On average, mobile users spend 69% of their total media time each day on smartphones. That means that over half of their individual screen time is on a device no bigger than the palm of their hands that follows them throughout the day as they make all types of purchase-related decisions and research. Mobile ad spend is on the rise, too. A recent study confirms that by 2019, 72% of all ad spend will be geared towards mobile.
So what does that mean for you? Well – if you aren’t currently buying into a strategy that incorporates mobile, not only are you behind the curve, but you’re also missing out on a significant opportunity to influence prospects.
Here are a few ways that you can boost your mobile marketing strategy:
1. First Thing’s First: Your Website
It’s always a good idea to build your strategy from the ground up. Ground zero is your website. That is where users will come to research you, and it is where they may ultimately decide to buy from you. So how do you put your best foot forward in a mobile-first world? Not only will your site affect your placement on search engines, but it will also often be a prospect’s first interaction with you and your brand. For a local business, making sure your location and contact information is front and center should be priority one. Be sure a user can find or call you without having to scroll. Load times should be lightning fast, and everything, including pictures, should be able to adapt to mobile screen resolutions.
2. Get Hip to Mobile Search
Nearly 60% of searches with commercial intent begin on mobile. Mobile search is especially important for local business since users often search from their phones when they are looking to visit you that same day. You can use pay per click advertisements to get in front of online traffic.
3. Choose Your Audience with Geofencing
Mobile phones give advertisers the opportunity to target prospects based on location. By using geofencing, you can target your competitors or other area businesses that serve your ideal demographic. You can even set time constraints around the campaign to target a particular event such as a conference or festival. These ads appear to users in the apps on their phone for up to 30 days after they are initially targeted.
4. “Likes” Matter
As more of our social interactions take place online, social media will continue to have a greater influence on our purchase decisions. In the U.S., most of our mobile time is spent interacting with social media sites. That means one easy way to develop your mobile strategy is to optimize your Facebook and Instagram ads for mobile. Engaging ads will make all the difference.
As mobile continues its trek towards digital world domination, you can stay on top of your game by taking advantage of these mobile-minded strategies. Remember that small steps can make a big difference. Central States Marketing is here to help if you have questions!