Go Mobile - or Become Irrelevant

November 02, 2011

There are 6.8 billion people on the planet — and 5.1 billion own a cell phone. We live in a mobile world — one of 24/7 access and instant gratification. For business owners, having a digital presence is not an option—and soon, a mobile site won't be up for debate either. By 2014, mobile devices are projected to surpass PCs for accessing the internet. 

Today, cell phones are not only used for communication, they also serve as a social tool, gaming device, GPS and map resource, calendar, planner, camera, music player and web browser. In the U.S. alone, smartphones make up 40% of current users and account for every 2nd new phone that is activated. 

Mobile is on the rise and your marketing efforts should reflect it. Mobile marketing is something your customers engage with every day—and if you are not also engaging with it, you need to start. 

  • QR Codes, or quick response codes, are essentially customizable bar codes that can store data including URL links, location information, and text. 2011 saw a significant increase in QR Code use, appearing on print advertisements and product packaging for both major brands and small businesses. Expect even more in 2012 — featuring fresh ideas, creative promotions and interactive activities.
  • Location-Based Marketing is all about delivering relevant content to mobile users based on their location — a capability that only mobile delivers. Businesses can push targeted messages, promotions and discounts to people at the time and place when consumers are most likely to act on them. It's a great way to connect with customers and drive foot traffic through the door. 
  • Mobile Websites are the future of marketing. Here's the problem: 79% of businesses do not have a mobile-friendly site and the sentiment that "I already have a website," is pervasive. What business owners need to realize is that slower page load time on a mobile device, leads to higher page abandonment — which trickles down to reduced revenues and a damaged reputation and brand. Most mobile users will only wait 5 seconds for a page to load before giving up — and never try again.

Start learning the platforms and use the technology your customers consume. Scan a QR code, click on a mobile banner ad and understand the difference between a mobile website and a mobile application— because mobile marketing will only become more prevalent. The platforms will evolve and so will your customers. Is your business poised to handle the shift? 

Check out our mobile site: m.adworkshop.com and contact us for information on our mobile marketing services. 

"Not Your Father's Web Design Conference"

This past month, interactive designers Geoff Sanford and Andy Carolla attended the annual An Event Apart web design conference in Washington D.C. The event brings together the leading minds in web design for two days of non-stop inspiration and enlightenment — with a focus on code, content, usability and design for all people passionate about standards-based web design. 

BOLO Agencyside Conference

General Manager Darcy Norfolk attended the Bolo Agencyside Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona — a gathering of over 150 agency professionals, thought leaders and innovators focusing on the leading marketing techniques. 

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