During the last decade, mobile technology has completely shaped the way we conduct business. It’s no longer a question of “How much will smartphones and tablets benefit my oraganization?” but rather, “How long can it survive without them?”
If you’re still yet to embrace mobile technology, this guide will help you get started.
Retain an Active Presence on Social media
Mobile technology and social networks come hand-in-hand. Your business would not be complete without either of them. Of all the social networks, mobile-based Instagram is growing the fastest. While it only has 700 million active users, as opposed to Facebook’s two billion, engagement rates are roughly five times higher. Additionally, the competition isn’t so stiff. This is because many businesses still regard Instagram as the oddball, especially in B2B industries, and only 33% use it for marketing purposes.
LinkedIn is the most important B2B social network on the web and could be your fastest route towards getting your next client. People use LinkedIn to look for jobs, post jobs, find help, and communicate with influencers. With just a little promotion, your business could attract top clients, especially if you manage to establish your brand as a market leader within your industry. The mobile app can be particuarly useful if you’re trying to build up your name.
Start Taking Mobile-SEO Seriously
Statistics state that 71% of B2B researchers will conduct their initial searches online. Additionally, 84% of millennials, 76% of gen-x and 60% of baby boomers believe that a mobile device is crucial for B2B usage. What’s even more staggering is that more people now browse the Internet on mobile devices than on desktop computers. This means that more than half of that 71% will find your business through a mobile device.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade you’ll know that websites with top class search engine optimization (SEO) will always reign supreme. However, while it’s standard practice for businesses to have an
Mobile SEO is becoming more and more prevalent, particularly since Google announced plans earlier this year to switch to a mobile-first index. While the exact perimeters and ranking criteria of these changes aren’t yet public knowledge, you can still make preparations. By looking upon Google’s previous algorithm updates you can get a pretty good idea of what to do.
Format Your Emails for Mobile Phones
Email marketing is still one of the most important B2B marketing channels. Approximately 54% of all emails are opened on a mobile device; however, 53% of them are completely wasted because they’re either not formatted for mobile or the text is too small to read and interact with.
In short, you could be producing the best email copy out there, with amazing resources and a call to action that would wipe the floor of the competition if it were on a desktop, but simply not getting the clicks. In these circumstances no amount of split-testing, copy-tuning or graphic design will compensate.
Consider Getting Yourself an App
The prospect of buying a custom app may sound daunting, but it’s really nothing to fear. A decade ago – when iTunes was still in its infancy – it would have cost hundreds of thousands to devise, develop and distribute an app. Nowadays it can be achieved with just a few thousand pounds, perhaps a few hundred. If you want a cheap solution, consider buying a pre-coded app and simply changing the branding: color scheme, logo, etc.
Enhanced profitability is the most powerful advantage of embracing mobile technology. Even if your app doesn’t directly generate a profit, it may indirectly generate a profit. For example, if it streamlines your business, you’ll get more for your buck. Fundamentally, if clients find it easier to purchase your services, they’ll favor your company over competitors. Additionally, apps provide another step towards automation, which will help you reduce business costs and leave you more available to focus on revenue generating tasks.
Utilize Communications and Collaboration Applications
Slack, Skype, WhatsApp – there are a whole host of communication applications that will make your job easier and streamline your business. Many modern businesses have reported favorable results from allowing their employees to work remotely. Workers generally feel as though they can work more effectively without employers looking over their shoulder.
While it’s a scary prospect, permitting remote and flexible working hours demonstrates trust, which can significantly boost motivation and productivity in the workplace. Don’t be afraid to let your employees have a bit of control. Even if they don’t end up working conventional hours, it’s the end result that matters the most.
Start Using Cloud-Based Security
Access to crucial information is one of the primary benefits of mobile technology. There are thousands of applications available that will help you secure information about your business, clients and workforce. This information will be available to sales teams, allowing them to seize the moment when new opportunities arise. This high level of efficiency can be extremely powerful.
Managers often shy away from Cloud technology, preferring to store sensitive information in a storage space. However, most new mobile applications and storage facilities are Cloud-based and come with encryption that’s virtually unbreakable, minimizing the risk of theft or corruption. Additionally, harnessing Cloud technology will reduce your carbon footprint by turning certain tasks within your operation paperless.
If you haven’t started incorporating mobile technology into your business model already, there’s really no excuse not to. The cost of implementation need not be expensive. Of course, introducing new technology will always come with a steep learning curve; however, the end results will speak for themselves, leaving your business more profitable and streamlined than ever before.
