Did you know that by 2015, Google estimates that every person on earth will own a mobile device? Were you aware that PC shipments have drastically been on the decline since the emergence of iPads and tablets? (extremetech.com)

Mobile technology is now the dominate technology. Therefore, businesses that are not accessible on mobile phones are losing to their competitors who do have a strong mobile presence. Business websites should offer a mobile version of their website or at least make sure their website is mobile phone compatible. Mobile phones have much smaller screens, obviously than desktops, so a mobile version (a more compact version of your website) can appropriately display your information

and create a more user-friendly experience utilizing a mobile phone. Users will take the time to browse a mobile website that is hard to read and slow to load. In addition to mobile sites, business owners can also have a mobile app created that would be available for users to download, which can provide a more interactive experience for mobile phone users.

For example, the Hanover Evening Sun has a website, a mobile app and a mobile site. Their information is accessible and compatible with all viewing methods, the desktop computer, mobile phone browsers and an application format for iPhone and iPad users to download. In addition, they also market all three formats in social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. 93 percent of

small-medium sized business websites do not properly render (appear) on mobile devices – including iPhones, Android phones or tablets, so they are more than likely losing to competitors who do offer mobile site and/or app versions of their website. (http://resell-rights-weekly.com/blog/services/tapintomobilemarketing/)

However, acquiring a mobile presence is not enough; businesses should then incorporate mobile marketing strategies. These strategies can include, SMS Text advertising, email advertising, incorporating social media in ads and utilizing engagement tools to obtain consumer feedback. Here are some other mobile statistics to help convince you:

  • Portio Research reports that by the end of 2013 mobile subscribers worldwide will reach 6.9 billion.

  • Of the small businesses surveyed that implemented mobile marketing, 84 percent reported an overall increase in business due to the initiative. (http://web.com)

  • Route 66 Harley-Davidson’s 12 Days of Christmas mobile campaign resulted in a 250 percent increase in T-shirts in one day as well as a 16 percent increase in overall jacket sales. (http://www.mmaglobal.com)

  • Portio research estimates that Asia Pacific’s share of the mobile subscribers will rise from 50.7 percent in 2011 to 54.9 percent in 2016. By 2016 Africa and the Middle East will overtake Europe as the second largest region for mobile subscribers. (http://portioresearch.com)

  • 79 percent of consumers surveyed, stated that a bad mobile web experience will hinder future website visits. (http://resell-rights-weekly.com)

  • 90 percent of college students now use their mobile devices to search for deals and coupons. (http://www.mobilemarketingwatch.com/)

    Today’s consumers are “on-the-go” and prefer mobile access to various websites, news, e-commerce, businesses, as well as access to emails, social media accounts and other personal accounts. Consumers are now more than likely to access coupons and special deals through SMS texts and emails.

    Location-based mobile marketing has proven results in overall traffic and sales. Mobile users not only want faster access to information, they want access to local business, shopping, restaurants, etc. Make sure your business is registered with local search engines such as YP.com (http://yp.com/), GooglePlaces.com (http://googleplaces.com/), Yelp.com (http://yelp.com/), Facebook Places (https://www.facebook.com/help/337244676357509/) and Foursquare.com (http://foursquare.com)

    With the statistics noted above, as well as the decrease in desktop computers, increase in mobile phone sales and mobile phone E-commerce sales, it is imperative that businesses embrace the new “mobile culture” in order to stay competitive.

    Kim Goff is the CEO/Web Developer of Goff Software Consultants, LLC; 717-968-6930; www.goffweb1.com; http://facebook.com/GoffWebConsultants.

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