It’s hard to imagine connecting 10 or even 100 times faster than 4G LTE, but this is the potential of 5G, the latest iteration of cell technology that is currently under development. 2019 will show us a glimpse of 5G’s capabilities, with a full rollout expected to take another five or six years.
5G opens the door to exciting new marketing opportunities. Here’s a look at some of the technologies that will be fueled by this fast and powerful connectivity.
The Internet of Things
When everyday objects become “smart,” they make it easier for marketers to target individuals based on their purchases and behaviors. Consider that Internet of Things (IoT) devices – such as smart watches, wearable fitness trackers, home appliances and web-enabled speakers – collect billions of pieces of data about their users over time. This data can be used to predict what consumers need and when.
Location Data
With the data from IoT devices, the next trick is to time your marketing efforts. For instance, if you sell health and wellness products, you may want to target people who recently purchased a fitness tracker. You can advertise in the right place at the right time based on consumers’ interactions with smart city services and in-store beacons made possible by 5G connectivity.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Once you have data from IoT devices and location services, the final step is to deliver your message in a meaningful way. Augmented reality (AR) is a useful tool. It allows customers to try out your products using nothing more than a smartphone and the relevant app. Virtual reality (VR) platforms also allow you to deliver testimonials and case studies for immediate impact. With 5G services, buffering will be a thing of the past, and eventually, you won’t even be restricted to urban areas because 5G will connect rural customers like never before.
Artificial Intelligence
With real-time cellular networking and secure, trusted transmissions made possible by 5G, IoT devices can become marketing venues themselves. For instance, a smart toaster could text a consumer that new bread is on the market that’s lower in calories and higher in protein. A smart refrigerator could announce when new grocery stores open or if the user’s favorite items are on sale. A digital sign at a trailhead could communicate with smartwatches, telling hikers that leg weights would help them burn more calories. Then, a link pops up to a site that sells them.
Get Ready for 5G Speeds Today
Don’t wait until the full potential of 5G is realized to create a marketing strategy to match – prepare today for the vast improvements in wireless speed and responsiveness that will soon arrive. This involves updating your plan to include automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and cloud computing.
Need help preparing your Houston-area business for the new age of 5G connectivity? Our services can help. Call John Manlove Marketing & Communications today at 281-487-6767 to learn more!