The mobile device market is growing exponentially. This is due in part to the increase in the number of people who have smartphones, which is almost half, if not more, of the population of the world. With this technology growing at such a rapid pace, it’s clear that businesses need to seriously consider going mobile.
That’s why it’s important to assess the benefits and drawbacks of a business going mobile to help you make a more informed decision on whether it’s worth it to invest in this technology. Here are some reasons that may convince you to go mobile:
1. Effective Communication with Customers and Staff
One of the biggest reasons why you might choose to go mobile is because of the ability it provides you and your staff to be more effective in communicating with customers. Whether you’re on the ground or mobile, you can send or receive messages to and from customers easily.
This allows you to keep your customers up-to-date with the latest selling information, any relevant sales specials, or other promotional announcements. When you use a mobile device to communicate with staff behind the scenes, you can keep your team better informed and ready to handle tasks more efficiently.
2. An Accessible Sales Channel
Mobile communication is a great way to promote your business and has the potential to become an accessible sales channel. With mobile devices, you can search for businesses in your area right from your device, which is beneficial when you’re on the go.
This will let you potentially discover new customers in an instant without having to search for them first. You also have the advantage of being able to make sales directly from your location or offline, which is easier for customers who might not have cash on hand.
Phones are also a great way to receive orders in advance, which can come in handy if you’re headed to an area where your customer’s business is located. And if you use an app-building tool for community platforms, you can even create a mobile app that puts your business card in the palm of your customers’ hands.
3. Awareness of Your Products and Services
With most mobile devices being handheld, it makes it easy for you to provide fast and accurate information about your products or services. If a customer is on the fence about a purchase but finds the information they need easily on their mobile device, it will likely help them decide to buy.
And when customers have the option of asking questions on the spot with your business’s app, it gives them a sense of trust in your company, so they can feel more comfortable about making purchases. It will also help to build an online community where customers can share their experiences with your business, which is a great way for others to discover what you’re all about.
4. Improved Efficiency in Operations
Mobile devices can be used to improve the efficiency of your operations by having everything you need right at your fingertips. Whether you’re on- or off-site, it’s easier to stay on top of the day-to-day activities that are associated with running a business.
You can process payments, monitor inventory, update your schedule, or handle any other necessary tasks that are available on your mobile device. When you’re mobile, this allows you to complete work while on the go for a more efficient workflow. Even if your business isn’t mobile, you can still have the ability to complete tasks from anywhere with a virtual office setup.
5. Extended Reach to New Customers
One of the great benefits of going mobile is that you’re able to open up new doors for connecting with potential customers. With a mobile website or an app for your business, you can draw attention to your products or services on an international level.
If you can make your business accessible to customers from all over the world, you’ll be able to experience a larger volume of sales. Plus, this can also help you reach a broader range of customers who may be interested in learning about your company and what you have to offer.
Judging by the projections, it’s clear that there are strong arguments for any business to go mobile. The trends in the mobile phone market are undoubtedly supporting this idea that all businesses should be considering how they can go mobile to stay competitive.
It will be interesting to see how the app economy develops over time and if consumers continue their trend of spending more time on their phones versus traditional computer devices. One thing is certain: Businesses who use apps responsibly will have an edge in this cultural move — away from desktop computers and laptops.
