While the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) has recently emerged as an effective technology in Dubai, it has been embraced with open arms in other countries. There are more than 70 million NFC-enabled devices in Japan; representing six out of 10 mobile devices there. People in metropolitan areas in Japan have the option to pay for commuting via NFC. A large number of restaurants, convenience stores and newsstands in that country use NFC tags. In Dubai, the authorities are encouraging the use of NFC applications. Less than six months ago, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in an agreement with telecommunications providers, introduced the NFC ticketing system for the Dubai Metro.
Companies and NFC
PosterScope and Clear Channel recently conducted a study involving 1,000 smartphone users in the UK and US. The study’s authors concluded that around nine in ten users (88 percent) were willing to interact with smart posters if the content interested them. Smart billboards are interactive billboards. A big difference between old and smart billboards is that smart billboards use NFC technology. Smart billboards can be used to inform, educate and entertain consumers.
Eighty-five study participants said they would be interested in interacting with smart billboards if they had coupons and special offers. A large number of other respondents were similarly willing to use NFC-enabled smart signs for direction finding and social interaction.
NFC for advertising
(d) Promotions
Coupons and discounts are a quick and convenient way to entice and entice consumers to try a product or service. Research has shown that consumers are more likely to buy from a company if they are offered discounts. An NFC tag contains a small amount of information: a web link, a text, or a command. Consumers can activate NFC tags embedded in smart billboards to get more information about current promotions.
(e) dirty
The Internet market is worth several billion dollars. More people are shopping online. NFC can ease this transition. A company that sells sci-fi Manga comics can insert a “buy now” link on their smart poster. Readers interested in Manga comics can touch the poster with their NFC-enabled device to complete the purchase. This makes buying and selling much easier.
(f) Integration with social networks
Social networks play an important role in the contemporary business environment. Companies spend huge sums of money to maintain and improve their Facebook and Twitter profiles. NFC offers a cheaper alternative. Companies can reach more consumers by allowing them to “like” or “share” their products on social media through a tap. It’s convenient, easier and faster.
challenges
NFC has a lot of potential. It can open up entirely new avenues for advertising and customer interaction. Businesses can use NFC to drive sales, disseminate information, and generate consumer interaction. However, not all phones on the market are NFC-enabled, and some major carriers, including Apple, have yet to support NFC. It can be safely argued that it will be a few years before NFC becomes as widespread in Dubai as it is currently in Japan.