IPromote ad platform to break mobile barriers for local businesses

By Chris Harnick  - December 30, 2009

IPromote has released a mobile advertising platform to help local businesses take advantage of the marketing capabilities of the mobile channel in a cost-effective manner.

For $5 a day, iPromote said small businesses will now receive instant mobile and PC Web-based ads. Local businesses will also be able to target locally in one campaign through iPromote's local ad server, AdXpert.

"The iPromote mobile platform enables local businesses to obtain a turnkey display advertising solution in the mobile market," said Michael Barr, CEO of iPromote, San Luis Obispo, CA. "We wanted to break down the barriers for small businesses to locally advertise on mobile devices in a cost-effective manner."

Leveling the mobile playing field
IPromote has created a process for local business in which they can obtain Web-based and mobile ads instantly by using the URL of their Web site.

IPromote's technology automatically detects images, text and other content  from a client's Web site and builds an online media package.

If a business has no Web site then a business can use their online directory listing. IPromote's technology automatically goes to its stock photography database and places relevant photos into clients' ads.

A business has total control of local targeting, budget and campaign duration.

"The addition of mobile not only gives our advertisers more reach, but also a competitive edge, since they are now advertising across mobile devices," Mr. Barr said. "Mobile users are now obtaining relevant ads from local businesses in their area instead of the national ads that are currently on smartphones.

"For example, it is much more interesting to see an ad for the local restaurant in your neighborhood than a national ad," he said.

Proactive eyeball catching
IPromote is talking with some of the top mobile ad networks, which currently work with many of the most popular applications and mobile-optimized Web sites.

The company will also be directly integrating with mobile sites through current and near-term partnerships.

IPromote targets businesses in 30 verticals such as food and dining, health and beauty, real estate and retail.

Mr. Barr said display advertising is a highly effective way for local businesses to proactively reach new customers.

"Mobile advertising is a high-growth sector with no signs of slowing down," Mr. Barr said. "As the smartphone market continues to grow, we will most likely see the amount of time spent surfing the Internet shifting to mobile.

"Location-based targeting is something that can be achieved more effectively across mobile devices," he said. "Users tend to interact with mobile ads more than Web-based ads, which provides brand awareness for the advertiser."

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/advertising/4974.html

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