How Pokemon Go is helping small business owners

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you’ve heard of Pokémon Go. This recently released game flooded the mobile app market, but it’s doing a lot more than just keeping the kids entertained. This game is having real-world effects on small and local businesses around the country, according to TechCrunch.

“Pokémon are for paying customers only,” reads a sign posted on the door of a local Dairy Queen. Other local stores are using signs and Pokémon references to encourage gamers to come inside. PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms in the game are actually real-world locations, like parks, stores and coffee shops, where players can acquire collectibles and battle. Some may say this is just a fad, but no marketing channel will be around forever. The sooner you capitalize on the Pokémon Go trend, the better.

Find out if your business is in the game

Additionally, people are using tools available in Pokémon Go to generate real-world traffic to their business. Smart business owners are not only looking to add a PokéStop to their location, but they are also using “lures,” which are in-game items that attract Pokémon — and potential customers.

While there’s no official map that lists all the PokéStop and Gym locations yet, you can still easily find out where they are. The game “Ingress,” also developed by the makers of Pokémon Go, has an online map of all its portals, “which maps virtually 1:1 with Pokémon Go’s PokéStops and Gyms,” according to Inc.com. All you have to do is install the Ingress app on your phone and sign in with a Google account.

Near a Pokémon Gym? Even better

Pokémon Go players find Gyms to face off with other users for team Mystic, Valor or Instinct. See if your business is near a gym by checking the Ingress map or simply opening the Pokémon Go app on your phone and look for the tall structures with a Pokémon near the top. If you find one close by, here’s how you can use it to your advantage:

– Give discounts to winners: Put up a sign that announces which team — Mystic, Valor or Instinct — is currently winning and then offer a discount to members of that team. Just ask them to show you their app to get the promotion.

– Post updates on social media: Use your phone to take in-game screen shots and post on your social platforms to show customers what’s happening at the nearby Gym. Don’t forget to use hashtags like #Pokémon go and #Pokémon.

Even if the Pokémon Go trend fades in a year or just six months from now, it can help you establish emotional bonds with your customers right now. Charm them with your Pokémon knowledge today and they’ll keep you in mind tomorrow.