Coca-Cola Co.'s Sprite is encouraging Facebook likes and increasing its social presence via a mobile campaign.

The company is running mobile banner ads within TV Guide?s iPhone application. The ads encourage consumers to become a fan of the company.

Mobile presence
The Sprite mobile banner ads read ?Join Us On Facebook. Become a Fan.?

After consumers tap on the mobile banner ad, they are redirected to the company?s mobile-optimized Facebook page.

Sprite's Facebook page

There, users can log-in to their Facebook account or sign up for one.

Consumers are also encourage to Like Sprite and learn more about the company, view its photos, and see what others are saying about the brand.

Using mobile banner ads to drive Facebook likes is an effective form of marketing.

Additionally, running the mobile banner ads in a relevant mobile application such as TV Guide is also a smart move for Sprite.

For example, many consumers access the TV Guide iPhone application when they are at home, sitting on their couch and deciding what to watch.

When consumers are served a mobile ad such as the Sprite one they are more inclined to tap on it and participate when they are relaxing at home.

Social presence
Sprite is not the only company using mobile ads to bolster its social presence.

Last year, Lipton Iced Tea ran mobile banner ads that promoted its Pandora radio station and let consumers explore the natural side of music.

The Lipton mobile ads encouraged users to visit the company?s Facebook page and learn more about its beverages (see story).

Final Take
Rimma Kats is staff reporter on Mobile Marketer, New York