This year’s record-breaking Cyber Monday and Black Friday sales are a good indication that a successful holiday shopping season is well underway. We’re seeing big retailers pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday-centric mobile marketing campaigns.

In fact, approximately 52% of smartphone users will use their devices to research products, redeem coupons and use apps to assist in their holiday gift purchase.

It’s not too late for Main Street to hop on the mobile marketing sleigh either — you don’t need a big budget to execute an effective mobile campaign. Though you may have already launched your print and website advertising campaigns, consider the following five last-minute mobile marketing strategies — and get a jumpstart on 2012.

1. Create a Specialized Mobile Holiday App

One study shows that 43% of mobile shoppers have downloaded a retail app. Even if you already offer an app for your business, consider creating an app especially for the holiday season — it will do even more to attract last-minute shoppers.

With a number of low-cost, DIY tools available on the market, small businesses can easily create and update universal apps that can be ready for distribution the same day. In addition to holiday specials and store hours, your app should include a feedback form and some sort of coupon designed to boost sales during the post-holiday slump. Your feedback form should ask customers what kind of mobile outreach they would be most receptive to and collect their mobile numbers for your 2012 campaigns.

2. Build your Mobile Database

If even the simplest app is beyond your reach right now, collecting customer mobile numbers will be critical for your 2012 campaigns. The increase in store traffic during the holidays will translate to a larger database. Hand customers their very last paper coupon at the point-of-sale to redeem in-store post-holiday, in exchange for their mobile number. You can also add a form field to your website prompting customers to enter their mobile numbers in exchange for a coupon or special offer.

Building your mobile database will allow you to take advantage of text or SMS marketing campaigns next year, a low-cost mobile marketing channel that is accessible to 100% of mobile phone users.

3. Get in on Location-Based Deal Services

Though spending is on the rise this year, consumers are still looking for ways to stretch their dollars, and they’re doing it via their mobile devices. Fifty-three percent of Americans are willing to provide their location in exchange for more relevant content and better information, including mobile deals.

Do your bottom line a favor and sign up for mobile deal and location-based platforms to make sure you’re discovered. From Shopkick to Groupon, Foursquare to Yelp, research your options and sign up to bring in new — and possibly repeat — customers. For example, consider offering a limited-time holiday special on Foursquare that, once unlocked via checkin, rewards customers.

4. Engage Customers with a Holiday-Themed QR Code

QR code marketing is a great way to build brand awareness and take advantage of a new technology, especially since 90 million people in the U.S. own smartphones — up 10% from three months ago, according to a survey just released by comScore.

It’s surprisingly easy to customize QR codes, making yours stand out from the crowd. Do it yourself or visit a website like QRlicious, which promises a QR code turnaround time of 24 hours.

If executed properly, QR codes can transform static print campaigns into interactive, trackable advertisements. EShave, which offers upscale shaving products and accessories, placed QR code posters in several phone kiosks. The QR code leads to a mobile site that lets users create their own shaving sets, and was also designed to drive foot traffic to their Rockefeller Center store in New York.

At the very least, your holiday QR code should link to a landing page that encourages holiday shoppers to redeem exclusive discounts.

5. Provide an Integrated Holiday Marketing Campaign

Integrating all or some of the above tactics will bolster your holiday marketing campaigns, but make sure to also promote your mobile presence in-store. For instance, throughout the store display a QR code that links to your app or a special promotion. Display in your store window to attract prospective customers even when you’re closed. Incorporate your QR code and/or app link into your holiday email blasts and promote them on your website and via social media. Companies like Modern Postcard offer quick turnaround and will also print your QR code onto direct mail. Let customers know which deal websites you belong to with store signage and through your usual communication channels.

Mobile marketing is no longer the exclusive domain of big brands. Today’s competitive campaigns and the low cost of entry for many mobile marketing tactics have made it affordable for SMBs to implement multiple strategies. During the holidays you can test out several options and later decide which ones to use for your 2012 mobile marketing plan.

Image courtesy of Flickr, lululemon athletica

Not Convinced yet? Take for example the average tourist who simply LOVES Hawaii and wants to continue the experience, keep up on what’s new, or recommend things to do in Hawaii to others… that’s what fb is for. You want to be there in big living color and hopefully, even better, in videos. Videos? On fb? Yeah, and on places like youtube too! Check out an example:

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IF YOU WANT TO GET UP TO SPEED on this form of promotion, visit facebook pages like Hawaii Restaurant Association Page or MyAlohaVibe. Both are free to share images, comments and announcements on your food, ambiance and events with the world. Top-of-mind means bottom-line success. Or if you’re interested in hiring social networking experts, see special HRA Member Deals offered by our Allied Members.