The iPhone is undeniably a status symbol, but it may also be a marketers dream. Several major companies including Burger King Holdings Inc. and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. are using the iPhone to promote their products.
One of the most innovative ways these companies are using the iPhone is through the purchasable and optional applications available for the device. Instead of standard mobile advertising, which can involve a banner ad on the regular screen or a tagline following a text message, companies are now crafting ads that can be disguised as applications.
Users can play games or manipulate images on the iPhone, and the applications can be very popular. If the application is also completely saturated with a companys advertising, they reach their consumer.
The big challenge? Creating an application thats compelling enough to stand out among thousands of others. If consumers can get the same game without advertising, they will. It means that companies may be investing some of their marketing budget into figuring out ways to entertain their customers as well as entice them