Is the time really here? Mobile internet usage overtakes desktop

Mobile vs desktop – what that means for business and marketing in 2017

The start of the year is a good time to review and refresh our approach to life and business. And recent research on mobile vs desktop shows one trend that should not be ignored.

The world is changing (or has already changed). People want to find and share information instantly and from wherever they are.

They want to know who that familiar looking actor in that film is and what else they’ve been in and who they are married to (or is that just me?). They want access to work files on the go and to keep in contact with friends and family.

So it’s no wonder that globally, finally the number of web pages loaded on a mobile device has overtaken the number on a PC (Statcounter). In October, mobile and tablet devices accounted for 51.3% of internet usage worldwide compared to 48.7% by desktop.

In reality, emerging markets are helping these figures and in the UK and US it’s not yet so clear cut. But that just shows the huge opportunities these countries have for businesses.

For businesses and marketers, the trend towards mobile internet use over computer means a few things.

Make sure your website is mobile friendly. It’s not even ok to have different  functionality or look and feel anymore. Responsive websites are built with mobiles and tablets in mind. And they stop the need to update two versions of a website.

Identify opportunities in emerging markets. New audiences have access to your business. How can you exploit the market in countries like India, China and many African nations? Consider efficient ordering and delivery for products, tailoring your offering and identifying needs and motivations to purchase. Market research before jumping in!

Opportunities for new business models. What do busy people who need to be constantly connected to the world, have short attention spans and want immediate answers need? It’s not just Generation Z. All generations are now using the internet. Just find your niche. Could this be the year of focus on the Grey pound or a reliable international delivery service?

New marketing tactics. While content is not a new marketing tool, good quality and useful content is hard to come by. And with new audiences to entertain, inform or persuade, good copywriters and content marketers are needed. Content can mean words, images, videos, seminars… There are a so many big name and small name softwares for creating, editing and publishing to suit all requirements and budgets.

So, will the shift to mobile internet usage affect your marketing plans in 2017?