Between December 2009 and March 2010 ComScore reports that there has been an increase in social networking and Web browsing on handheld devices. Currently at least 30% of cell phone users browse the Web and almost 20% use social networking services. Both numbers are growing.
With almost all new cell phones incorporating Internet access, it is expected that as more and more people upgrade their phones (the average mobile phone user upgrades every 18 months) these numbers will continue to grow.
What the growth in cell phone Web usage means to the tourism industry?
We need to start thinking about engaging internet cell phone users in a “Here and Now” sort of way.
- post signs reminding visitors and guests to review your services on TripAdvisor, Yelp and other review sites.
- encourage travelers to post their photos to flickr and share their status on Twitter and Facebook.
- provide free wifi access – data charges and roaming fees are still a hurdle to cell phone internet usage for many. Make it easy for your guests to access the Web and be social about your business.
- consider how you can integrate handheld payment into your CRM and check out process. Even without an app, you could consider accepting payment by paypal or email bank transfer.
- start thinking of the things a customized application could do for your guest. Dream it. If your app could do anything, how would a cell phone app make the travel experience better for your web-enabled cell phone carrying guest?
Do yourself a favour, ask your web-enabled cell phone toting guests how you could make their guest experience better?
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This is a nice follow-up to your post about how simple it is to make your site mobile – even if its just your Wordpress blog and assorted pages. And you’re right about asking your visitors what THEY think would make their mobile experience better.