Given that 80% of today’s consumers use smartphones for shopping, establishing a mobile presence is essential. Many businesses are now creating “virtual storefronts”—online stores without physical locations—allowing customers to shop from their smartphones wherever they are. If your business isn’t preparing for this mobile shift, it risks falling behind. Let’s explore some strategies for small businesses to establish a foothold in the mobile market.
Is your Website Smartphone Compatible?
Mobile industry data reveals that 56% of people find shopping on mobile devices more enjoyable. If your website isn’t optimized for smartphones, you could be missing out on a significant segment of the “shop and click” audience. In an era of instant gratification, customers might abandon your site if it’s slow to load, hard to navigate, or doesn’t support mobile wallet payments. To boost mobile retail success, design a mobile-friendly version of your site aimed at smartphone users. If your current site is already simple and clean, you may only need minor adjustments. However, if your site is rich in graphics and details, you might need to develop a separate, mobile-specific version.
Building a Mobile Presence with Social Media
With 78-84% of consumers using social networks to research new products, establishing a strong social media presence is crucial in the mobile marketplace. If your business isn't on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram, you’re missing out on key marketing opportunities. Many customers discover products through social media and then visit company websites after exploring them on these platforms. By actively engaging on social media, you can keep your audience interested in your products or services, driving more traffic to both your website and physical stores.
Click-to-Call: Phone Traffic and the Mobile Web
One of the significant advantages of the mobile marketplace is how effortlessly customers can connect with your business. With click-to-call links, visitors to your mobile site can reach a service representative without having to manually dial your business number. As traffic to your mobile site increases, so will the volume of incoming calls, so it's important to ensure your telecommunications are up to date. Many businesses are also adopting VoIP technology to enhance customer service through direct communication. For example, features like the Kindle Fire’s live tech support enable consumers to have face-to-face conversations with customer service representatives, reducing the risk of miscommunication and confusion that can arise from less direct forms of contact.
App Development
Retail apps capture the largest share of consumer time, with 27% of mobile smartphone users shopping through app-based retail stores instead of online or in physical stores. Creating an app for your business provides customers with round-the-clock, one-click access, which can drive impulse purchases. Many retail apps attract users by offering exclusive deals and coupons, encouraging repeat visits. If you're working with a limited budget, platforms like Appmakr can help you develop an app affordably.
