For the last year or so I’ve read and listened as the chatter about mobile technology and business marketing has gone from being an interesting tactic to a mandatory marketing task for any business that wants to reach their customers.
There’s no more questioning the impact of mobile technology. As smart phone technology has gotten more all encompassing allowing us to do everything from browsing the Internet to video recording, consumers are spending more and more of their time on their smart phones.
Take me for example. I remember when my bank introduced phone apps for my smart phone about 2 years ago. I was concerned about security and having to learn yet another process, so I wasn’t that excited about it.
Fast forward 1 year and now that kind of thinking seems so archaic to me. Proof in point: Last week I deposited a check by scanning it into my smartphone then went shopping using one of my favorite retail store apps!
Based on what the analysts are saying, I’m not exceptional. I’m a reflection of current customer buying trends.
According to eMarketer, mobile content revenues will grow from $1.15 billion back in 2009 to more than $3.53 billion in 2014.
That kind of volume can’t be ignored. If your business doesn’t have a mobile presence you could be missing out on significant income. So how do you put your product or service in front of customers using mobile technology?
First of all you don’t have to pay for the development of an app (application) to get your market to your website via a smart phone. You can start with your current website and optimize it for viewing on mobile devices using any number of free tools. These tools make your website user friendly for smart phones’ smaller screens.
I recommend WPTouch. It took me all of 2 minutes to upload and install WPTouch using my WordPress admin panel and the results are excellent. I was able to view my site and navigate posts very easily using an interface that optimizes my site for use on my iPhone screen. WPTouch does the same with Android, Blackberry, Samsung Touch, Palm Pre and other brands.
By making it easier for your audience to view your website using a tool that is traveling with more people everywhere they go, day and night, you increase the chances that your product or service will be purchased when needed.
What strategies are you using to appeal to your increasingly mobile audience?
Sharon,
This advice to keep your website current with the technology of the day is key. I do have a question for you. When I clicked on the link for the WP Touch, I was a little confused. It mentions themes as well as plugins. I know I can check to see which it is, I am just browsing quickly this morning, so I thought I would ask in case others are wondering as well. Thanks for the great info.
Hi Grace – WP Touch is a plug-in. You can install it while in WordPress. I think it’s the “Add Plug-in” section. Once you click the “activate plugin” link you should be good to go
Sharon,
I installed this plugin in on my wordpress blog site about a month ago and LOVE it! I’ve now need to turn around and install it on my business site.
You are so right we all need to find ways to bring mobile technology into our business. Great post!
Hi Leona – glad you’ve already found WPTouch – it is great to use! There are so many cool plugins that make running my business online so much smoother that I think I’ll need a t-shirt soon that says “I love my Plugin” – lol!