The company is running the mobile ads via Pandora’s iPhone application. Pizza Hut is following in the footsteps of its competitors including Domino’s and Papa John’s who have used mobile advertising in the past to bolster mobile sales.

“Mobile ads are a great way to reach consumers with a fast way to purchase on the fly through mobile,” said Marci Troutman, CEO of SiteMinis, Atlanta.

Ms. Troutman is not affiliated with Pizza Hut. She commented based on her expertise on the subject.

Pizza Hut did not respond to press inquiries.

Slice of mobile
The Pizza Hut mobile ad reads “Pizza Hut. Get Your $10 Any. Any Pizza, Size, Toppings. Order Now.”

The Pizza Hut ad

When consumers tap on the banner ad they are redirected to a mobile-optimized page where they can choose to order carryout or delivery.

Additionally, consumers can enter their city, state or ZIP code to find the nearest Pizza Hut location.

Consumers can find the nearest location

Users can also log-in to their account to view past order history.

Running a mobile ad such as this is an effective way for Pizza Hut to not only drive traffic to its locations, but educate consumers about the company’s mobile offerings and have them place orders through their handsets.

Through the mobile ad consumers can also download the Pizza Hut iPhone app to their device which is a smart move to increase the company’s app downloads.

Other efforts
Pizza Hut is not the only pizza chain running mobile ads to drive food sales.

In July, Papa John’s encouraged pizza sales via mobile banner ads that take consumers to the company’s optimized site where they can order delivery or carryout.

The company is ran a mobile banner ad within Pandora’s iPhone app. The banner ad featured the company’s large spicy Italian limited time only pizza for $10 (see story).

“There are multiple situations where a quick meal that can be delivered are in order, and with the ability to order through an app or through the mobile Web, the ad’s bringing this option to mind for a consumer is extremely relevant,” Ms. Troutman said.

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