Mobile Marketing Trends You Should Know

Today people are already accessing the web more from their mobile devices than from their desktops. This means that responsive web design is not enough to sustain your mobile marketing strategy.

As time spent on mobile devices increases drastically each year, what you need to do is clear: focus on mobile, or lose traffic. Let’s take a look at the mobile marketing trends you should invest in right now:

1. Apps

Mobile apps are what make our smartphones so useful. They deliver content in a more streamlined and efficient way than browsers, but this doesn’t mean all businesses should invest in them. For some companies like restaurants, news outlets, or banks it makes total sense to have apps.

But a lot of people prefer to avoid downloads and use their browsers instead. And considering that most apps are deleted after just one use, only make an app if it will offer high value and work seamlessly.

2. Search

The number of Google mobile searches has consistently surpassed desktop searches since 2016, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As of 2024, Google users visit over 2 billion locations every month based on search results.

This underscores the critical need to optimize your website for local search. If you own a brick-and-mortar business, it’s essential to complete and maintain your Google Business Profile, as most people rely on their smartphones to find local businesses.

Another crucial aspect of optimizing your Google search results is focusing on voice searches. According to recent data, over 30% of mobile searches are now initiated by voice. To capitalize on this growing trend, optimize your website with long-tail keywords that reflect everyday speech. Avoid using formal search terms, as they do not align with the natural language used in voice searches.

3. Advertising

According to recent industry reports, people in the US spent over 40% of their total media consumption time on mobile devices in 2023. However, mobile ad spending represented only 35% of the total, resulting in significant missed opportunities in the mobile advertising market. This gap highlights the untapped potential for businesses to capitalize on mobile ad revenue.

However, profiting from mobile ads remains challenging due to the widespread use of ad blockers. A promising alternative to traditional mobile advertising is Google Shopping. This service allows businesses to bypass ad blockers and display product offers directly in Google search results, making it a more effective way to reach potential customers.

4. Security

According to a recent survey by IAPP, nearly 68% of consumers worldwide expressed concerns about their online privacy, with most being either somewhat or very concerned. To address this issue, businesses need to invest in more secure ways of selling their products and services.

While established apps like Evernote or Dropbox have earned the trust of millions of users, most businesses must work diligently to build trust with their audience. Websites typically use SSL certificates to ensure data security, and mobile apps will soon require similar or even more advanced security measures.

5. Gamification

Gamification is the application of game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts. In mobile marketing, this principle can be applied through technologies like augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

For example, Ikea created Ikea Places – an app that uses augmented reality to allow you to check out how Ikea furniture would look in your actual space. But you can also use game-design elements like rewards, puzzles, etc. to create a fun way for your audience to interact with your products/services.

6. Live Streaming

Statistics from 2024 show that in recent years, live streaming has experienced a surge in popularity among both viewers and creators. This trend is particularly notable on mobile devices, where live streams are increasingly becoming a preferred form of entertainment and information.

Live streaming gives you a more intimate way of connecting with audiences. People want to feel involved in what their favorite brands are cooking up. There’s also the fact that people will want to join your feed before it’s over out of curiosity for what they’ll miss seeing live.

7. Mobile Payments

Mobile payments are rapidly gaining traction, with over 2.8 billion global users according to a 2022 Statista report. Driven by the convenience of mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, contactless payments, and QR codes, businesses are integrating these options for seamless in-app purchases, loyalty program enhancements, and location-based targeting.

However, addressing security concerns remains crucial, as 74% of consumers cite it as their top concern regarding mobile payments, according to a 2023 Visa survey.

8. Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality immerses users in fully digital environments through headsets, creating opportunities for virtual tours, product showcases, and training simulations. While promising, a 2023 eMarketer study found only 14% of US adults use Virtual Reality monthly, indicating a growing but still nascent market.

Conclusion

Is your mobile marketing strategy falling flat? It might be time to take a closer look at your website. Even with the best campaigns, a poorly designed mobile site can send potential customers running to your competitors.

Want to learn more about mobile marketing tactics? A great place to start is by identifying common mobile website design flaws – and learning how to avoid them at all costs. From clunky navigation to hidden CTAs, these pitfalls can seriously hinder your website’s performance and cost you valuable leads.

Contact us today if you have any questions or need help optimizing your mobile presence. We’re here to help your website grow and thrive in the mobile-first world!