According to a report published by GSMA Intelligence in 2021 as of Q1 2021, there were 8.1 billion mobile connections globally, up from 5 billion in 2017.

59% of the world’s population now uses the internet, and 92% of internet users access it via mobile devices.

Mobile internet usage continues to grow, with 4.5 billion people using mobile internet as of 2021.

In 2020, mobile internet usage surpassed desktop usage worldwide, with mobile devices accounting for 51.5% of internet usage, compared to desktop’s 44.8%.

In many developing countries, mobile internet is the primary means of internet access. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, 74% of internet users access the internet via mobile devices only.

These findings indicate that mobile usage has continued to grow rapidly since the 2017 survey, with mobile devices now playing an even more significant role in internet access worldwide. In light of these figures, businesses are turning to location-based services to drive customer loyalty and improve customer experience.

Here are some of the best location-based marketing apps in 2023:

1. Foursquare

With over 100 million monthly active users worldwide, Foursquare is one of the most popular location-based marketing apps. It encourages users to check-in at locations in return for virtual badges and points, and businesses can offer their rewards to customers who check into their locations.

2. Google My Business

Google My Business allows businesses to claim and verify their listing, and users can rate and share their favourite businesses. Google uses Google My Business listings in local search results above standard results, providing you have claimed and verified your business.

3. Facebook Places

With over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide, Facebook Places is one of the largest social media platforms. Businesses can set up a Facebook Places page, and users can share and earn rewards together.

4. Uberall

Uberall is a location-based marketing platform that helps businesses manage their online presence across multiple directories, including Google, Facebook, Yelp, and more. It also offers businesses real-time analytics on how customers are interacting with their listings.

5. Waze Local

Waze Local is a navigation app that allows businesses to advertise to people based on current and destination locations. After being bought by Google in 2013, Waze has a growing user base, making the app a highly effective channel for businesses to reach drivers on the go near their location.

6. Yelp

Yelp is a mobile yellow pages with reviews and offers for everything from restaurants to shopping to hairdressers and so much more. With an average of 29 million monthly app users, Yelp allows businesses to list for free on the site, targeting users with offers and rewards.

 7. Tripadvisor

With as many as 70% of travellers visiting TripAdvisor before making a booking, TripAdvisor Ads are a great way for leisure and tourism businesses to use location marketing to engage with potential customers. TripAdvisor Ads work by promoting your business in your target location in the form of exclusive sponsored placements which appear at the top of the site’s search results.

8. Snapchat

Snapchat’s Geofilters and Sponsored Lenses allow businesses to create custom filters and lenses that users can use at specific locations. This allows businesses to engage with customers in a fun and creative way.

9. Instagram

Instagram’s location feature allows businesses to tag their location in posts and stories, allowing customers to find their business easily. Instagram also offers location-based ads that businesses can use to target users in specific locations.

10. TikTok

TikTok’s location-based advertising allows businesses to target users in specific locations with their ads. TikTok also offers location-based filters and effects that businesses can use to engage with customers in a fun and creative way.

11. Airship

Airship is a mobile marketing platform that helps businesses engage with their customers through personalized messaging and notifications. It offers a range of location-based marketing solutions, including geofencing, location-based targeting, and proximity-based messaging.

12. Phunware

Phunware is a mobile engagement platform that offers a range of solutions, including location-based messaging, targeting, and analytics. It helps businesses engage with customers through personalized messaging and offers based on their location and behaviour.

13. Localytics

Localytics is a mobile engagement platform that helps businesses understand and engage with their customers through personalized messaging and notifications. It offers a range of location-based marketing solutions, including location-based targeting, geofencing, and proximity-based messaging.

14. PlaceIQ

PlaceIQ is a location-based marketing platform that helps businesses analyse and target audiences based on their location and behaviour. It offers a range of solutions, including audience targeting, foot traffic analysis, and attribution reporting.

Location-based marketing is growing fast, and these are just a few of the many apps available. As businesses continue to explore the benefits of location-based marketing, we can expect to see more apps and tools emerging in the coming years.

Location marketing is growing fast, do you have any applications to recommend?

If you’re ready to take your marketing to the next level and reach your local audience, get in touch with our team at Clark St. James today.