Mobile phone sales are higher than ever, beating out the personal computer as the must-have gadget. With that shift, mobile commerce is now on the rise. But it's not just big-box retailers and household names setting up shop on smartphones and tablets.
Small businesses should also be ready to bank on the growing trend. I asked a panel of successful young entrepreneurs to suggest one thing that business owners should begin doing now in order to successfully take part in mobile commerce. Here's what they had to say.
1. Is There an App for That?
2. Test Usability -- Now
Smartphones are already outselling personal computers, so the shift isn't coming -- it's here. Your smartphone is right next to your computer, isn't it?
- Kelly Azevedo, She's Got Systems
3. Consider Responsive Web Design
This would mean users would see different layouts of the same webpage on, say, a laptop, iPad, or smartphone. The difference would be that the website is optimized for that particular device.
4. Use High-Resolution Images
5. Ask Your Kids
In fact, have some of these tech-savvy kids take a look at your site and tell you whether your mobile presence feels antiquated or is difficult to navigate.
6. Watch How Customers Use Their Phones
- Thursday Bram, Hyper Modern Consulting
7. Start Simplifying
Also, look at the layout of your website or blog. Vertical orientations are necessary in all of these sites.
- John Hall, Digital Talent Agents
8. Get That Everything is About Adaptability
Being user-friendly is most important -- people stick with the apps and sites that understand their needs.
9. Know Your Mobile Shopping Experience
10. Avoid Flash
Granted, this could change, but sans Flash is today's reality. Don't ignore that.
- Justin Beegel, Infographic World, Inc.
11. Choose the Right Platform
Don't let a poor technology choice paint you into an undesirable corner.
12. Quit Building It Yourself
