If the key to real estate sales truly is location, location, location, then the key to online marketing is access, access, access. So, our online marketing tips for today is – your business website must be accessible to everyone – including the increasingly large numbers of those who use mobile devices to research and shop.

In addition to this critical factor, Google began using “mobile-friendliness” as a ranking factor for all websites back in 2015. Known as Mobilegeddon in the world of SEO, the search engine giant made it clear to all of us that being mobile friendly was now very important for future rakings in the search results (SERPs).

Since then, Google have increased the importance of mobile-friendliness with an “update to mobile search results that increases the effect of the ranking signal to help our users find even more pages that are relevant and mobile-friendly.”

While this is obviously important for business to consumer marketing, it begs the question of value for B2B businesses. The simple answer is, you should be mobile-friendly to all potential clients and/or customers.

Mobile Search Exceeds Desktop Search

So, beyond the importance Google places on this characteristic, why should you care?

Again, the answer is simple because, as of October 2016, mobile traffic officially surpassed desktop traffic on the internet. (AugustAsh.com)

While this may not be the case for you, or for others you know, that is irrelevant to the need to ensure your business website is mobile friendly.

According to the business data website Statista.com, mobile commerce and shopping have grown by almost staggering numbers, just three of which are compelling for your online marketing strategy:

• 82% of online users in the United States used a mobile device for online shopping
• 35% of online users in the United States are mobile-only online shoppers
• 57% of online shoppers say they will not recommend a business that offers a poor mobile experience

For B2C businesses, being mobile-friendly can be even more important, because:

• 88% of US consumers research products online to buy in-store
• 63% of shoppers perform online product research and price comparisons while in store

While many of you may think the need to be available through mobile devices applies exclusively to retailers, this is definitely not the case.

Just think about your own experience with using your smartphone or tablet to research a business online. Sure, much of that time is spent “shopping” for consumer goods but you’ve also spent time checking out the websites of competitors, suppliers, your own social media, and to engage with visitors to your website.

If you’re using your own mobile devices more than ever before, so are your clients and prospects.

There is a very easy way to find out if your website is mobile friendly, just click here: Mobile-Friendly Test.

What do you think of this online marketing tip? Is your business website mobile friendly? Share your experiences and comments below.

Looking for more online marketing tips, help with your online marketing strategy, or with making your website mobile friendly? Get in touch with the YOMT Team today.