By now you have most likely heard of the Pokémon Go craze.  The gaming app is being used more than Instagram on mobile devices and has gotten people moving and socializing more than any game before.  With this increase in foot traffic, businesses are realizing that there’s a huge opportunity to profit off the popularity of this game.

Take Advantage of Location

If you happen to find that your business, or area around it, is a PokeStop, take advantage of it.  This means that many players will be congregating at this area, catching Pokemon. Here’s a picture of two Pokestops from real gameplay. Once a player “checks-in” you collect some goodies from the Pokestop and then it turns purple for several minutes and can’t be used again. Notice in the distance a taller pin topped with Pokemon, that’s called a gym. If your business is lucky enough to be located near a gym players will congregate nearby in order to control the gym for their team. You don’t really need to know the nitty gritty details here, just know these different things can attract players to your location.

Depending on your type of business you can dictate certain requirements for players in your vicinity. Many businesses require players to purchase something in order to stay and play.  Others offer discounts on their products if players are of a certain level on the game like this store:

Many businesses are also requesting customers to use certain features, like “lure” and “incense”,  in the game to attract other players to their business location.

“Lure” Potential Customers

The “lure” module is designed to lure Pokemon to a particular location for 30 minutes.  “Incense” has the same function except it works for only one person. Multiple lures and multiple users reportedly attract rare and hard to find Pokemon. By requiring players to use a lure which attaches to a Pokestop, thus attracting more people to your business your business automatically receives free advertising and possible sales increase.

Here’s an example of what the “lure” module looks like on the app:

And here’s what a Pokestop looks like with a lure attached to it:

Advertise You Have Pokemon

Once you realize that there is a PokeStop at your business’s’ location, or near you, advertise it!  Go on your social media accounts and let others know.  Not only will they be grateful that they get to catch more Pokemon, but if you initiate some of the previous suggestions, it will just bring more people to your business.

Even if your business is not anywhere near a PokeStop, learn where there are some.  You can place flyers or banners advertising your company at these areas, which you know will have heavy foot traffic.  If your business is able to be mobile, take it to the PokeStops and sell concessions there.  Especially now, in the dead of summer, players walking around all day in the sun will become thirsty and/or hungry, so take advantage.

Use Pokemon to Advertise Your Products

Since Pokemon Go is an augmented reality platform it relies on your camera to place Pokemon into your reality. If you haven’t already noticed people love these pictures of cute little Pokemon in funny places. Your business can post pictures of Pokemon to subtly promote your products. For example, placing a burger or salsa strategically with a Pokemon in order to get people’s eyeballs on your product. Getting creative gets you bonus points and more attention too. To do this either use the screenshot function or hit the camera button when a Pokemon appears.

When There’s A Gold Rush – Sell Picks and Shovels

Even if you don’t have a the greatest location or any Pokemon sightings, there are still cheap ways to capitalize on the craze. An old saying goes “when there’s a gold rush, sell picks and shovels.” You can offer and promote the things (non-Pokemon things that is) that Pokemon Go players need and want. Can you offer free electricity to people who’s phones are dying in order to get them inside your store? Since Pokemon Go requires you to walk a lot, a business could promote the opportunity to get off your feet for a while, or better yet partner with a pedi-cab business to offer joint deals. It’s also the middle of the summer so if you can offer sunscreen or hype up your air conditioning, it might entice weary Pokemon trainers.

Since this game has become more popular, it will only grow and improve.  Staying updated with the growing advancements of this game could continue to help your business.