'Statistics Show' Post Header IMAGEIt’s no secret that mobile marketing for SMBs (small- and medium-sized businesses) is more important now than ever before. But a new infographic reveals just how strong that need for a mobile-ready website (and marketing plan) is. Hibu, a digital marketing solutions group, created a couple of infographics that drive home the point. Below are six highlights taken from this infographic and another one of hibu’s infographics:

  • While more than half of all U.S. adults use a smartphone, 91% of SMBs don’t have a mobile-optimized website.
  • However, SMBs are expecting U.S. mobile sales to grow by 630% in 2014.
  • 32% of all U.S. SMBs agree that businesses without mobile-optimized websites will be left behind.
  • However, only 15% of U.S. SMBs with a website say they’ll create a mobile-friendly version in the next 12-18 months!
  • The lack of mobile initiative means U.S. SMBs could miss out on $1 trillion per year!
  • The vast majority of U.S. SMB websites are not mobile friendly. A few industries are ranking particularly low:
    • 80% of builders’ websites are not mobile-friendly.
    • 75% of electricians’ websites are not mobile-friendly.
    • 63% of hairdressers’ websites are not mobile-friendly.
    • 59% of beauty salons’ websites are not mobile-friendly.

According to experts, the restaurant industry has one of the most dismal gaps between supply and demand for mobile-ready websites. In 2009, an average of 3% of all restaurant website traffic came from mobile sources. Today, approximately 43% of all restaurant website traffic is mobile (nearly 50% on the weekends)! Goro Harumi, a restaurant website builder, even suggests that SMBs with low web design budgets create mobile-first sites that can then be translated over to the desktop.

Proof That Mobile Marketing for SMBs Isn’t Just Hype…

Skeptical about all of this push for mobile? Check out a few statistics released last week by eMarketer:

  • In 2013, global mobile ad spending increased 105% to $17.96 billion.
  • In 2014, experts believe mobile ad spending will increase another 75.1% to $31.45 billion.
  • This figure will account for almost 25% of all global digital ad spending.

Is Your Website Mobile-Ready?

Here at BuzzPlant, our team helps clients build website that are strong, focused, and driven to convert. We do this by creating a unique strategy and approach for each and every client we serve. Mobile marketing for SMBs is already a big topic for 2014, and you’re likely to hear the mobile-ready website discussion come up a good bit in the next few months.

But “mobile” in and of itself is no secret weapon. As we say at BuzzPlant, It Takes a Strategy. No matter what new technologies or tools come along to get the job done, a smart strategy has to be at the very core of every new marketing plan – mobile or otherwise. I’d love to hear your thoughts on mobile device optimization. Jump into the comments section below!