The fact is that by 2014, tablet sales will have outsold desktop sales. Your customers are using their smart devices to purchase but are you really thinking mobile first when designing your sales and marketing strategy?
2013 has been a crucial year for mobile marketing and 2014 is just around the corner (already) and you need to make sure you are rapidly adapting to mobile marketing for your business. Did you know that out of the 7 billion people on Earth, there are more mobile phone users than those who use a toothbrush? So, what should you be focusing on for your mobile sales and marketing strategy?
1. A unique, fully branded mobile app.
Over a year ago I said that mobile applications was not the way forward for businesses and I was right to say so but now, we are in a new, semantic era where connecting with your customers where they shop is now the most important area of marketing and one way to do this is by creating your own mobile app. 51% of consumers say that they would want their favorite online purchasing sites to have a mobile version. If you’re consumers are saying this, you really need to listen.
2. Deals and Offers
Once you have an app and people are using it, to keep them interested you will need to offer them specific mobile offers. 3 out of 4 mobile users would prefer receiving promotional ads via text messages. Doing this will not only build relationships but give you the opportunity to reach a whole new audience.
3. Event Notifications
If you have a special event coming up to do with your business, all of your potential customers need to know about it, even those primarily using mobile. Make sure you tie in an offer or discount especially for them if this is suitable and fits with your marketing strategy.
4. Building Loyalty
When it comes to building relationships with new customers, loyalty is the most important part. If they don’t trust you as a business online in general, they certainly won’t through mobile. Make sure you do everything you can to fulfil their needs as a loyal customer is a lifetime customer.
5. Customer Referrals
If you have built customer loyalty, you will easily be able to receive customer referrals. If people are using your mobile app and reaping the benefits, why wouldn’t they share this with their friends? 90% of people will purchase a product that has been recommended by a friend so make sure your customers are recommending your business and even consider offering them something in return for doing this.
By 2016, the number of mobile phones in the world will outnumber the entire human population. Mobile purchases and mobile applications are on a constant increase and statistics show that there will be 309 billion app downloads by 2016. Will your business be one of them?