As the year comes to an end, smart marketers are asking us:

Does everyone have an iPhone?

No, but 93% of the U.S. population has a mobile phone. Source

What kinds of mobile phones do people buy?

Mostly Samsungs (22%), LGs (21.5%) and Motorolas (21%). No Blackberrys? Yes, but only us working stiffs (9%) Source

What about those fancy phones people keep tapping?

Smartphone subscribers: Blackberrys (42%), iPhones (24%), Microsoft (13%), Google (13%). Remember Palm? Palm (at 5%) is still around. Source

So, who has a regular phone and who has a smartphone?

About 20% of mobile phone owners own a smartphone. Not what you expected? That’s probably because you are an executive and need to be connected (I feel you), but the rest of the world is doing fine with just talk, text and pictures. Also, not everyone can dish out $118 per month for a smartphone plan. Source/Source

What are people doing with their mobile phones?

You know, what you and I do… take pictures (76%), text (72%), access the Internet (38%), and email and play games (34%). Source

Really? That many people are texting?

Yep, to the tune of 173 billion texts per month and the yearly text figure begins with the letter “T.” Source

What do people want?

Deals and more deals baby! Know anyone who doesn’t want a deal, especially in this economy? 73% of consumers are interested in using coupons delivered by mobile devices.

Coupons?

Yep! Call them what you want…deals, savers, offers or perks, that’s what consumers want and savvy businesses are responding. Businesses will distribute 70 million mobile coupons by 2013, up from 2.3 million in 2010. – Yankee Group/ Source

If I were to start with mobile, where should I start?

Build a list of mobile phone subscribers and start with something simple like text message marketing. If you can write the following: “Welcome to our mobile program, here’s $10 off your next purchase. It’s our way of saying thank you. Coupon Code: SMRTMKTR – Exp.01/31.” You are a mobile marketing genius!

Plug: Start building your mobile list with a free trial at www.momares.com

Takeaway: Everyone has a mobile phone and most are texting and looking for deals. Text them your deals and boost your business!