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What are the implications of 5G deployment on location-based marketing and its influence on the customer decision journey?


This article provides a detailed response to: What are the implications of 5G deployment on location-based marketing and its influence on the customer decision journey? For a comprehensive understanding of Customer Decision Journey, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Customer Decision Journey best practice resources.

TLDR 5G deployment revolutionizes Location-Based Marketing by enabling Real-Time Engagement, transforming Customer Insights through enhanced Data Analytics, and creating new opportunities through IoT and AR/VR, significantly influencing the Customer Decision Journey.

Reading time: 5 minutes


The deployment of 5G technology is set to revolutionize various sectors, including marketing. With its promise of faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity, 5G is poised to significantly impact location-based marketing and, consequently, the customer decision journey. This evolution will enable organizations to engage with customers in more personalized, timely, and effective ways, ultimately influencing purchasing decisions and enhancing customer experiences.

Enhancing Real-Time Engagement

One of the primary implications of 5G deployment is the ability for organizations to engage with customers in real time, leveraging location data more effectively. With 5G, the speed and accuracy of real-time data processing will improve, allowing for the delivery of personalized marketing messages at the right time and place. For instance, a customer walking past a retail store could receive a personalized promotion on their mobile device, encouraging them to visit the store. This level of immediacy and relevance in marketing efforts can significantly influence the customer's decision journey, nudging them towards a purchase they might not have otherwise considered.

According to a report by Accenture, 5G will enable new services and applications that will transform customer experiences through increased personalization and convenience. This transformation is expected to generate significant value for organizations by increasing customer engagement and loyalty. The ability to process vast amounts of data in real time will also allow organizations to gain deeper insights into customer behavior and preferences, enabling more targeted and effective marketing strategies.

Real-world examples of this are already emerging, with retailers and entertainment venues experimenting with 5G-enabled experiences. For instance, sports stadiums are using 5G to offer immersive experiences to fans, such as instant replays on their mobile devices and wayfinding services, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience and engagement.

Explore related management topics: Customer Experience

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Transforming Customer Insights through Enhanced Data Analytics

The deployment of 5G technology significantly boosts the capabilities of data analytics, offering organizations richer insights into customer behavior and preferences. The increased speed and capacity of 5G networks enable the collection and analysis of large volumes of data from various sources, including location data, in real time. This wealth of information can be used to create detailed customer profiles and predictive models, helping organizations to anticipate customer needs and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly.

For example, Gartner has highlighted the potential of 5G to enhance the Internet of Things (IoT) applications, including the ability to track customer movements and interactions in physical spaces. This could lead to more nuanced understandings of customer journeys within retail environments, enabling optimizations that can significantly influence purchasing decisions. By analyzing this data, organizations can identify patterns and trends that inform the development of more relevant and effective marketing messages.

Moreover, the integration of 5G with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) further enhances the potential for personalized marketing. Organizations can leverage these technologies to automate the analysis of complex data sets, providing real-time insights that drive more personalized and effective marketing strategies. This level of personalization not only improves the customer experience but also increases the efficiency of marketing campaigns, leading to higher conversion rates and customer retention.

Explore related management topics: Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Customer Journey Customer Retention Internet of Things Data Analytics

Creating New Marketing Opportunities through IoT and AR/VR

The convergence of 5G, IoT, and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies opens up new marketing opportunities that were previously unimaginable. 5G's low latency and high bandwidth make it possible to deliver rich, immersive AR and VR experiences to consumers, creating novel ways to engage customers and influence their purchasing decisions. These experiences can range from virtual try-ons for clothing and accessories to interactive AR games that can be played in specific locations, adding a new dimension to location-based marketing.

Deloitte has discussed the potential of 5G to revolutionize retail experiences through AR and VR, suggesting that these technologies can create more engaging and interactive shopping experiences. For example, furniture stores can use AR to allow customers to visualize how products would look in their homes, providing a powerful incentive to purchase. Similarly, VR can be used to create virtual showrooms or travel experiences, offering customers a compelling preview of products or services.

Furthermore, the integration of IoT devices with 5G networks enhances the ability to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, including wearable technology and smart home devices. This enables organizations to understand customer contexts and preferences in unprecedented detail, allowing for highly personalized marketing messages that can be delivered at the optimal moment and location. Such targeted, context-aware marketing strategies can significantly influence the customer decision journey, driving both engagement and sales.

In conclusion, the deployment of 5G technology represents a significant leap forward for location-based marketing, offering organizations new tools to engage customers, gain insights, and create immersive experiences. As 5G networks become more widespread, organizations that adapt quickly and integrate these capabilities into their marketing strategies will gain a competitive edge, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business growth.

Explore related management topics: Customer Decision Journey Customer Satisfaction Augmented Reality

Best Practices in Customer Decision Journey

Here are best practices relevant to Customer Decision Journey from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Customer Decision Journey materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: Customer Decision Journey

Customer Decision Journey Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Customer Decision Journey, take a look at these case studies.

Innovative Customer Journey Strategy for Forestry Education Services

Scenario: A leading provider of forestry education services is facing challenges in enhancing the student experience through effective customer journey mapping.

Read Full Case Study

Customer Journey Optimization for a Growing B2B Tech Firm

Scenario: A mid-sized B2B technology firm has seen rapid growth over the past two years, acquiring a significant influx of new customers.

Read Full Case Study

Customer-Centric Strategy for Urban Transit Service in Competitive Markets

Scenario: An urban transit service company faces significant challenges in mapping and optimizing the customer decision journey amid increasing competition.

Read Full Case Study

Customer Journey Optimization Strategy for Boutique Publishing House

Scenario: A boutique publishing house is facing challenges in adapting to the digital transformation of the publishing industry, necessitating an in-depth customer journey mapping to stay competitive.

Read Full Case Study

Digital Transformation Strategy for Healthcare Provider in North America

Scenario: A leading healthcare provider in North America is at a critical juncture in its customer decision journey, facing a complex strategic challenge.

Read Full Case Study

Consumer Decision Journey Optimization for Ecommerce in Health Supplements

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the health supplements sector, catering to a diverse online consumer base.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What strategies can businesses employ to enhance the post-purchase experience in a way that promotes customer loyalty and advocacy?
Businesses can enhance post-purchase experience and foster customer loyalty through Personalized Follow-Up Communications, Exceptional Customer Service and Support, and Loyalty Programs and Rewards, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. [Read full explanation]
How does Customer Journey Mapping integrate with agile methodologies in product and service development?
Integrating Customer Journey Mapping (CJM) with Agile methodologies enhances product and service development through a dynamic, customer-centric approach, prioritizing features based on customer experience and encouraging continuous feedback, leading to improved customer satisfaction and operational performance. [Read full explanation]
How is Robotic Process Automation (RPA) being leveraged to personalize customer journeys in sectors with complex customer needs?
RPA is revolutionizing personalization in customer journeys across sectors like healthcare and finance by automating data analysis and integrating with AI for efficient, tailored experiences, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. [Read full explanation]
What role does the analysis of social media trends play in anticipating shifts in the Consumer Decision Journey?
Analyzing social media trends is crucial for organizations to understand and anticipate shifts in the Consumer Decision Journey, enabling tailored marketing strategies and improved customer engagement. [Read full explanation]
What strategies can companies employ to effectively measure and analyze customer satisfaction throughout the customer decision journey?
Organizations can improve Customer Experience by mapping key touchpoints, using quantitative and qualitative measurement tools, and integrating customer feedback into Continuous Improvement processes for increased loyalty and growth. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can integrating customer feedback into product development impact the Consumer Decision Journey?
Integrating customer feedback into product development optimizes the Consumer Decision Journey by aligning products with consumer needs, thereby improving Awareness, Evaluation, and fostering Post-Purchase Loyalty. [Read full explanation]
What role does corporate culture play in shaping and delivering a superior customer journey?
Corporate culture significantly impacts customer experience by shaping employee behaviors and values, fostering a customer-centric approach that leads to increased sales and customer loyalty. [Read full explanation]
What role does Customer Journey Mapping play in identifying and leveraging new market opportunities for growth?
Customer Journey Mapping is a vital Strategic Planning tool that uncovers new market opportunities by analyzing the customer experience, driving Innovation, and aligning growth initiatives with customer needs. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Customer Decision Journey Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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