Due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, BBC News reports a 20-30% increase in internet use across the UK’s fixed-line and mobile networks.
The demand for mobile access continues to grow, especially in terms of remote-access technologies like webmail and video-conferencing trends.
Because of this, small business owners need to take advantage of this trend and look into implementing mobile technology to improve their existing business practices.
So, here are some suggestions to help you expand your reach and cater to a wider audience.
1. Look into new forms of mobile marketing
According to an article on marketing trends by Mobile Marketing Magazine, one of the trends you can expect to see this coming year is an increase in automation.
Although vast amounts of consumer data are collected by brands, marketing automation will enable businesses to process this data more efficiently. Unlike repetitive workflows, this frees up time to create creative and strategic campaigns directly geared towards consumers.
Business2Community expands on how social media campaigns can be time-consuming, but using options such as auto-posting and scheduled posts can help you engage with customers and lead to a higher follower count.
2. Add mobile payment options for convenience
Over the years, The Telegraph have detailed how cash payments have been in decline in terms of popularity.
More recently, businesses across the UK have been switching to cash-free options in response to hygiene concerns, in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus.
In relation to the current pandemic, this why the mobile card machines on FIS Global are especially convenient options for restaurants, cafés, and pubs because they eliminate the need for long queues.
Contactless payments help reduce waiting time by enabling payments to take place in a matter of seconds, thus improving customer experience in the process. By adding mobile payment options to your business, you’ll be able to service a larger amount of customers in a shorter amount of time.
3. Ensure your website is fully optimised for mobile use
Rather than desktop computers, growing amounts of customers are accessing websites through smartwatches, mobile phones, and tablets.
Because of this, ensuring that your website is fully compatible and easily accessible with these devices is necessary. One of Forbes tips for mobile optimisation includes keeping your landing page simple.
Having too many words will give your customers data overload and mental fatigue. All you need are links to the core content, with easy formatting.
In addition, prioritising the use of media, images, and video increases user interest so that they can easily contact you over a form or via a chat function.
Lastly, workplace engagement is another factor that mobile tools can help improve. CNN discusses how big tech firms like Google, Twitter, and Facebook are encouraging work from home policies across the globe.
Communication apps like Slack that offer cross-compatibility with mobile and desktop functions enable employees to stay in touch and keep updated with their latest tasks.
For small businesses, working from home will ensure that your employees remain safe and motivated during these trying times.
To add to this, a previous article on how the leisure provider Life Leisure was recognised in Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list, explains how the company has a 93% staff retention rate. Their CEO attributes this to an emphasis on staff development and recognition.
