Who are the Top Mobile Retailers?

According to a new report from Foresee Results, a customer satisfaction study of top retail mobile sites and apps shows that Apple.com is the top mobile retailer with consumers. Amazon.com came in a close second.

The average mobile satisfaction score for the 16 retailers measured in the report is 76, compared to 79 for the same companies’ websites.  However, a few companies had comparable performance on mobile and web: Apple (which had a mobile score two points higher than its web score), Toys “R” Us, Best Buy, Staples, Netflix, Dell, and Blockbuster.  Others reveal large gaps between the website and the mobile experience, including Avon (satisfaction 8 points lower on mobile) and Walmart (7 points lower). 

I believe what this study shows is that Mobile is becoming a very large part of the marketing scheme for all the big name players.  Further, those making the mobile experience better for their customers will have an advantage in the future as Mobile marketing and Mobile Apps continue to be used with ever increasing regularity.

So again, not only do you need a Mobile marketing plan and a Branded Mobile App but you also have to make sure that the customer experience when utilizing these new marketing tools is a positive experience that will lend itself to further use and revenue generation.

Cheers.
Mobile App Man.

18% of people who scan QR Codes MAKE A PURCHASE!

In a  recent poll,  Chadwick Martin Bailey , a market research provider,  found that 18 percent of people who scan a QR code into their mobile device (smart phone) MAKE A PURCHASE after scanning!

That is a HUGE click through number!  18 percent !!  Almost 1 out of every 5 people make a purchase!

CMB also notes that nearly 80 percent of survey repsondents have heard of QR codes although many were not sure exactly what they do or what they are used for. 

Even more positive results as to the effectiveness of QR codes was seen, as CMB found that nearly 50 percent of smart phone users had scanned a QR code.

So it seems obvious from this poll that QR codes have made their way into the public eye and are being scanned not only on a regular basis but also on an increasing level by consumers.

Here at SearchPoint Marketing we can help you put together a great QR code promotion and also help you put QR codes into your overall Mobile Marketing scheme.

Just another way to attract the public, gain attention for your product or service, and INCREASE YOUR REVENUE in 2012.

Cheers, 

Mobile App Man                                                                                                                                                                                     

Mobile set to Dominate in 2012. Is YOUR Buisness ready?

Happy New Year!

I have been telling my customers for months that they need to focus on Mobile in order to increase sales and revenue because that is where the market (and their customers) are headed. I have also been saying that a Branded Mobile App is the tool necessary for keeping up with the coming mobile explosion and the revenue that will come with it.

The article below, from Business Insider, confirms everything I have been saying and then some.

So it begs repeating;  If you want to compete in you local marketplace you NEED to Invest in a Mobile strategy and with that Mobile strategy comes a Mobile Website and a Mobile App.  The businesses who Invest in Mobile in 2012 are going to see huge increases in traffic and revenue, and those who don't, like during the Internet explosion of the 90's, will be left behind to pick up the scraps.

Don't be a scrap picker-upper.  Let's talk about your Mobile Strategy.

Cheers.
Mobile App Man

What Makes a Succesful Business App?

Branded Mobile Apps have become ubiquitous with big retail. Why? Because companies like Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Target and many others saw the telltale signs of the tremendous growth in mobile devices and realized that with that tremendous growth there would be a tremendous OPPORTUNITY to generate more REVENUE through Branded Mobile Apps.

That foresight has helped retailers like eBay, Kohl's, Papa Johns Pizza and Starbucks, to name but a few, rake in BILLIONS of retail dollars in the last year alone. And the rise of mobile devices as well as Mobile Marketing is just getting started. In the next few years the experts expect mobile to take over and even REPLACE THE PC AND DESKTOP as the main portal to the Internet and world wide web for consumers.

Seeing the astounding facts and figures keep rolling in has spurred many smaller businesses to take notice, and many are rushing to get in on the new mega-trend.

One problem facing these businesses is the lack of good information and data that tells what makes a good business or retail App.  Which features work, which don't?  Which feature are must-haves and which can be left out? Should an App be all business or should it have some engaging and entertaining features?

I address these questions and more below, allowing the small business owner the information needed to make informed choices when purchasing a Branded App for their business.

User Experience and Entertainment.

• Is the App playable and/or engaging?
• Does it make people laugh?
• Does it give your customers access to great content?
• Does it have a polished look and feel?
• Does it give the user a unique experience?

Content Evolution and/or Longevity

• Does the content update and/or evolve over time?
• Can content be added and/or improved through user interaction?
• Does the content have a lasting appeal?
• Can the content be used as a reference tool?

Originality

• Does the App solve a unique problem?
• Does it appeal to a specific or Niche audience?
• Is it new, innovative or greatly enhance an existing idea?

Utility and Functionality.

• Is it useful, usable and pleasing to the customer?
• Is it designed around the inherent qualities of the mobile device?
• Does it offer something a website or  PC App can't?
• Is it easy to understand and navigate?

If your Branded Business App has all (or at least most) of the features listed above then you will have yourself a useful, functional and engaging Branded App that YOUR CUSTOMERS WILL LOVE and that will also ADD ANOTHER REVENUE STREAM to your Business.

If you have any questions get in touch with me and we'll work them out together.

Cheers,
Mobile App Man

240 Percent Increase in Mobile Barcode Scans on Black Friday

According to NeoMedia, publisher of a mobile Barcode scanner, there was a 240% increase in barcode scans with mobile devices over the recent Black Friday 2011.

“Retail is going mobile. People are not only using their phones to get more information on goods and services, both in-store and on-the-go, but also to purchase,” said Laura Marriott, CEO of NeoMedia.  ”This year has been a great year for mobile barcodes and we are confident usage will continue to increase over the busy Christmas shopping period. This surge in usage demonstrates growing consumer awareness which will continue to create opportunities for all those in the mobile barcode ecosystem.”

Android was the dominant mobile platform in terms of scans at 53%, according to the company, with IOS coming in second at 27% and Symbian rounding out the top three at 8%.

What this shows is that retailers are beginning to embrace mobile coupons more than ever and adoption of the technology continues to steadily rise, as the numbers from NeoMedia suggest.

Just another in a long list of examples that Mobile, including Mobile Apps and Websites, is where your customers are and where your retail store should be.

Cheers.
Mobile App Man