ online presence should consist of more than just a pretty website. Having a strong online presence enables you to compete with competitors for continuous business success.

The Internet can sustain business growth which allows any kind of business to benefit from having an online presence. Studies show that 65% of consumers conduct product and / or service searches prior to making their purchase decision. If you don’t have a strong online presence you are missing out on potential sales. It is also important to ensure that once visitors land up on your website, you convert them to leads or clients.

To ensure your website has a good conversion rate, it should (among others) be informative and user-friendly and the content should always be up-to-date. The website should be easy to navigate and all links should be working. Make it easy for visitors to find additional and relevant information on your website by making use of interlinking. If a visitor can’t find what they are looking for, they will leave your website and continue their search somewhere else. If your business is product-based, consider integrating an online store and / or FAQ section on your website. It might be expensive but you are sure to reap the fruit of your investment. Update your website regularly with new content such as promotions and competitions, product reviews or press releases where applicable.

A blog is another tool that can be used to direct traffic to your site and add a personal touch to a corporate website. Through the content you post on the blog you can show visitors among others that you are an expert in your field by discussing various issues important to prospective clients. If you have social media profiles, be sure to incorporate them on your website.

It is important to have an online marketing strategy and know what goals you want to achieve through your online marketing channels. Once the online strategy is created and implemented, track and measure the success of the tactics you implement. The best way to improve the performance of your website is to continuously measure, tweak and try out new tactics.