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Mobile is here! I know you’ve heard this a lot for about the last three years, but I do believe it is really here to stay in a big way.
Mobile has taught me a number of things:
- Simplicity – It may be time for a website makeover. I talked about this topic in an earlier post and it is very true.
- Google likes Mobile – Again, it only makes sense. It is is the new place to be with your website if you want to rank high for search.
- Local search rules – There is much more power now in local search than national searches with mobile. Not sure I am excited about this, but it is what it is.
- Mobile Plugins and Apps are only bandaids – They may appear to work, but there are issues with refreshing and performance. It should only be a temporary fix.
- Mobile Apps are ok – People use apps, but they still want to go to your “home page”
- Email is more important than ever. (People read email now more than ever)
FINALLY…The Real Lesson Learned
Online forms are the way to connect with people. If people have a choice of filling out informatino on a .pdf file, spreadsheet or online, they will almost always provide their information online. I found it to be almost 80% online to 10% .pdf and 10% spreadsheet.
Use forms for the following:
People want more information about special promotions or services you provide – A great way to connect directly with people who have an interest.
People want to connect with your email newsletter or blog posts – A great way to keep people informed and establish a list of people interested in your company.
People like to submit questions and inquiries online – A great way to service clients’ needs
People can open an account with your company – A great way to make it easy for people to do business with you.
People can always give feedback about your company – A way for people to provide feedback to you.
Obviously all of these forms must have some type of service connected with them and they are only as good as the people who are responsible for them. Another idea to consider here is to keep forms simple for people to use. I have really seen the value of forms in 2014, especially in the area of new accounts and inquiries. Again, simple processes are often the ones that are ignored or overlooked.
photo credit: mattbuchanan via photopin cc
