It is no secret that the world is obsessed with smartphones. For better or worse, the human species has become inextricably linked to these powerful devices, and the world of consumer products and services has continued to evolve to leverage the power of the computer in the palm of nearly every customer’s hand. From communication to entertainment, shopping, loyalty programs, and subscription management, the smartphone has become the center of the consumer universe and the most direct connection any brand can have to their current, and potential, customers.
IS YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE MOBILE-FRIENDLY?
In today’s digital landscape, where over 54% of global online traffic comes from mobile devices, the question isn’t whether your online presence is necessary but whether it’s optimized for mobile browsing. A website that isn’t mobile-friendly is essentially invisible to a significant portion of your audience. Google’s mobile-first indexing means that Google predominantly uses the mobile version of the content for indexing and ranking, further emphasizing the need for mobile optimization. If your site takes too long to load on a smartphone or is difficult to navigate on a small screen, you risk losing over half of your potential customers to competitors who prioritize mobile user experiences.
WHAT IF YOUR BRAND COULD LIVE ON YOUR CUSTOMER’S PHONE?
A mobile-optimized website is still your best means of attracting, engaging, and informing potential customers, sort of like a big billboard on the digital highway that is the internet. However, mobile apps have become an integral part of consumer behavior, with statistics showing significant growth in app usage year over year. Contemporary consumer trends toward app-based brand engagement show 49% of US consumers opening a smartphone app of some kind a staggering 11 times each day! This is a huge benefit for brands as mobile apps offer a direct line to your customers, providing personalized experiences, offline access, push notifications for updates and offers, and a platform for loyalty programs that drive engagement and repeat business. Unlike a website, an app doesn’t have to be all things to all visitors, it can be a customized experience for each customer who opens the app.
Powerful brands like Nike recognized early on that leveraging a mobile app, essentially creating their own customer ecosystem in which they could ultimately control the entire experience, would pay dividends. The global sports brand noted that their app contributed a 4% increase to their digital revenues demonstrating the direct impact a well-designed and properly leveraged mobile app can have for any brand.
The trend towards mobile app usage isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating deeper connections with your customers. Apps like Starbucks’ have revolutionized loyalty programs, making it easier for customers to order, pay, and earn rewards all from their phones, significantly increasing customer retention and sales. For car wash operators, adopting a mobile app platform like AMP Memberships offers a similar opportunity to enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, leverage powerful marketing tools, launch a loyalty program, and gather valuable data on customer preferences and behavior.
In conclusion, the move towards mobile is not a trend; it’s a permanent shift in how consumers interact with brands. Mobile web browsing is already dominating the landscape, but purpose-built mobile apps are increasing engagement and value. By not optimizing your online presence for the narrow vertical screens and limited pixel real estate of smartphones and not considering a dedicated mobile app, you risk becoming digitally invisible to over half of your potential market. The question for car wash operators today isn’t if they should adapt to mobile solutions but how quickly they can do it.
SOURCES: https://kinsta.com/mobile-vs-desktop-market-share/
About AMP Memberships – Created by a car wash operator, for car wash operators, AMP Memberships empowers each car wash with its own custom-branded and configured smartphone app. A full suite of robust tools drive membership growth, retain existing members, and supercharge marketing efforts. With unmatched tech sophistication, ease of deployment, and dedicated ongoing support from a US-based team of developers, AMP Memberships is the ultimate solution for any car wash looking to make data driven decisions, slash churn, and enhance customer experience. AMP Memberships has offices in Denver, CO and Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit ampmemberships.com. For media inquiries, contact: Dylan von Kleist, AMP VP of Sales and Marketing, dylan@ampmemberships.com
