But it’s safe to say that Yahoo’s disjointed mobile strategy was largely responsible for the board’s decision to oust Bartz. At the top of my list is the creation of a mobile loyalty club where users willingly share preferences and location information in exchange for deals and information that matter to them. The last Hipcricket survey on the subject indicated that more than 100 million would be interested in joining a mobile loyalty club – if only their favorite brands would offer one. Guest columns Mobile Loyalty Mobile Marketing MORE >>

The following list of questions and resources should provide a comprehensive roadmap for developing a strong social media strategy with clear organizational alignment. Having an experimental strategy is okay as long as everyone is on the same page. However, having a clear sense of the business strategy and needs of the organization should still help inform your approach. What is Your Company’s Overarching Business Strategy? What is the Parent Strategy? How Will Social Media Boost the Effectiveness of the Parent Strategy? Strategy. Reactive? MORE >>

” Turn it around, and the research from both Nuance and My Private Banking also shows there is a huge opportunity for these two verticals to increase traffic to their customer service apps — if they get their app strategies right. Mobile Apps Mobile Loyalty Mobile ResearchWhat do we really want from our branded, self-service mobile apps? The numbers tell a mixed story. Usage data shows we appreciate instant access to the companies we do business with via mobile apps aimed at taking the heavy lifting out of resolving customer service issues and questions. Think again. MORE >>

John Stevens examines this mobile megatrend and shares eight tips for creating and executing a successful mobile strategy. But it also lays the groundwork for strategies that enable brands (and retailers) to build up an opt-in customer database , an interaction they can cultivate by offering coupons and SMS alerts to consumers who genuinely want to hear what the brand has to say. How you choose to market your brand now will be critical for future customer acquisition and loyalty. They have fractured strategies that don’t fully utilize all of the assets available to them. MORE >>

She did so by engendering immense loyalty from her fans through her music, her message, and the community she has built around them. To anyone in the business community, this sounds like a classic case of loyalty marketing and customer cultivation. Here are seven lessons for building this kind of loyalty in any organization (and they don’t include wearing a meat dress): Focus on Your One Percenters. Leading with values is not easy, but when done with integrity and commitment, customers will reward you with their loyalty. 'Lady Gaga image via BigStockPhoto.com. MORE >>