How important is the Mobile Internet and Mobile Search to your Website?

The perception is that accessing websites can only be done from a PC.  The reality of it is that the mobile world is expanding, possibly exploding and there is a list of alternative methods to searching, accessing and interacting with the internet.

The mobile internet started with WAP (wireless application protocol) and back then it was a small benefit, perhaps even a mobile toy. The bandwidths that the WAP used were very low and dial up internet was a fast connection.  These days the bandwidths are much bigger, there have been more technology advancements and more mobiles that demand a better data service. The interest in Smartphone’s, iPhones, Nokia N-Series and PDAs has kicked off a new mobile age, and businesses and their websites have to make sure that they are compliant.

The mobile internet is not for the select few, it’s available for almost all mobile phones, and sometimes is included into the line rental. The key advantage that the mobile internet has over the desktop internet is that it is mobile. The quick internet search is immediate and the results are with you in seconds, making impulse buying a bit easier, and making more sales for your business.

Marketers are aware that the internet is a very powerful tool, but do businesses? The mobile internet and the mobile search engine is an opportunity to swop email campaigns for SMS marketing, integrated media and links. There is also the facility that mobiles can be targeted within a geographical radius, informing them of a special offer, opening hours, contact details and the website URL, all to their mobile.

Combining these methods with PPC and SEO will improve traffic to website. Designing a mobile friendly site is also vital. When users click on a preferred result from a search engine,the site needs to load promptly before the user decides to select their second result, and if the search is on a PPC search, it’s chargeable.

You might be thinking from a business point of view that the explosion has already happened. However, with the increase in Smartphone sales, tablet computers, and even the Microsoft Windows 7 phone, it’s a serious avenue to ignore. Mobile search and internet won’t replace the stationary desktop method, but it is showing growth, and it’s not a saturated market either.

In a way the mobile internet has freed up the internet for more innovations and new brand names, it has not been taken over by Google or by anybody else. A technical manager, webmaster or even an in house marketing team would need to be very brave to ignore this potential traffic.

Yahoo Mobile Search Results to Include Getjar Apps

Yahoo has entered into new territory by being the first search engine to team up with Getjar and add its mobile apps into mobile search results.

Getjar has had over 1 billion downloads to date and currently sit in second place behind the Apple App Store when it comes to app stores.  The difference with getjar is the ability to deliver apps for both feature and smartphones across all the major operating systems.  In fact, Getjar’s app store currently has 75,000 apps available for download.

Anybody searching for apps on Yahoo mobile will now be presented with results pushing them to Getjar’s app store.

According to Getjar CEO, Ilja Laurs, the partnership has been formed to fulfil the increased demand for apps by mobile users.  It is also a ploy to attract app developers.

Getjar has recently been trying out new business models.  Last month they agreed a deal with Glu, the games publisher, on the basis that the app store could charge premium brands for placement of their apps.

On October 15^th Getjar offered users a free Android version of Angry Birds.  This offer resulted in the app being downloaded over 1 million times in one day.

Could SKYPE replace current business communication channels, including core Telemarketing activities?

SKYPE is a software facility that allows phone calls to be made over the internet. Calls can be made to mobiles and landlines (with the appropriate subscription) all over the world. Other services that SKYPE offers include instant messaging (IM) and video conferencing.

The set up that SKYPE have is unlike other Voice over IP (VOIP) services because there are no servers involved in the calls.  The SKYPE software that is downloaded onto your PC or mobile device is the gateway for all its services.

Traditionally SKYPE was only accessible from a PC that has an internet connection. Time has moved on and now manufacturers have included SKYPE onto many mobile devices and computers.

Following that, SKYPE is also accessible from a WiFi area. A SKYPE app was released for download from iTunes for the Apple iPhone.  This emphasis in alternative communication launched a whole series of SKYPE handsets products generically called SKYPE WiFi Phone.

With the appropriate subscription package, a SKYPE WiFi Phone and an internet connection, calls can be made to a mobile or landline anywhere in the world. In addition, if your PC has a webcam, the facility to engage in a more personal video call is available, for 2 or more people, while sending IM to invite other contacts that you have included onto your contact list in the call or conversation.

In a classic business office would SKYPE calls be useful? Would it be easier to close deals using a video call and not a traditional phone call? Could marketing information from a sample of people be more effective if they could see who they were dealing with? So, calls and video conferencing can be made from your work by using your PC, potentially saving money but also adding more value to an activity. I also include that a call between two SKYPE members is free!

SKYPE will be included onto business cards, default signatures on emails, pre-recorded voice mail boxes, website ‘contact us’ pages and company signage before we know it. Advertising a SKYPE contact is vital when trying to open doors for potential customers or new business prospects.

With this new channel online and established, the telemarketing activities and marketing campaigns may include an automated voice mail message or IM to a SKYPE audience. This message would include a return SKYPE username for the selected audience and return the message via IM or call. The benefit to the business is a new captive audience and the return IM or call from the audience would be free!

UK Mobile Web Usage Rockets 247%

The use of the web on mobile phones has rocketed in the last year.  According to a report by digital agency Tamar, mobile search traffic within the UK has increased by 247%.  Even though this a huge increase, mobile web use only accounts for 3% of all internet use.

The study also reports that the take up of smartphones has increased to 70%.  It’s believed this has mainly been down to the availability of handsets equipped with Android.

A recent survey to determine mobile web usage found that 14% of those that took part in the survey (18-24 and 25-34 year old groups) carried out a minimum of one mobile web search a day.

Tamar also attributed the rocket in mobile internet use to the launch of the Apple iPad.

Tanya Goodin, CEO of Tamar, said, “Brands will need to revisit their search strategies to implement responsive engagement with their consumers that addresses not only the continual evolution of the search engines but also the migration of users to mobile search.”