As we close out 2011 it is time to start thinking about 2012. Here are some items that small businesses should consider undertaking in the new year.
Go mobile. By 2015, more U.S. Internet users will access the web through mobile devices than through PCs. On average, 15% of all searches on Google today are from a mobile device. How well are you catering to this mobile population? Make 2012 the year you optimize your search marketing, email marketing and website to focus on this growing mobile community. Edison Avenue Consulting can help mobilize your current website, create a specialized mobile site for you or even create a mobile app for your business.
Go local. These mobile users are constantly interacting with things and places that physically surround them. Microsoft reported that 53% of mobile searches on Bing have a local intent. The online world has become an essential place for businesses to connect with their local community. Make sure your business has a local listing on key search engines: Google Places, Bing maps, and Yahoo maps. If you need help with getting your business listed in these search tools let us know and we will be happy to assist.
Invest in one new customer touch point. Whether it’s blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, mobile coupons or QR codes, new ways to connect with customers seem to pop up daily. As a small business owner, you don’t have to excel in every new technology or network that comes along, but you should try to be wherever your customers are. Ask your current customers where/how they’d like to connect with you, then spend some time in 2012 to make it happen. Edison Avenue consulting can help you create Facebook aps, SMS based tools or other tools to help you reach out to your customers in new and exciting ways.
Refresh your website. In the race to master new social media tools, don’t overlook your own website. After all, social media efforts like Twitter campaigns end up driving traffic somewhere, right? It doesn’t make any sense to build a beautiful and savvy Facebook presence that funnels people to a boring, inaccurate, and out-of-date website. Keep it current and engaging and keep it mobile. If you do plan on refreshing your site now is a perfect time to consider making your site mobile
All of us here at Edison Avenue Consulting look forward to serving you and inventing your road to the future.