Introduction
Reaching customers on their mobile devices has become increasingly important in local advertising. With the widespread use of smartphones and the constant connectivity they provide, businesses can no longer afford to ignore the mobile advertising channel. In this article, we will explore why it is crucial for businesses to target customers on their mobiles when advertising locally.
Increased Mobile Usage
Rise in smartphone ownership: The number of smartphone users has been steadily increasing over the years, with a significant portion of the population now relying on their mobile devices for various tasks. According to Statista, the global smartphone user base is projected to reach 3.8 billion by 2021.
Mobile as the primary internet access point: For many people, especially in developing countries, mobile devices are their primary means of accessing the internet. This trend is also prevalent in local communities, where individuals rely heavily on their smartphones to search for local businesses and services.
Location-Based Targeting
Relevance to local customers: Mobile advertising allows businesses to target customers based on their location. This means that businesses can tailor their advertisements to specific geographic areas, ensuring that they reach the right audience. For local businesses, this is particularly valuable as it enables them to connect with potential customers who are nearby and more likely to visit their physical store.
Increased engagement: By reaching customers on their mobile devices, businesses can engage with them in real-time. For example, they can send push notifications with personalized offers or promotions when customers are in close proximity to their store. This level of immediacy and relevance can significantly increase customer engagement and drive foot traffic to local businesses.
Mobile-Friendly User Experience
Responsive design: Mobile advertising requires businesses to create mobile-friendly websites and landing pages. This means optimizing the design and layout for smaller screens, ensuring fast loading times, and providing a seamless user experience. A mobile-friendly website is essential for capturing and retaining the attention of mobile users, as they are more likely to abandon a site that is not optimized for their devices.
Mobile apps: In addition to mobile websites, businesses can also develop mobile apps to further enhance the user experience. Mobile apps provide a dedicated platform for customers to interact with a business, offering features such as loyalty programs, personalized recommendations, and easy access to contact information. By offering a convenient and user-friendly mobile app, businesses can strengthen their relationship with local customers and encourage repeat business.
Tracking and Analytics
Measurable results: Mobile advertising platforms provide businesses with robust tracking and analytics capabilities. This allows them to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns, track user engagement, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior. By analyzing this data, businesses can refine their advertising strategies, optimize their targeting, and improve their overall return on investment.
Retargeting opportunities: Mobile advertising also enables businesses to retarget customers who have previously interacted with their brand. By leveraging data collected from mobile apps and websites, businesses can deliver personalized advertisements to users who have shown interest in their products or services. This tailored approach increases the chances of conversion and customer retention.
Conclusion
In today’s mobile-centric world, reaching customers on their mobile devices is crucial for local businesses. The increased mobile usage, location-based targeting, mobile-friendly user experience, and tracking and analytics capabilities all contribute to the importance of mobile advertising in the local context. By embracing mobile advertising, businesses can effectively connect with their target audience, drive engagement, and achieve their marketing goals.
References
1. Statista: statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/
2. Think with Google: thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-resources/micro-moments/mobile-usage-statistics/
3. Business.com: business.com/articles/why-mobile-marketing-is-important-for-small-businesses/