5 Reasons Why Your Business Must Be Mobile

Mobile is local

If there’s one thing we want a business to walk away with from this post it’s this: mobile marketing and advertising is local. We say this because, mobile optimized websites and mobile ads are hyper targeted toward consumers who are searching online for a specific business or product in their immediate area. 

The major difference between potential customers searching online with a mobile device compared with those who are searching from a desktop computer is mobile customers need quick, key information on the go. More importantly, mobile consumers are searching for something close with money in hand. These customers are what we like to call "bottom of the funnel," they are most likely ready to purchase at that moment. Smartphone users are searching for a specific product, restaurant, service or business in their immediate area and they are ready to convert into a satisfied customer.

Mobile consumers expect a different online experience, they are typically looking for directions, a click-to-call phone number, hours of operation, competitive pricing or special deals. They’re not looking for lengthy text, multiple forms to fill out and extravagant sites they have to navigate by zooming in and searching multiple pages. Remember, they want their information quick, easy and on the go!

The top 5 reasons why to go mobile

#1: By 2013, mobile phones will overtake PCs as the most common web access device worldwide, according to Gartner.

Next year, smartphones and Internet-ready mobile devices will exceed 1.82 billion units. It’s a pretty safe bet that local customers in your area will be searching for you through their mobile device.

#2: If your website isn’t mobile friendly, customers will go somewhere else.

There’s nothing more annoying for smartphone users than clunky websites that won’t function properly. The most important things to provide mobile users are the simplest things: hours, phone number, condensed website and directions.

#3: Mobile ads attract local customers

According to Google, 82% of mobile users notice mobile ads, and 49% of those who see the mobile ad take action. Mobile ads are an incredible way to target local customers day or night and anywhere they take their smartphone or tablet.

#4: Most likely your competition isn’t taking advantage of mobile

In a Google mobile ads study, the search engine giant found 79% of top advertisers do not have a mobile optimized page. Mobile ads, mobile optimized websites and landing pages, and correct, current mobile map information are highly valuable resources for any business looking to increase growth and find new customers. As marketers and advertisers, we have never been able to target individuals and convert opportunities like these ever before. Mobile is the future of consumer advertising.

#5: Mobile is constant, growing and local!

One out of two mobile searches is local! In a typical week, 81% of users browse the Internet, 77% use a search engine, and 39% of these individuals use a smartphone while going to the bathroom! Mobile behavior is obsessive, and sometime obnoxious, but it is the fastest and easiest way to reach consumers today.

Go Local, Go Mobile

Everything GannettLocal produces is mobile-optimized, from our websites to our SEO.  Mobile packages include free call tracking, a free mobile-ready landing page or link to your existing site, and a monthly review of analytics and performance. Mobile users are searching for local, relevant businesses on the go; increase your traffic, brand exposure and organic search engine rankings with our optimized mobile services. To learn more about mobile advertising, check out our integrated marketing paper, which contains a full section on mobile marketing, or Contact a mobile marketing specialist today.