Over the last decade, online shopping has exploded in popularity. According to comScore and Statista, U.S. e-commerce sales grew from 72 billion U.S. dollars in 2002 to 256 billion in 2012. That’s an increase of more than 350%. And that number is expected to grow.
Now consider the fact that market predictions are estimating that there will be 115.8 million smartphone users in the US by the end of 2012, with that number growing to 176.3 million by 2015 (Source: eMarketer, 2012).
Smartphones make it easier for consumers to shop. If they’re not making purchases directly from a company’s mobile website or customized app, they’re researching products, reading reviews, looking up locations, and comparing prices.
Mobile shopping is one of the fastest growing trends in the technology space. And fortunately, it’s one of the least expensive investments a company can make to ensure they’re capitalizing on the trend. At least right now it is, while it’s still so new and before other companies catch on.
Here are just a few ways you can get ahead of the curve and make sure you’re ready for your mobile customers:
1. Get a mobile website. Just because a smartphone user can access your site doesn’t mean it’s easy for them to navigate it. This is a relatively easy and low-cost solution so there’s no reason why every company shouldn’t have a mobile-friendly website.
2. Improve your company’s ranking in search results. This will likely mean hiring an SEO expert, but considering that mobile search queries are expected to outnumber desktop search queries by 2016, then it’s money well spent. (Source: BIA/Kelsey report, 2012)
3. Once you’ve done tips 1 and 2, market your mobile assets. Even better, use mobile marketing tactics to do it. If you have a mobile website, promote it. For example, put QR codes on your signage – such as brochures, coupons, or company vehicles.
The more ways you provide for customers to interact with your business, the more interaction you will receive. And more interaction leads to more sales.
