During the last three to five years the of having a mobile presence for a local economy has grown enormously. Following the arrival of Apple’s iPhone the

mobile web has now begun to become more like the desktop web and this explains why businesses both large and small must be tuned in to mobile marketing.

These days cellphones (and now tablets) have taken over as a crucial aspect of most peoples lives, allowing us to keep in communication with others regardless of where on our planet they

are. We now do not need to carry about bulky, awkward equipment such as a laptop or notebook computer..

So how can we explain why mobile websites have evolved into such a crucial tool for any business to make their presence known? Let’s review some of the reasons:

Before mobile, when it came to holding video conferences, companies would be restricted to carrying them out on a desktop PC or portable computer with bulky screens. Not very portable!

But the video capabilities of portable gadgets such as the iPhone 4 have now made it a no brainer to set up and engage in “meetings on the go” just about anywhere.

With proximity marketing, retail establishments can send messages a customer’s mobile devices in a geotargeted fashion, thus connecting with only the customers in their vicinity.

When it comes to individual use, think about the single thing most people wouldn’t dream of leaving home without. Chances are, it’s their mobile device. No matter where they’re headed, people

always insist on having their mobile phone in hand. If it is not in a pocket or purse, it’s generally in reach and prepared for action.

It’s become quite commonplace for people to browse the web while waiting waiting for friends or standing in line. Even though it’s frowned upon to have a

conversation on your phone while in a diner or bar, even this is becoming more acceptable. And in spite of the danger (and sometimes the law!), we all know folks who scan the mobile web while driving!

People can still share their thoughts without affecting the peace of others by sending e-mails and SMS messages through their mobile devices.

While going about our business, we’ve all become more accustomed to using search sites like Google to do numerous tasks such as finding the address of a certain

diner or to find the nearest gas station. And as Google keeps making it to get answers to such questions,

more of us will use our mobile gadgets to

find what we need and desire.

When you fuse together local search and a mobile site for your local business, suddenly, you’re catapulted leaps and bounds beyond your competitors. You get TONS of new buyers, and your established

clients engage with you more frequently.

So when they search for YOUR business on mobile, will you be ready?

Customers don’t like having to scroll around to view your website on a small screen. If you do not have a compact, mobile-optimized verion of your website,

buyers will look for a rival who does.

When it comes to creating a mobile website for your business there are numerous different methods by which this can accomplished. The most basic necessity is a straightforward home page with

essential contact details and a link to your full site. But to captivate and wow your consumer, it’s best to have an expertly developed custom mobile web site.

Dr. Carolyn Schweitzer is a family dentist and owner of upingo.com, a corporation that helps local companies establish local mobile marketing campaigns. At Upingo, we’ll help you appraise where you are now, and work with you on developing your mobile marketing strategy. If you’re uncertain what form your mobile site should take, contact usl and we can assist you to ascertain what is optimal you.

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