Mobile Marketing and SMBs

How Mobile Devices are Benefiting SMBs?

With the introduction of mobile devices, there is no dearth of opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Users are active almost all the time of the day and can connect to their devices anytime and anywhere. Users are searching information, buying products and services – whether it’s locating the nearest sushi restaurant or booking flights for their upcoming trip, with just a tap on their mobile devices [Fig.1].

Fig. 1

Online sales are estimated to increase to 62.2$ billion over the next three years and mobile driven online sales in the US are expected to reach 2.12$ billion in 2013 [Fig.2].

Fig. 2 (Survey by Voucher Codes Pro)

The businesses which are reaping rich dividends from the mobility era are SMBs. SMBs are exploring the new avenues to reach the potential customers and retain the existing ones. Small businesses are increasingly using mobile technology to be more approachable, productive and competitive. Many businesses are ensuring they are maximizing the use of mobile to improve customer engagement.

There are over 27 million small businesses in the US [Fig.3].

Fig. 3

And 85% of small businesses use smartphones to improve productivity of their business tasks [Fig.4]. A report, conducted by pollster YouGov, found that nearly one-fifth of small businesses in the U.S., Canada and Australia have experienced productivity gains of more than 30% after adopting mobile work styles.

Fig. 4

For 2013, IDC, a leading research firm predicts that U.S. small business adoption of tablet will grow 114% from 4.9 million to 10.4 million tablets.

According to the highlights of the Google Mobile research, “Mobile search is both always-on and on-the-go.” The research also found that three of four mobile searches trigger additional open-ended actions, such as, additional research (36%) or a website visit (25%), to more concrete conversions like a store visit (17%), a purchase (17%), or a phone call (7%).” [Fig.5]

Fig. 5

Businesses using mobile devices are deriving tremendous value out of it. Not only businesses, mobile devices such as, tablets are transforming the education sector as well. iPads, for instance, are considered as the best quality tablets available in the market for students by the L.A. Unified School District. Apple Inc. recently won a $30-million contract from the L.A. Unified School District, paving the way for the company to provide every student with an iPad in the nation's second-largest school system.

Many of the SMBs are opting for the usual e-commerce tricks — a website, online shopping cart and Facebook page — which help them in achieving their goals.  They are turning their attention increasingly towards mobile to engage social media-savvy customers who are ready to spread the word. Evie Poitevent, owner of Feet First, is using social media sites such as, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Snapette (a local fashion shopping app) accounts and frequently updates her customers with new products and promotions[Fig.6]. Users also communicate their requirements and views about the products, news shared on these social media profiles.

Fig. 6

Top Benefits of using mobile devices

Smartphones and Tablets have become an integral part of businesses. Figure 7 shows the benefits businesses are deriving by using these mobile devices. Mobile sites and mobile apps have become a common point for the businesses to reach their customers and communicate with them. 45% businesses say mobile devices help them in attracting new customers.

Fig. 7

From large corporations to local entrepreneurs are finding better opportunities on mobile, as they can use it to fit their business goals. Businesses are turning towards adopting this new technology which embodies a customer-centric culture.

For more information on mobile app development and marketing strategy send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com