While Windows users are still responsible for the bulk of Web traffic – a 85% as compared to the Mac’s 13% – Apple still dominates when it comes to mobile devices. Not surprisingly, the iPad accounts for 95% of all Internet traffic generated by tablets, and the iPhone accounts for about 72% of traffic from all smartphones. Android devices rank a distant second with 26% of total Web traffic.
The majority of Internet usage peaks during the evening hours – an interesting note, given that one might expect more online research to happen in the workplace. However, people not only are home from work in the evenings, but they also are using their tablets, smartphones and PCs to catch up on email, social media, shopping, etc. – often while watching TV, eating dinner, or even sitting in a movie theater or concert event. These days, there does not seem to be anywhere that people are hesitant to pull out their smartphone to get online or use one of their favorite Internet-connected apps.
The growing trend in mobile Web traffic means that a mobile optimized website is a must for any business or organization. Visitors will be quick to flee your website if they are forced to scroll and search through the standard interface on a smaller mobile device, rather than having the information organized and presented in a more minimalist, mobile-friendly interface.
Equally important, businesses need to assess where their target audience is located and the type of information they are searching for when browsing the Web via a smartphone or tablet and craft a mobile marketing strategy that can meet consumers where they are. (To wit: JiWire reported earlier this year that one-third of shoppers are using their mobile device to compare prices while in a retail location.) Whether marketing a retail chain, non-profit organization, or corporate enterprise, determining how your target audience is engaging with mobile is a must.
If you would like to discuss strategies for reaching your audience or improving business efficiencies with mobile applications, please contact us at (972) 436-9500 or info@globalwebhq.com.