Mobile as the hub of connectivity and what it means for your business

Steve Jobs boldly predicted that the future of technology lies in portable computing devices like tablets and smartphones. “Mobile is the new desktop” is the new mantra. There is little denying this evidence. According to a 2012 forecast from the International Data Corporation, smart device shipments (tablets and smartphones combined) will out-ship PCs by more than two to one. In 2011 alone, smartphone sales surpassed PC sales by a large margin.

Smartphones and tablets have become the hub of connectivity and the integrating component of consumers’ multiplatform lives. Although desktops won’t be going extinct so soon, the role of these mobile devices has far exceeded their main purpose as a substitute computing device. This development is reflected both in qualitative and quantitative terms—in the number of consumers and amount of time they spend using their mobile devices on a daily basis, and in the way these devices have become indispensable for them. Mobile devices have become some sort of universal remote control for work and everyday tasks. What does this mean for businesses and their online presence?

Mobile as the new desktop:

Raises awareness of the changing nature of communication

The channels of communication are changing far more rapidly for the past few years than it did a decade or more ago. Businesses need to understand that this is more than just a technology shift. It also means changes in how people connect with each other and how content gets across.

Continues to transform the ways of digital marketing

Consumers easily get bored and weary of same old, same old marketing techniques. Even new tricks turn sour within a short time. Going mobile opens a whole new world of marketing potential, allowing businesses to engage with their target audience in new ways.

Affects consumers’ purchasing attitudes

In a deeper level, the shift also affects the path to purchase which can go both ways. It might be disruptive for marketing or it might be beneficial to businesses well-prepared to roll with the changes. Consumers’ ease of connectivity also means that they’re just a click away from making purchases, going to virtual stores from physical ones, and jumping from one online merchant to another. One thing is for sure: consumers will always be in the market for something. As a result, marketers need to be constantly on their toes, thinking of new effective ways to engage potential customers to consider their brand, product, service, or store. This applies to both virtual and on-the-venue transactions.

Gives power to the well-informed consumer

The most popular mobile activities are social media networking and content sharing. These two activities give consumers the power to voice their opinions and promote, recommend, or review your business. The more positive exposure you get, the better for your business. But if you get negative reception, you can still turn that into a positive outcome by listening to what your customers are saying and improving your business.