Why Small Businesses Need Mobile Marketing

With the huge buzz around regarding mobile marketing most small business owners are struggling to discover ways to incorporate mobile into their marketing strategies to help grow their business. The mobile revolution is happening faster than most predicted and companies who do not start thinking of ways to tap into the mobile web will simply get left behind in the next few years.

Why Small Businesses Need Mobile Marketing
In a recent study performed by web.com it was found that 84 percent of small businesses have seen substantial growth directly through mobile marketing.

Here are some interesting facts from a recent survey of 500 small business owners:

  • 60% have a normal website
  • 26% have a mobile friendly website
  • 14% have a stand alone mobile website
  • 84% saw an increase in new business due to mobile marketing
  • 61% of small businesses are not promoting their business through mobile search
  • 25% of smartphone internet users who searched for local businesses on their phone mad a purchase in store.

Below are the top 3 reasons for using a mobile website from the small business owners:

  • Provide better service to existing customers (38 percent)
  • Attract more local customers (36 percent)
  • Gain competitive advantage (34 percent)

According to the survey release “there is a large gap between the rapidly increasing mobile search volumes and the majority of small businesses lagging behind in mobile search strategy. Over 61 percent of small businesses currently do not have a mobile search strategy and are missing out on consumers trying to find them via a smartphone device.”

The time is now to start taking your business mobile to reach your target market through a mobile friendly website which will help improve your mobile web presence and overall user experience for mobile users which will result in extra sales.

You can find a full copy of the Web.com Small Business Mobile report and Infographic on GrowSmartBusiness.com.

What is Mobile Marketing?

It’s clear that businesses who don’t embrace mobile phone technology in the coming year will be left behind, much as those businesses who sat on the sidelines during the early days of digital or social media are now playing catch up!

What is Mobile Marketing?

Mobile marketing is the best and most direct way of connecting with your customers. It also adds an interactive dimension to your marketing efforts which is unrivaled in effectiveness and immediacy. For most businesses traditional advertising is no longer an effective strategy to drive new customers into the business and it is not showing any measurable return on investment. With the recent boom in sales of smartphones it has been predicted that by 2013 mobile phones will overtake PCs as the most common device to access the internet.

There has been a fundamental shift in consumer behavior and this is where mobile comes in as a marketing channel. For the first time in history you can reach your target market at any time and anywhere via their mobile device.

Think about this for a minute what are the three things you never leave the house without they are your:

  • Your Keys
  • Your Wallet &
  • Your Mobile Phone

The potential that mobile marketing offers with the ability to reach your market on the go is why mobile marketing the first interactive mass medium. Although even though it is clear to most that mobile represents a huge opportunity to help grow your business many are struggling to head their head around how they can use mobile marketing to promote their business. Now mobile marketing can be broken down into four main areas mobile websites, apps, text/SMS messaging and QR Codes.

Here are some stats on what users are searching for on mobile from a study released by Google.

1: Search Engines Are the Most Visited Sites on Mobile!
Search engine websites are the most visited websites with 77 percent of smartphone users citing this, followed by social networking, retail, and video sharing websites.

2: Searchers Look for a Variety of Information on Mobile!
While a range of topics top the list, news, dining, and navigational information are all sought by over 50 percent of smartphone users, which are all information types that lend themselves particularly well to mobile access and action.

3: Mobile Phone Searchers Take Action
Nine out of 10 smartphone searches result in an action (purchasing, visiting a business, etc.). 24 percent recommended a brand or product to others as a result of a smartphone search.

4: Local Information Seekers Are Even More Action-Oriented
95 percent of smartphone users have looked for local information.
88 percent of these users take action within a day.
77 percent have contacted a business, with 61 percent calling and 59 percent visiting the local business.

So with this in mind a mobile website is vital in mobile marketing today. It’s no longer a luxury, but rather it is essential that you have a mobile web presence. It has been estimated that 40 percent of all local searches are performed via mobile devices and if your website is not mobile friendly people won’t scroll around or pinch/expand to find what they want they will just click away.

  • Now Losing 40% of business is a big loss for most companies.

Would you like to keep the mobile traffic that lands on your site ON your site to stay on your site so they can call you, find you, do business with you?  Then a mobile website is essential and absolutely the best way to start. You need to make it easy for them with a mobile website that features “Click to call”, Location and the information they’re looking for in a easy read and navigate format.

The 17 R’s Of Mobile Marketing – Infographic

Although mobile has taken the world by storm many business owners do not know how to incorporate it into their marketing arsenal just yet. Did you know the the most searched keyword for mobile marketing is “what is mobile marketing” this just proves the fact that although we all live on our mobile devices many are struggling to understand how they can capitalize on this growing trend.

One thing that is that businesses who don’t embrace mobile phone technology in the coming year will be left behind, much as those businesses who sat on the sidelines during the early days of digital or social media are now playing catch up!

So with that in mind here is a cool infographic courtesy of the folks at Hubspot – The 17 R’s of savvy mobile marketing:

 

17 R’s of Mobile Marketing Infographic

The 17 Rs Of Mobile Marketing   Infographic

 

 

Mobile Websites – The Importance Of Having A Mobile Friendly Website

Most businesses these days are reliant, to some degree, on attracting sales via the internet. Social Media, SEO, Video Marketing, and many other online methods are helping small businesses connect with their local consumers. However, many companies are missing out on one crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to effectively marketing their businesses:

  • Mobile websites – Having a mobile-friendly version of their website.

Why You Need A Mobile Friendly Website

The current sales boom in smart phones and tablets means that more and more people are accessing the internet via a mobile device every day. As the 4G network continues to expand across the globe, mobile internet usage is expected to expand right along with it. Due to this,

  • Internet access via mobile devices is set to exceed desktop access in the very near future.

So… In order for small local businesses to be able to compete with the big online businesses, they need to have a good mobile friendly website that clearly directs people to their products, services and location. With a strong Call-To-Action!

Mobile Websites   The Importance Of Having A Mobile Friendly Website

For more information on mobile websites make sure you get in touch or simply fill out the form on the right hand side of this page.

  • So is your website mobile friendly?

We would love to hear from you please post your comments below.

Mobile Marketing Infographic

Today people are spending more and more time on their mobile phones than ever before and as marketers we have to adapt and understand these new type of consumers. In order to reach our target market we need to understand how they want to consume our content and it is vital that we incorporate mobile marketing. Here is an infographic that helps you understand mobile marketing:

Mobile Marketing Infographic

Mobile Marketing – The Latest Mobile Shopping Behaviour and Device Usage Revealed!

The rapid adoption of mobile is not only changing the way we browse but also how we shop online. User behaviour is has changed and the way we search for information or services is via mobile devices.

Whether it be your smartphone, tablet or laptop we are now consuming our favourite content and shopping on the go! Let’s have a look at some of the stats:

Mobile Marketing   The Latest Mobile Shopping Behaviour and Device Usage Revealed!Here are some of the Key Stats:

  • 34% of users research products/services before buying big ticket items!
  • 34% use Mobile device for price comparison!
  • 31% Use mobile to research then buy online!
  • 32% use mobile to research then buy in store!
  • 73% are comfortable with buying on smartphone or tablet! 18 – 35yr olds
  • 83% are comfortable with buying on smartphone or tablet! 34 – 54yr olds
  • On average we own 2.4 Devices and
  • We access content on the go via laptops 71% tablet 30% and smartphone 62% of time spent online.

Demand for Location Based Advertising

  • 48% more likely to engage with ads that are relevant to their location!
  • 56% are willing to share their location to receive more relevant content!
  • 81% prefer free local content that is ad supported over paying for content without ads!

So as we can see mobile marketing and your business being mobile friendly is now extremely important so that the mobile user has a good experience while consuming our content. This does open up the communication because you can reach your customers anytime anyplace!

When users search and get good 1st time user experience results in buying from or dealing with local companies.

We would love to hear your thoughts and comment below how you access the web via mobile devices?

Pic courtesy of http://www.mobilemarketingwatch.com/infographic-how-the-millennial-generation-engages-with-mobile-devices-19072/

Mobile Marketing – 4 tips on choosing the right SMS keyword

When you decide to embark on a mobile marketing campaign to help boost your business there are some basic things you need to decide before you start. Firstly when choosing your SMS keyword here are four simple tips to help you get started the right way:

4 SMS Keyword Tips

1. Keep it short!
2. NO special characters!
3. Make it memorable!
4. Don’t use multiple words!

Also another factor you need to take into account is the auto correct feature on mobile phones. Once you have decided on a keyword make sure you secure the auto correct versions of that keyword too. This will help you grow your mobile list and prevent you losing potential clients who are trying to text your keyword to claim your special offer or learn more about what you can offer them.

To learn more about how you can use mobile marketing to grow your business simply text ‘NETPUNCH’ to 60777

Mobile Commerce – Over 10M UK Consumers in 2010

In a recent survey held by Tealeaf it was found that there were over 10 million UK consumers that conducted a mobile transaction in 2010. This simply just re-enforces the fact that 2011 will be the year that mobile commerce really takes off.

Although there were so many actions performed online via mobile devices the majority of consumers still experienced problems which suggests that mobile usability needs to improve and quickly.

Mobile Commerce   Over 10M UK Consumers in 2010

Lets have a look at some of the stats and actions performed via mobile devices:

  • 63% have used their mobiles for shopping
  • 37% to conduct financial transactions
  • 34% for travel bookings
  • 23% for insurance payments or purchases

Here is a list of the problems encountered:

  • The most common issue was receiving error messages (34%)
  • While 25% found apps or websites difficult to use
  • 25% had problems logging in
  • 20% said their credit card wouldn’t go through

Here is how consumers reacted to these problems:

  • 29% would abandon the mobile transaction and try later on a computer
  • 16% would become more likely to buy from a competitor
  • 17% would email or log a complaint with customer service
  • 13% would abandon the transaction at the app/site and try a competitor instead

Now after having a bad experience on a companies mobile site 66% of respondents said they would be less likely to buy from that company again. So in order to stop your business losing customers you better ensure that a consumers mobile experience is as good if not better than online.

Plus with the rapid growth of the mobile market which is already 5 times bigger than the PC based market, companies need to clearly improve their mobile strategies and websites.

You need to make sure make sure your mobile consumers have a positive user experience through good usability and customer support. For more information on mobile marketing text NETPUNCH to 60777 or call us on 01519321074 and we can discuss how to take your business mobile.

To read the full report click here

12 Reasons Your Business Needs Local Mobile Marketing

Here are 12 reasons why your business needs a local + social + mobile marketing strategy.
12 Reasons Your Business Needs Local Mobile Marketing

1. 78% of Internet users conduct product research online.
That means your website stands a good chance of being a prospect’s “first impression.”

2. In the past year, Web-based email usage dropped a staggering 59% among 12-17 year olds, who prefer to communicate via text, instant messaging, and social networks.

3. 78% of business people use their mobile device to check email.

4. 40% of US smartphone owners compare prices on their mobile device while in-store, shopping for an item.

5. 200 Million Americans have registered on the FTC’s “Do Not Call” list.

6. 91% of email users have unsubscribed from a company email they previously opted-in to.

7. 84% of 25-34 year-olds have left a favorite website because of intrusive or irrelevant advertising.

8. 57% of businesses have acquired a customer through their company blog.

9. 67% of B2B companies and 41% of B2C companies have acquired a customer through Facebook.

10. The number of marketers who say Facebook is “critical” or “important” to their business has increased 83% in just 2 years.

11. Companies that blog get 55% more web traffic.

12. Inbound marketing costs 62% less per lead than traditional, outbound marketing.

If you need help coming up with a plan of action feel free to contact us and we can discuss your needs…

For the first time in history you as the business owner can reach your target market anytime and anyplace. Plus you can deliver your message in the format they wish to receive due to the various methods of communication available today…

To learn more about mobile marketing text ‘netpunch’ to 60777 and we will send you some simple strategies to help get you started.

To read more visit:

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/11414/12-Mind-Blowing-Statistics-Every-Marketer-Should-Know.aspx

10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Mobile Marketing

If you are looking to grow your business there is no quicker way than through mobile marketing and text messages. If your business has some quite days and you need a few more clients through the door just simply send out a text message and you could reach your target market in minutes which will then result in more traffic and sales for your business. Think about what you take with you when you leave the house you always have your keys, wallet and MOBILE phone. For the first time business owners can connect with their audience anytime, anyplace and instantly.

10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Mobile Marketing

Here are 10 reasons why local businesses need mobile marketing:

  • there are 5 billion mobile users which is 5 times bigger than the pc based internet market
  • there are 300,000 Android phones sold every day!!!
  • by 2012 10 Trillion text messages will be sent and delivered globally
  • 4 out of 5 teens carry a wireless device
  • Customer time spent on MOBILE is rising faster than time spent on any other media
  • Text messaging gets 7 to 15 times the response rate of an email and has an astounding 97% open rate
  • Plus the speed in which a text message is opened and read is also much faster than email occurring within the first few minutes
  • Text messaging has a proven ROI of over 20% and has the power to double a local business
  • There is no other form of media that even comes close to this
  • Mobile Marketing  is the future and if you don’t start now you or your business will fall behind your competition

So as technology evolves are you going to embrace it or get left behind as your competitors tap into this huge opportunity, the time for your business to go mobile is now!!! To learn more about mobile marketing call us on 01519321074 to discuss how we can help take your business forward or…

  • Text NETPUNCH to 60777 now to get latest news, tips and a special offer coupon