Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/236289
FEATURE STORY By Brad Smith Take advantage of mobile marketing to reach your customer base W Mobile shopping Research indicates smartphone users are utilizing their handheld devices to do more than communicate with friends and family — they're actively researching prospective purchases. In fact, 64 percent4 of smartphone owners use their phones to shop online — and that number will continue to grow. In the days following Thanksgiving 2013, mobile commerce (mCommerce) accounted for roughly $90 million5 in sales — in just three days. In fact, 25 percent of all eCommerce purchases made on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) were made from mobile devices. This shows shoppers are increasingly turning to their phones as their primary online shopping tool; they are comfortable using their phones to shop for the products they need — no matter how large or small they may be. These facts make it pretty clear that you need to make sure your website is optimized for mobile so that you can create a shopping experience that is enjoyable, easy and interactive. One question to ask yourself: What does your current website say to mobile visitors? Is it immediately enticing, depicting the products and deals you offer in an organized format? Does it communicate your brand? Make your mobile site one that smartphone shoppers don't want to pass by. Give them a reason to browse on your site. Remember, all it takes is the swipe of a finger on a screen to lose a mobile customer. Think of your mobile store in the same way you would think of your brick-and-mortar store. If someone walks into your store, are they able to clearly see the top products you offer? Can they easily navigate around the space? That same concept should apply to your mobile site. Give online customers a reason to "walk in," 24 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Is a potential customer able to call you with the click of a button? Giving them the opportunity to do so will increase your opportunities to engage with that customer, which is likely to result in traffic and sales in your brick-and-mortar store. www.outdoorpowerequipment.com Image ©istockphoto.com/mathisworks ith mobile eclipsing desktops and televisions as the first screen for 46 percent1 of 18- to 34year-olds, optimizing your marketing for mobile consumption is no longer optional. This younger demographic isn't alone in its love for all things mobile: In 2013, 96 percent2 of the global population — 6.8 billion people — were active mobile users. Each year, more and more of those mobile users are switching to smartphones. By 2015, more than 80 percent3 of cell phone users in the United States are expected to make the transition. Ready to go mobile? Read on to learn how you can cash in on the growing number of consumers shopping on their mobile devices.