Desktop or mobile? It’s a question that many market researchers ask when creating a digital marketing strategy. Truth be told, people access the internet fairly differently than they did just years ago. Smartphones, tablets, and other advanced digital devices have taken over the digital marketing world in a way that we can’t avoid – and neither can your business.

The Facts

Last year, Google announced that mobile search activity surpassed desktop search on both a national and global scale. And the activity continues to rise, so much so that by 2017, mobile traffic figures are expected to account for over for 60 percent of internet searches.

What It Means for Businesses

You might be asking, “What do these statistics mean for my business and how can I take advantage of mobile trends?” We’re glad you asked! While there are many digital marketing tips on the web, optimizing for mobile takes the cake.

Mobile search is now the front door to your store, which is why you will need to optimize your website and social media outlets for mobile. Optimizing for mobile is key to more lead generation. In fact, recent Google data shows that consumers worldwide tend to visit locations based off their mobile searches. This data shows that 30 percent of all mobile searches are related to location. And these searches don’t just lead to online sales – 76 percent of people who search for something nearby on their smartphones visit that location within a day, and 28 percent of those searches result in a purchase.

Tips for Mobile Optimization

What should a business owner do to optimize the experience of all these mobile users? We think these two tips are essential:

1. Create a responsive website – The most important tactic is making sure your website is mobile-friendly. The preferred method is a responsive website. Responsive websites automatically format to a user’s screen to show the proper view based on the device a user is accessing – desktop, tablet, or mobile.  A responsive site leads to a better user experience and makes it easy for consumers to navigate your site and contact you.  These sites are also more SEO friendly, as Google Search has made mobile-friendliness a ranking signal for organic mobile results. To see if your site is mobile-friendly, visit Google’s free tool.

2. Check your business information – Don’t forget to get your correct business hours, phone number, and directions on Google Search and Maps with a Google My Business listing. Be sure to also claim your company information page on other sites used for mobile searches, such as Yelp – where consumers search for local business information and reviews. Checking your business data helps your current and potential customers find you on mobile when they are ready to buy!

Whatever products and services you are selling, your on-the-go customers are looking for them. So put your best face forward by making sure your website and other web properties are as attractive and accurate as possible for these mobile users.

Here at Ferocious Media, our SEO Analysts, web developers, and social media experts work closely together to develop a strategy that puts you ahead of the digital marketing game. For more information about our search engine optimization, responsive web design, and social media marketing solutions.