There are 6.8 billion people on the planet. 5.1 billion of them own a cell phone, but only 4.2 billion own a toothbrush (EZtexting.com). This is an astounding statistic and gives you an idea of why so many businesses are jumping to mobile as a way to reach their customers. There are a lot of reasons businesses should have a mobile strategy.
Growth
The worldwide smartphone market grew 54.7% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2011 (IDC). There is no doubt that the sales of mobile devices have been pretty amazing. With this fast growth taking place it is no wonder that people are rushing to beat out their competitors by creating mobile products and adapting current products to meet their customers mobile needs. There are more mobile phones on the planet than there are TVs (EZtexting.com).
Personalization
Mobile coupons get 10 times the redemption rate of traditional coupons (Borrell Associates). Mobile is able to provide a more interactive and targeted experience than any other channel because consumers have to opt-in to programs to get offers and alerts. The ability to target messaging with mobile means that consumers get the information that they decide they want and this leads to successful marketing. 70% of all mobile searches result in action within 1 hour (Mobile Marketer).
Accessibility
91% of all U.S. citizens have their mobile device within reach 24/7 (Morgan Stanley). That means that you have a captive audience around the clock with mobile. This differs from other channels while a phone can be turned off just like the tv and computer people are less likely to turn the phone off giving businesses more opportunities to reach the consumer.
Engagement
It takes 90 minutes for the average person to respond to an email. It takes 90 seconds for the average person to respond to a text message (CTIA.org). The growth, personalization, and accessibility that mobile offer have given businesses an effective way to engage with their customers. Marketers are able to create more meaningful interactions for consumers and consumers are more likely to engage with them.
What should your business do about it?
Start by optimizing your website for mobile. With so many people using their mobile devices to access information it is important that your business information is there. Going to a site that is not mobile-friendly can be frustrating and cause users to leave the site soon after they visit it, so it is important to make sure your site is optimized.
Next you should look at your products and think about whether or not there are any applications you could add to your product line that would make it easier for consumers to use. You want to make sure that consumers have the easiest time possible using your products and mobile applications put your products at the fingertips of your customers.
Growth
The worldwide smartphone market grew 54.7% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2011 (IDC). There is no doubt that the sales of mobile devices have been pretty amazing. With this fast growth taking place it is no wonder that people are rushing to beat out their competitors by creating mobile products and adapting current products to meet their customers mobile needs. There are more mobile phones on the planet than there are TVs (EZtexting.com).
Personalization
Mobile coupons get 10 times the redemption rate of traditional coupons (Borrell Associates). Mobile is able to provide a more interactive and targeted experience than any other channel because consumers have to opt-in to programs to get offers and alerts. The ability to target messaging with mobile means that consumers get the information that they decide they want and this leads to successful marketing. 70% of all mobile searches result in action within 1 hour (Mobile Marketer).
Accessibility
91% of all U.S. citizens have their mobile device within reach 24/7 (Morgan Stanley). That means that you have a captive audience around the clock with mobile. This differs from other channels while a phone can be turned off just like the tv and computer people are less likely to turn the phone off giving businesses more opportunities to reach the consumer.
Engagement
It takes 90 minutes for the average person to respond to an email. It takes 90 seconds for the average person to respond to a text message (CTIA.org). The growth, personalization, and accessibility that mobile offer have given businesses an effective way to engage with their customers. Marketers are able to create more meaningful interactions for consumers and consumers are more likely to engage with them.
What should your business do about it?
Start by optimizing your website for mobile. With so many people using their mobile devices to access information it is important that your business information is there. Going to a site that is not mobile-friendly can be frustrating and cause users to leave the site soon after they visit it, so it is important to make sure your site is optimized.
Next you should look at your products and think about whether or not there are any applications you could add to your product line that would make it easier for consumers to use. You want to make sure that consumers have the easiest time possible using your products and mobile applications put your products at the fingertips of your customers.