The Mobile Disconnect: 4 Things Small Businesses Can Do to Create Big Opportunities!

Many large companies are taking advantage of the great opportunities the mobile web provides. They are optimizing their existing sites for mobile, they’re tapping into mobile advertising, mobile landing pages, mobile applications, and so much more. Conversely, smaller businesses are on the exact opposite end of the spectrum; they are not adopting this technology as readily as their larger counterparts.

With 5 billion mobile subscribers, no one can any longer deny the power of the mobile web! Compare that to only 1.7 billion PC’s in use. 87% of mobile users access the mobile web more than once a day, and more than half access at least 5 times per day. There is an 85% year over year increase in overall smartphone ownership. The statistics are astounding.

      Mobile Users to Exceed Desktop Internet Users by 2014  
          source: Morgan Stanley Research

It’s time small businesses STOP missing out on big opportunities!

People are constantly ‘on the go’, but they always have their cell phones. Whether they’re looking for a place to eat, searching for the nearest towing service, or even their nearest ATM location, they are using their mobile phones to do it. It shouldn’t just be the big businesses that get ahead. Small businesses need to take advantage of this opportunity – it’s not going away, it’s only getting bigger.

Here are 4 things you can do to start taking advantage of the Mobile Web:

1.  Coupons - Upload a coupon to your mobile site. Visitors can show the cashier their mobile phone at check-out to redeem discount. Coupons are easy to create and they can be rotated out as new offers become available.

2.  Gift Card Balance – If you offer gift cards, your mobile website can have a feature allowing customers to check their balance via their mobile phone. This is a convenient feature for your customers and also gives them another reason to frequent your website to find out what’s new.

3.  Menu’s/Services – Do you have a menu or list of services provided? Users can view your menu or services quickly no matter where they are.

4.  Appointments/Reservations – Customers can schedule an appointment with you via your mobile website, even after business hours. Customer’s like to know you’re easily within reach, and with a mobile appointment or reservation calendar, they have access any time, any day.

It’s time to make your presence known on the mobile web. Chances are, you’ll be the first to take advantage of this space before your competitors. Millions of potential customers are waiting on the other end. Even if you start with a small mobile landing page, that’s better than not being visible at all. To begin, ask yourself these questions:
1. What are the top reasons people would search for your business? Your contact information is the most obvious piece of information you’d want to include, but what are some others?
2. What do people often do on your existing site they could also do via the mobile web? Do they purchase products? Access accounts for online transactions? Book online? Maybe they check recent news and updates. Think of your unique capabilities.

In summary, your customers and potential customers are mobile whether you are or not. If you are not interacting with them on the mobile web, then someone else is. The good news is that you can take control of your brand and make a splash in the mobile space. Your customers will notice.