Even as the dust is yet to settle on Facebook’s much-hyped IPO, it’s taught the world a much-needed business lesson – It doesn’t matter whether you are a small business or the world’s most popular social network, you need to make revenue out of your mobile user base.

While Facebook has nearly 425 million mobile users, it’s not making any money out of them. Recent reports suggest that could change in March as Facebook plans to start rolling out ads within its mobile apps. It is believed that Facebook is already talking to several top notch ad agencies regarding its mobile ad strategy.

While a number of social media experts have rebuffed these claims as rumors, I, for one, believe that Facebook will introduce ads in its mobile apps sooner than later. As and when that happens, it would be a huge opportunity for businesses to tap into Facebook’s gigantic mobile user base. So, why not prepare your business for the upcoming opportunity now and make the most out of Facebook Mobile ads when they launch? Here’s my take on why and how you should prepare your business to make the most of Facebook’s upcoming mobile ad launch.

Sponsored Stories

It’s believed that Facebook mobile app ads will be along the lines of the “Sponsored Stories”  feature rolled out last year. Back then, I wrote my mind on why Sponsored Stories will eventually acceptance in the online marketer community. If Facebook does invent with Sponsored Stories strategy for its mobile ads, it could spell the death of the top or bottom banner ad.

So, how do you prepare your business for it? For a start, prepare some crispy ads that would fit the “short and sweet” mobile strategy.

Mobile Focus

I often come across businesses which still see “mobile” as a nice to have channel as part of their marketing strategy. I strongly believe mobile is no longer an optional advertising channel. Instead, it’s fast emerging as the preferred mode for advertisers as it providers anytime, anywhere access transcending geographical borders. Whether it’s optimizing your website for mobile or launching native mobile apps for your business, Facebook’s statistics are a timely reminder for businesses to revisit their mobile strategies.

Local

It’s fair to say that Location-based services have transformed mobile advertising for good. If your business has a strong emphasis on the local market, it would be well worth investing time to come up with an effective strategy to tap the local customer base with your mobile ads.

Though critics would say this is a case of “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”, I think it’s all about preparing yourself for the next big opportunity. It’s a given that Facebook will monetize its mobile user base and advertisements are the most logical way to do so. What do you think? Please share your tips/ opinion by leaving a comment.