I finally did it. I really got a smartphone. Technically, it’s for the second time, but my old Nokia could accommodate only a few relevant apps, the screen was too small and surfing the web was… well… painful. I chose the Samsung Galaxy S.

So why is this worthy of a blog post?

It’s no surprise that apps and mobile websites are hot, hot enough that Godfrey is holding a webinar on going mobile on October 13^th. Additionally, since getting my new phone I have been using it for everything – especially business. Finally, if you are familiar with Everett M. Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation (see graph on right) you should know that I fall into the early to late majority categories. That means when something new comes out, I’ll let the techies buy and test it; I’ll listen to my friends brag about their new cool toy; I’ll check the reviews on Amazon; and after a few years and several releases later—when the price has finally comes down —I’ll consider it.

When my wife and I walked into the wireless provider we had pretty modest goals. Neither of us was looking for mini-handheld computers, but that’s what we got. Why? Because the cost barriers that were holding us back had been eliminated. If you’ve ever been up for contract renewal, you know that you have several options: the heavily discounted or free phones, the greatly discounted phones and the still pretty expensive discounted phones. These days, the free phones are smartphones, since your provider is looking to sell you broadband in addition to calling and texting plans. Here is my point: If I am upgrading to a smartphone, get ready for the oncoming train.

Here are a few eye-catching statistics:    

• Out of a global population of 6.96 billion people¹ there are 5.28 billion mobile phone subscriptions.²  
• Worldwide, 76.2 percent of people have mobile phone subscription, including 67.6 percent of people in developing countries and 116.1 percent of people in developed countries.²  
• Thirty-five percent of Americans own a smartphone. This includes 59 percent smartphone ownership amongst adults living in households earning incomes of more than $75,000, 48 percent ownership for  individuals with a college degree and 45 percent ownership amongst individuals between the ages of 30 and 49.³  

These statistics are not holding steady, they are not slowly growing, they are skyrocketing.

Know that your audience does not disconnect at 5:00 and they have little patience for a site designed for a desktop computer display showing up on their phone. They want information on their terms, not yours.

Learn More
Godfrey is holding a free webinar on October 13 at 1:00 EST for marketing executives who are not sure which approach (native app, web app or mobile website) is right for them. 

Get ready, I’ve seen the dry-run of this presentation and I can promise you two things:

1. You will be entertained. This is not your normal slow paced webinar – it moves. 
2. You will learn. This presentation is packed with insight and knowledge. 

            Register now  

Sources
¹ U.S. & World Population Clocks, U.S. Census Bureau, Sept 22, 2011
² Key Global Telecom Indicators for the World Telecommunication Service Sector, International Telecommunication Union , October 21, 2010
³ Smith, Aaron. Americans and Their Cell Phones. Pew Internet & American Life Project, Aug 15, 2011