Why Small Businesses need a Mobile Marketing Strategy

With the changes in the way readers consume information and the latest Google algorithm, Hummingbird, a mobile strategy is becoming more and more important. The intention of mobile marketing is simple, to provide your customers with easy to digest information. As a small business owner you may have some concerns as far as whether or not you should invest your resources in mobile marketing. There are already so many internet marketing tactics that are burning through your time and money, why is this one valuable?

Cost

Though cost may be one of your biggest concerns, it isn’t necessarily a big issue. If your website is already responsive, a lot of the time it will be mobile friendly. Therefore the only thing you need to do is to have your webmaster ensure the HTTP redirects mobile devices to the most mobile friendly version of your site. If this isn’t the case there are solutions as little as $200 and going up to thousands of dollars to have an expert assist you.

Apps vs. Mobile Sites?

There are a few options when considering mobile friendly web design, these are three of the most popular.

Responsive Website: This is an adaptive web design that changes based on the device on which you are viewing the site. This is best for sites with a lot of information.

Native Application: These are apps that are created and distributed through the iTunes and Google Play stores, with specific devices in mind. For example, you would have an IOS friendly app for your Ipad and an Android friendly app for your Samsung phone. The benefit of this approach is that the speed of application is often better than the speed of a web page.

Web Application: This is created with elements of both responsive websites and native applications. Essentially it functions as a website, but is built similar to a native application in the sense that it is generally not heavy on content.

Benefits

Localisation

A very large proportion of searches are local, specifically with mobile devices. Google has therefore made localisation a priority when using mobile devices. This is aimed at users who are on the go and allow you to be found where other more competitive searches otherwise wouldn’t. Local searches have been shown to have a much greater chance of leading to conversions and sales.

Socialisation

Mobile users are social users. It is much easier to have users share content when they are using mobile devices. Social media and mobiles are becoming the dominant way we communicate recommendations and are replacing traditional word of mouth. This also means more responsive customer feedback from people who are engaging in your services moment to moment – which means more satisfied customers.

Tip: Encourage check-ins on social media platforms to make sure your users are sharing your services online as easily as possible.

List Building

On the go promotions are an effective way to help your list building strategy. By offering your readers specific mobile related discounts through quick response codes you can more easily incentivize them to join your campaign. Quick response codes are codes that can be read by scanners, redirecting users to your site for promotions.

To see how you can incorporate mobile marketing into your internet marketing strategy, contact us today.