What Can We Learn from Pokemon Go?

It started with a low-profile launch, but within days, Pokemon Go became one of the most popular mobile apps of all time. Pokémon Go has enticed people of all ages to get out of the house and into their communities, scouring the outdoors in search of friendly, imaginary monsters.

Love it or hate it, Pokemon Go's influence doesn't stop at mobile gaming. Such an immensely successful experience holds lessons for anyone looking to have an impactful website.

Simplicity & Fun

Pokemon Go is easy to sign up for and easy to play. The interface is bright, clean, and simple. When you open the app, the first thing you see is the gameworld map - you're immediately ready to play! 

Website owners can take a cue from Pokemon Go by learning to get out of their users' way and make their website easy to use. 

• Prioritize the content most important to your users.

• Reduce the number of steps needed to complete important tasks such as signing up, making a purchase, or registering for events.

Local Engagement

All of the action of Pokemon Go happens exactly where users physically are. This total commitment to location-based personalization makes the game fun, and also creates the potential for strong synergy between the game, local businesses, and the user.

How can we as website owners reap those same benefits? Amplify your online business with local engagement.

• Partner with organizations in your community for special events.

• Cross promote your website with other businesses in your area.

• Use social media to connect local happenings with online content.

Consider All Types of Users

Despite Pokemon Go's incredible popularity, it isn't perfect. But we can learn from its mistakes. For example, there are plenty of Pokemon critters to be found in bigger cities and suburbs, but the developers didn't consider how the game would be played in rural areas where Pokemon and Pokestops (where players procure necessary in-game items) are scarce. Without Pokemon to catch or the items needed to do so, the experience for more isolated players is lacking.

We can avoid the same pitfall if we are sure to consider usability for all of our users. Does your website work for everyone?

• Users on mobile devices?

• Users with slow internet connections?

• Users with disabilities?

Inspiration for great website design and development can come from anywhere! Interested in a consultation for functional design, online marketing, or accessibility? Global Reach is ready to help you with your online evolution.