The landscape of consumer behavior has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. We’ve witnessed a monumental rise in mobile device usage, with smartphones becoming an indispensable part of our daily lives. This digital revolution has significant implications for businesses, particularly when it comes to their approach to customer engagement and market reach.

The Power of Mobile: Stats Don’t Lie

Research from IDG highlights a crucial trend – the top industries embracing digital-first business strategies are dominated by the service sector (95%), financial services (93%), and healthcare (92%) [1].  These forward-thinking industries understand the power of digital tools, particularly mobile apps, to connect with their target audiences and drive growth.

Consumers are increasingly turning to mobile apps for a variety of purposes. A report by Ericsson reveals that a staggering 67% of consumers prefer using a mobile app to a mobile website [2]. This preference isn’t confined to a single generation.  HubSpot’s State of Marketing Report paints a clear picture: 80% of Gen Z, 62% of millennials, 66% of Gen X, 35% of Boomers, and a significant 52% of the general population rely primarily on mobile search to find the products and services they need [3].

The mobile app revolution is far from over. Data from PR Newswire indicates a projected surge in mobile app usage, with the estimated time spent on these platforms exceeding 6 trillion hours by 2028 [4]. Interestingly, ownership statistics further solidify the dominance of mobile devices. Pew Research found that smartphone ownership in the U.S. outpaces laptop ownership by a significant margin – 85% of respondents own a smartphone compared to just 77% who own a laptop [5]. These statistics paint a clear picture: the future lies in mobile.

So, what does this mean for businesses?

Simply put, if a company isn’t prioritizing mobile accessibility, it’s missing out on a vast customer base. Here are some actionable steps organizations can take to ensure their products and services are readily available to the mobile-first audience:

• Invest in a Mobile App: This might seem obvious, but developing a user-friendly and functional mobile app is the cornerstone of a successful mobile-first strategy. The app should cater to the specific needs of the target audience and offer a seamless user experience [6].
• Focus on User Experience (UX): A well-designed app with intuitive navigation and clear functionality is key to user satisfaction. Prioritizing clean interfaces, fast loading times, and a design that is optimized for various screen sizes ensures a positive user experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
• Make Mobile Apps Accessible: Accessibility should be a core consideration when developing mobile apps. This includes ensuring the app is usable by individuals with disabilities, such as those with visual or auditory impairments. Following established accessibility guidelines will broaden an organization’s reach and ensure a positive experience for all users.

By adopting these strategies, businesses will be well on their way to catering to the mobile-first world we live in.  Remember, it’s no longer a question of whether a mobile presence is needed; it’s a matter of when and how to leverage this powerful tool to connect with the target audience and propel the business forward.

Sources:

1. IDG white paper: Digital Business: https://resources.idg.com/download/white-paper/2018-digital-business
2. Ericsson Mobility Report: https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-and-papers/mobility-report
3. HubSpot State of Marketing Report 2023: https://www.hubspot.com/marketing-statistics
4. PR Newswire: DataAI Forecast: Time Spent in Mobile Apps Will Surpass 6 Trillion Hours by 2028: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dataai-forecast-time-spent-in-mobile-apps-will-surpass-6-trillion-hours-by-2028-301698141.html
5. Pew Research: Mobile Fact Sheet: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
6. Forbes: Mobile Experiences for Businesses: How to Boost Accessibility and Revenue? https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2023/02/28/mobile-experiences-for-businesses-how-to-boost-accessibility-and-revenue/?sh=6333e1626a2b