Want to attract customers? Use Pokémon Go, businesses are told

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Businesses in Lincolnshire should jump on the Pokémon Go bandwagon and hold themed events to attract customers.

That is the advice from a social media marketing consultancy in Lincoln.

The Pokémon Go mobile app uses augmented reality to let players become Pokémon trainers by catching characters from the franchise in real-time.

It has taken the county by storm with groups of people are regularly meeting for Pokémon walks and sharing tip-offs on social media pages.

Now, restaurants, cafes and shops around Lincolnshire are being urged to hold Pokémon events as a way to build their profile. 

Peter Watson, marketing director at Chatty Imp, said: "I think this is a no-brainer, and one that any cafe should jump on.

"The biggest trend right now, without a shadow of a doubt has to be Pokemon Go.

"What makes matters worse, is I don't see any businesses really jumping in on this as a trend."

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The game can be downloaded free onto iOS and Android phone or devices.

It uses GPS and the device's camera to show Pokémon characters popping up as the player walks around.

The player must catch them with a Pokéball in their quest to become a Pokémon master and catch em' all, as the popular franchise says.

Equipment can be collected by checking in at Pokéstops and players can battle to take over gyms from members of rival teams.

Players can place incense or lures to attract Pokémon and increase their chances of catching more.

Lure modules can be collected from some Pokéstops but can also be bought by anyone for around £0.79 each and last for 30 minutes.

Mr Watson said: "Choose your quietest day, or your quietest four hours.

"Create a themed event during this period, named something along the lines of "Pokemon Go: Lure mad coffee"

"Promote this as an event which will essentially be a period of time where you will be putting down Pokéemon Go Lures at your premises repeatedly, with no interruption."

Then comes the fun part, Mr Watson said, using social media marketing such as targeted Facebook adverts which anyone can create.

Those users may then tag friends or share events on Pokémon groups.

"Now all you have to do is keep the refreshments and food coming to those wannabe Ash's," he added.