Smartphones and tablet devices have radically transformed how the world does business, thanks to the always-on Internet connection that allows mobile users to instantly explore the web in just a few simple clicks. The restaurant industry has been particularly impacted by this development, with many dining establishments discovering new clientele thanks to a presence online. This phenomenon can be best observed in the realm of mobile websites for restaurants, which are often the source of the largest portion of foot traffic coming from the Internet.
It likely comes as no surprise that effective advertising and a commanding mobile website can have a wide-reaching impact for restaurant owners. Unfortunately, while some restaurant owners and management teams have attempted to capitalize on the potential online by establishing beautiful sites that are rich in flash media and video content, these pages are unable to be displayed on the vast majority of mobile users? screens. In turn, these companies are unable to deliver information about their menus, hours, and other essentials to customers who are ready to pull out their wallets immediately.
Recent studies show a whopping 95% of all restaurants do not presently have a site geared toward mobile users. This is concerning when the following statistics regarding mobile Internet usage are taken into consideration:
- Mobile users are expected to top nearly 114 million individuals by the end of 2012, which represents an increase of more than 17.1% over the course of the past year.
- A whopping 94% of smartphone owners use their devices to connect to the Internet.
- 10 billion mobile Internet connections are projected to be active by 2016, far outnumbering traditional desktop connections to the web.
Taking the information available about mobile Internet usage and growth into consideration helps demonstrate the imperative need for mobile websites for restaurants. For those dining establishments that neglect to develop a forum that mobile users can use to learn about their business, there is little question that the patrons in question will simply choose another restaurant that can provide them with the information they need to know. Rather than let the competition eat a piece of the mobile traffic, proactive restaurants need to make this a prime focus in their efforts to draw in new customers.
According to Emily Jakobson, an office worker who was asked for her opinion in downtown Chicago, ?If a restaurant doesn?t have a mobile site to help aide my restaurant search, I will likely never walk through the door. I rely upon my phone to tell me what is available nearby and fits my taste, on a daily basis.? Furthermore, this trend is not limited to younger workers. Jakobson?s supervisor Janelle Handler chimed in with her own two cents. ?While I may not use my phone quite as frequently, on a night out with friends we almost always check our phones to find an affordable and recommended restaurant in the vicinity.?
When the statistics of mobile Internet usage are taken into consideration, combined with the real experiences and feedback of everyday restaurants, it?s impossible to think that mobile websites for restaurants don?t make an impact on a restaurant?s bottom line. By establishing an attractive website that can easily be accessed on a mobile device, restaurant owners can expect current foot traffic to become a stampede. Not only does this help the restaurant to become more successful in the immediate, but it can have far-reaching implications for the establishment?s long term success.
Web-Diner.com helps restaurant owners reach their mobile?audience. Hands off process makes it easy to sign-up and get your new restaurant mobile website online! Keeping mobile users happy and restaurant seats full!
?
Sources:
http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/27/study-95-of-independent-restaurant-dont-have-mobile-sites-less-than-40-have-online-menus/
http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/30495/25-Eye-Popping-Internet-Marketing-Statistics-for-2012.aspx
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/cisco-mobile-data-forecast-2012/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.