It’s not a matter of if you go mobile… you have to do it now!

Wherever you look there are surveys throwing big figures around about small business and mobile marketing. Here are just a few that I’ve come across:

• How many mobile apps do small businesses use regularly? Seven productivity apps and four business apps
• Small businesses equip 83% of their workforce with mobile devices
• Average spend on app development for SMEs? In 2012, $14,244 and in 2013 it’s estimated to be $17,947
• Average spend on mobile management for SMEs? In 2012, $1,940 and in 2013 it’s estimated to be $2,325
• There are 489,374 Android apps in use (July 2012)
• Worldwide number of users of mobile banking and related services is forecasted to grow from 55 million in 2009 to 894 million in 2015, which means this becomes part of our everyday transaction channel as consumers and business owners.
• 14.7% of respondents reported having a mobile website, with another 22% saying they intend to add one within the next 12 months. The figure represents a healthy rise from the 8.7% of SMEs that reported having a mobile website during the Q4 2011 survey (Source: BIA/Kelsey’s Local Commerce Monitor).

Start planning NOW!

Develop a mobility strategy:

• Address short-term challenges within a framework for long-term success
• Partner with vendors that can help you plan for success and avoid pitfalls
• Create an integrated and flexible approach

Benefits

For your staff:

• Employees can work any time, any place
• Better access to information
• Improves productivity
• Collaboration with shared calendars, emails and contacts

For lead generation:

• Faster response times
• Better customer service
• eCommerce – purchasing channel

For your marketing:

• Social media marketing execution easier and faster
• Customer relationships
• Get information fast
• Mobile-friendly website
• Mobile apps to share more information be more useful in the purchasing funnel
• Mobile apps to build community and conversation

Building apps:

• Off the shelf
• Use a geek pal
• Use apps from app store

Fi Bendall is the managing director of digital and interactive consultancy company Bendalls Group. With over 20 years’ experience, Bendall has worked with global brands including BBC and Virgin, and is an expert in how businesses can approach strategy in the digital world. You can follow her on Twitter at @FiBendall, and can contact her through Bendalls Group.