Mobile Phone Marketing – A Trend That Should Not Be Ignored!
Every serious business realizes the need of having a website. It is an easy and cost effective way to market to your target audience locally, even globally. However, as small businesses finally realize the importance of having an online brochure (website), a new trend is developing rather quickly; mobile phone marketing. People seem to be spending more time on their mobile devices than on the PC and if you do not have a mobile site that is optimized you soon will be left behind.
Be smart about the layout of your mobile site and take a moment to think it through. Don’t make it something that looks like a laundry list of your website in a linear fashion. Make it an easy and intuitive user experience. Ask yourself the following: Will people be looking for my business on a mobile device? What would be the prime reason for them to look for my business on a mobile phone? It may be that they are looking for your phone number or a so called Click-to-Call button, or how to get in touch with you via email. They may want to connect with your social media or they are just looking for the direction or map of how to get to your place of business, just to mention a few.
So let’s think about the practical use of your mobile site and how you can develop effective mobile phone marketing strategies. Here are some mobile phone marketing statistics that may surprise you.
More people are now using apps than web browsers to access their favorite brand content
Chances are that you are one of the 138.5 million people in the U.S. who own a Smartphone. Imagine this represents 58 percent of the mobile market penetration. This number also represents a seven percent increase since January 2013 (source: Comscore, June 4 2013). So it makes sense that today’s consumers use mobile devices more than desktop searches and the quickest and easiest way to go about is by turning to apps instead of traditional browsing. So when you think about your mobile site you want to make sure it is easy for your customer to find your business as well as making it easy to navigate. Mobile apps are a way to reward brand enthusiasts and to cultivate loyal customers.
36% of Smartphone owners have redeemed a mobile coupon on their mobile devices
The statistics on mobile coupons and coupon apps are astounding. Consumers love coupons especially in restaurants, food stores, ticket purchases, etc. You will see more and more consumers pulling out their mobile device to redeem the coupon. In fact, mobile coupons are redeemed 10 times as often as traditional coupons. So it makes a lot of sense to make the availability of mobile coupons part of your mobile phone marketing plan.
70% of people contact a business after a search on their mobile device
Chances are you’ll be getting more store traffic if your site appears among the local search results and is easy to navigate for your on-the-go customer. You should see the benefits of having a solid mobile phone marketing strategy in place within a short time frame starting with increased traffic, referrals from satisfied customers and repeat customers.
67% of those who scan a QR code expect to receive a coupon or discount
Quick Response (QR) Codes are being seen more and more. Unfortunately many of them do not work because they are not set up properly or are pointing to a site that is not mobile optimized. Think about it, it takes a mobile device to scan the QR code so it only makes sense that the landing page is optimized for the mobile environment. Simply directing them to a website is not enough. Go one step further and give special offers, discounts or content that will engage and excite consumers in your business niche. QR code marketing can be a very powerful marketing tool provided you follow a solid mobile phone marketing plan.
Over 90% of text messages are read within minutes of receipt
Personally I have never been doing much “texting” until recently. Turns out that more and more people are relying on texting and therefore this is an excellent place for your advertising message, especially when your business experiences a slow day. Text messaging (SMS) could get instant traffic flowing to your door. Think about it, consumers have their mobile devices within reach 24/7. When they receive a text message it typically is viewed within a minute or two. The idea behind some social media channels is to instantly let your friends know where you are so they can join and hang out. So why not use this technique for your business and with an integrated text messaging campaign drive instant awareness and traffic to your door. It could be as simple as texting your customers a special or a discount and then wait for them to appear.
So as you can see these are just few ideas and facts which barely scratch the surface of the possibilities with a powerful mobile phone marketing strategy. Combine your internet presence with regular social media communications and a strong mobile presence to use your marketing dollars most effectively. Today’s world is fast changing and while you read this blog the mobile phone statistics most likely have increased. So make sure to stay on top of the mobile advertising trends as well as your competition with a strong mobile phone marketing plan.
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Tags: Click-to-Call Button, marketing plan, mobile coupon, mobile phone marketing, smartphone use in U.S., SMS Text Message
