Your customers are a dynamic bunch. They aren't content with the status quo, they jump on new technology and embrace the next new thing. But where does that leave you? Sure, you have a website, you knew you'd need that. You have a Facebook page, Instagram account and Tweet all of your sales, but it still isn't enough. If you can't get them to access you through their mobile device, you could lose them to a competitor who can. It's not as daunting as you may think.
When you first put up your website you worried that it would be prohibitively expensive and you discovered that it wasn't as bad as you thought. You thought the same thing with all of your social media pages and they turned out all right, didn't they? These days, the problem is there are simply so many ways to reach a customer and for that customer to reach you, that you aren't going to be able to master them all but there are plenty of simple steps you can take to get to the top of their mobile list.
Mobile Website
When potential customers access your website from their smart phone or their tablet, they don't necessarily want to see your desktop-optimized site. The writing will be too small as will the pictures, and forget about being able to order anything.
So what can you do? You can tweak your standard site to detect mobile devices and redirect the customer to a page optimized for mobile devices. This is a simple solution. You don't have to come up with an app, you don't have to redesign your entire website, you just have to send the people directly to a page that has big fonts, minimal data entry, maximum information automatically filled in and a simple way to navigate the site.
How Mobile Do You Want to Go?
You don't have to have a full service mobile site to attract and retain your customers. To a large extent that depends on what type of business you are. If you want people to be able to purchase items from their mobile devices, you should have an app for that. The app can be optimized not only for screen sizes and device types, but can also have buttons that make payment easier and safer. Consumers are increasingly concerned about safety of their personal information and you should be too.
If you sell services such as legal advice or are a real estate agent, you might want to consider a simple, efficient way to meet clients without inconveniencing them with a trip to your office simply to discuss what business you might have. If a potential client could have online meeting apps like conference calling, screen sharing on an iPhone then it would be easier for you to discuss what you could do for them if hired,rather than have to trek to your office and take off work to do it, which do you think the potential client would prefer?
In real estate that's an excellent option. As you find properties for the client to consider, you can have them conference in and you can share the picture of the property and answer any questions while you're both viewing it. It saves you time and your client time and your time can then be better put to use finding more properties that suit your client's needs.
Texting
Texting can be a very effective marketing tool, but it can also work to your detriment if not handled properly. If you want to text people for marketing purposes, don't just start doing it because you have their number, when they are in your shop or on your site, ask if they would like to sign up. Give them the option of choosing what they will agree to receive (coupons, offers, sale notices) and how frequently they want to receive them. Remember that not all plans are the same and some people still have limited text messaging abilities.
If you're going to market through texting, research finds that those who are prompted to buy through a text respond best to offers that make them feel special or that won't last long. So for example, send a text for a deal that expires in a short time period, or make a deal exclusive to those who receive the text. People like to feel special and also like to show that they've somehow beaten if not the system, at least their friends.
Testing 1, 2, 3
Whatever route you choose to take to get your mobile presence out there, don't roll it out until you've thoroughly tested it. This doesn't mean just looking at it through your phone or your tablet, really test it. If you sell something with it, make sure every sales avenue works. Get your friends to try out the features with their devices or enlist your loyal customers to test your beta version. Give them a coupon or something free for testing and commenting on their experience. And be sure to ask for suggestions; some will be off the wall, but others will be spot on.