(Newswire.net — December 28, 2013) Melbourne, VIC —
With more people in the world owning a smartphone than people owning a toothbrush, mobile is predicted to overtake desktop usage in 2014 according to an Infographic on Mashable. This statistic is crucial for large businesses as well as small, local businesses as they think about their marketing plans for 2014.
According to marketing research firm IDC, smartphone shipments are predicted to top 1 billion for the first time in 2014. This staggering number informs organisations that they should move into 2014 with a well thought out marketing plan that lays a heavy focus on mobile marketing. Further statistics by the IDC show that consumers won’t be satisfied if their mobile experience isn’t optimal. 46% of smartphone users will not return to a site if it did not work properly during their last visit. Businesses without a mobile site are therefore sure to miss out on almost half of their prospects.
Is 2014 going to be the year of mobile? Some predictions by the guardian show that mobile will be a priority for major companies. Many businesses, especially large-scale organisations are now relying on mobile marketing to be their number one marketing method.
There will also be changing ad models: due to different devices being used for various purposes, ads will have to be adapted so they fit with the device being used, whether it be a desktop computer, tablet or smart phone. Typically video ads for a smart phone would be shorter (about 5-10 seconds) compared to a desktop computer video ad which would be 30 seconds long.
Katharina Alf, head of Mobile department, Social Media Bayside Angels says that there has never been a better time for local businesses to start focussing on their mobile marketing efforts. Yellow pages and TV ads are no longer effective for businesses. Alf also says that businesses can only be successful by giving their customers what they want or need. This includes being up to date with the latest trends such as optimizing their online presence to mobile.
Katharina suggests some trends that should be taken up by local businesses in 2014 who might be slightly behind the large brands/organisations in terms of their mobile marketing.
Businesses should create a robust mobile strategy as well as improve user experience across all types of devices. They should also move from having a mobile friendly or no mobile site to having a mobile optimized website that makes it easier for customers and prospects to contact the business.
Another important step for local businesses is to focus on effective mobile SEO. A mobile marketing company could help them with that.
Mobile marketing campaigns such as text message marketing and using coupons can also be beneficial in making extra revenue.
The last thing Alf suggests is that businesses should consider creating an app for their business. As these are very popular they can be a highly effective marketing tool which can also make it easier to interact with customers.
Taking up these trends will help businesses to massively increase their revenue in 2014.
Mobile is growing at a tremendously fast rate and big organisations as well as smaller businesses are realizing that now is the time to catch up with the latest trends.
To find out more about how you can start 2014 with a great mobile optimized presence, go to www.socialmediabaysideangels..com.au
About Social Media Bayside Angels
Social Media Bayside Angels are a local mobile marketing and social media agency helping local business in Melbourne Bayside by offering services such as professional mobile website design, mobile marketing, mobile apps and social media management.