Amazon, eBay, and Zappos have known it for years: society is making a pronounced shift in its shopping habits, ditching weekend trips to the mall for free shipping promos and BOGO email campaigns.
More and more, the preference for convenience has overridden all else. Why try it on first when you can ship it back for free? I know more people with Prime and Google Express memberships than bus passes these days—and I live in San Francisco, so that’s saying something.
Why mobile matters
This shift from the cash register to the Buy Now button has transformed more than just the online world—it’s revolutionized the way we use our phones. You can buy shoes in the waiting room at the dentist’s. You can buy drapes at a Denny’s.
In 2013 alone, mobile retail reached $60 billion in sales, a figure that will only grow as the smartphone user base increases, according to research firm Javelin Strategy. And earlier this year, Pew Research found that 70% of adults ages 18-49 own smartphones, with 34% using them as their main browsing tool.
How can I make it work for me?
Despite the growth of this market, it’s proven daunting for small business owners to make the move. The common misconception among mom & pops is that lack of time, money, and technical experience will hinder any potential growth from online expansion. Fortunately, platforms like ours make it affordable and simple to modernize your business or your client’s. Here are 3 tips for making it work.
1. Be Responsive: Nothing turns off smartphone users quicker than a site that forces them to zoom & drag. Responsive design is crucial these days, and mobile websites make it easy for click-happy customers to navigate your site without the headache, boosting the odds of a purchase.
2. Perfect the Basics: Take a cue from the online big dogs. Keep your design simple and your images high-quality. Be clear on fees and estimated arrival, and offer free shipping when possible. Remember, your online sales will cover your costs if you put a little time into building it up.
3. Spread the Word: The mobile move doesn’t just attract new clients—it makes frequent shoppers more likely to buy. Advertise your mobile website and app in-store: post scannable QR codes, announce mobile-only deals, and encourage current customers to visit you online.
Our mobile websites and native apps feature the Merchandise tab: an easy-to-create and easy-to-manage system that puts you online faster than you can say “mini mall pretzel cart.” Contact us today and we’ll let you have the one with extra salt.
