How to Optimize Your Website for Mobile Visitors

By Stephen Alberts, Countertop Marketing Co.

In today’s digital age, the mobile device has become an essential tool for people worldwide. From online shopping to searching for local services, the mobile phone is the go-to device for countless daily tasks. As a countertop shop owner, this shift in consumer behavior presents a unique opportunity to connect with your target audience through their mobile devices. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that your website is configured to deliver the best experience for mobile users.

The Mobile Revolution

The rise of mobile devices as the primary gateway to the internet has brought about a seismic shift in the way businesses reach their customers. Consider these eye-opening statistics:

• Up to 70% of web traffic now occurs on mobile devices, according to CIODive.

• The World Advertising Research Center predicts that by 2025, 75% of users will access the internet using a mobile device.

• Smart Insights claims that more than one-quarter of all emails are opened on smartphones.

• Approximately 40% of mobile users search for local businesses, often including the phrase “near me.” (Source: Aumcore)

• A well-optimized mobile website can lead to a more positive opinion about your business, with 61% of users holding this view. (Source: Smart Insights)

• According to Google, 57% of users claim they wouldn’t recommend a company if its mobile website design is poor.

• More than half of all e-commerce sales are done via mobile devices. (Source: 99firms)

• According to a report from Hitwise, nearly 60% of all online searches are now carried out on a mobile device, with some sectors reaching 72%.

• 96% of Facebook users access the platform via the app on their mobile devices. (Source: Google)

Given these statistics, it’s evident that mobile devices have become an integral part of consumers’ lives. To thrive in this landscape, shops must optimize their online presence for mobile users.

Mobile-Optimized Websites

The foundation of any successful mobile marketing strategy is a mobile-optimized website. Before diving into the world of mobile marketing, it’s crucial to assess your website’s mobile compatibility. Here’s how to get started:

First, check your competitors. Identify your closest competitors and assess whether they have mobile-optimized websites. A quick visit to their site on your mobile phone can provide valuable insights.

Next, evaluate the user experience. Evaluate the mobile user experience on your competitors’ websites by checking out the site on your mobile device. Did their sites load quickly? Were key information and contact details easily accessible? Was the site optimized for mobile screens? If so, they have invested in catering to mobile users.

Now, turn the spotlight on your website. If it doesn’t provide a seamless mobile experience, you might be losing potential countertop projects.

Analyzing Your Mobile Status

To compete effectively, you must thoroughly analyze your mobile status. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses in mobile marketing is critical for future success. Here are some essential questions to consider:

• Mobile website usability: Is your mobile website user-friendly? Does it load within seconds and provide the necessary information consumers seek while on the go?

• Search engine visibility: Does your mobile website rank well on mobile search engines when local consumers search for relevant terms on their mobile devices?

• QR code implementation: Are you using QR codes to increase awareness about your business? Are these codes prominently displayed on your marketing materials, directing traffic to your mobile website?

By addressing these questions, you can pinpoint areas for improvement and develop a targeted mobile marketing strategy.

Spy on Your Mobile Marketing Competitors

To gain an edge in mobile marketing, it’s essential to understand what your competitors are doing. Fortunately, spying on your competitors’ mobile marketing initiatives is straightforward. Start by visiting your competitors’ mobile websites on your smartphone. Explore their sites, noting design, features and user flow. While the goal isn’t to copy their strategies, you can gather valuable insights for your mobile website. Check if your competitors use QR codes to generate interest in their business. Scan these codes with your mobile phone to uncover their purpose and the incentives they offer. Remember, the information you gather should inform your mobile marketing strategy positively and ethically.

Make Customers Call Your Business with Mobile Marketing

To outperform your competitors, use mobile marketing to make your countertop company more appealing to your target audience. Here are some effective strategies:

• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and offers essential information that mobile users seek. User experience is paramount.

• Embrace digital engagement: Stay active on social media platforms and maintain an easily accessible online presence via mobile devices. Implement QR codes to engage local consumers and provide instant gratification.

• Implement mobile SEO techniques to attract qualified traffic to your website. Mobile users constantly search for local products and services on the go, so ensure your business ranks well in mobile search results.

Finding Your Business Basics

For potential customers searching for countertops, having basic information readily available on your website is crucial. Users in the research phase typically want to know who you are, your location and how to request an estimate. Ensure your website caters to these needs.

Mobile optimization is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s business landscape. As consumers increasingly turn to mobile devices, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. By assessing your mobile status, studying competitors, and implementing effective mobile marketing strategies, you can make your countertop business more appealing to local consumers, drive inbound calls and stay ahead in the mobile marketing game. Embrace the mobile revolution, and watch your business thrive in the digital age.

Stephen Alberts is the owner of the Countertop Marketing Co. and STONE ENGAGE. They specialize in helping countertop companies grow the retail side of their business outside of word-of-mouth and referrals. They also offer software to help you engage more with customers and close more countertop projects.

To learn more, visit www.countertopmarketingco.com or www.stonengage.com. You can also email Stephen at steve@ countertopmarketingco.com.

FREE BOOK FOR COUNTERTOP SHOPS!

The world of online marketing can be confusing, but when done correctly, it can completely change your countertop company. This article is adapted from chapter 8 of Stephen’s book, The Complete Guide to Internet Marketing for Countertop Shops. To learn more about how you can up your online game, get a free copy of the book at www.countertopmarketingco.com/book/.