Why Your Small Business Needs A Mobile Website
Your company may already have an excellent website. If you’ve ever tried to view it on a smartphone or tablet computer, however, you’ll quickly see why you need a mobile website as well.
A regular website is difficult to view on small screens. You end up scrolling and “pinch-swiping” all over the screen to see the full page. A mobile website is a fast-loading, compact version of your normal website. It gives mobile users the main information they need to find your business and open their wallets.
The mobile revolution is taking place at blinding speed. Smartphones, internet-capable mp3 players, and tablets are taking over the consumer landscape. An iPad has more computing power in its slim body than a large desktop PC of only a few years ago.
All Around You
It seems like everyone from grandmother to your 7-year-old nephew has a smartphone or tablet computer. According to IDC, by the year 2015, more internet users in the United States will log on to the web through mobile devices than PC’s.
The Yankee Group reports that between 2010 and 2015 the worldwide installed base of smartphones will rise at an annual compound growth rate of 33 percent. Tablets? They are expected to grow even faster: 81 percent (CAGR) growth rate in the same time span. According to The Gartner Group, the middle of 2011 marked the day that consumers were using their mobile units more than regular PCs.
Looking For You
Your customers are looking for you on their smartphones right now. The information they seek is usually very basic: phone number, address, directions, store hours. It’s not necessary to have a huge mobile website. It is important that it has a clean design, is easy to read and loads fast.
Your best mobile strategy is simple. Maximize your search engine rankings to make it easy for mobile users to find your business. Then present an optimized mobile site to give prospects and customers the information they want as quickly as possible.
Friends and Neighbors
Consumers are searching for businesses online that are local to their town, suburb and neighborhood. Google has placed major resources into expanding their local search and mapping capabilities.
For example, Google Places offers local businesses a free web page that includes phone number, address and other company information. Take advantage of Google Places by filling in all the data and keep it up to date. Google Places is already optimized for local mobile searches.
Experiment With New Approaches
Once you have basic information on your mobile site, it is time to try new approaches. Experiment with offering local coupons and “deals of the day.” Your mobile website will play a key role in keeping in touch with current customers, and encourages prospects to give your business a try.
Being “mobile friendly” is more important than ever before. According to Compuware, 40% of consumers will go to a competitor’s site after a poor mobile experience. With a well-designed mobile site, you’ll prevent that from happening to your business.
