These days it appears everyone is on the go. People are trying to save as much time as possible while running around doing everyday tasks. Now that smartphones allow consumers to access the Internet at anytime, from anywhere, people can essentially shop and search for whatever they’d like at any time of the day. In 2012, comScore estimated that four out of five smartphone users use the device to shop. In addition, Cisco stated that in 2013 the number of mobile devices on Earth would surpass the world’s population. It is extremely important in today’s technology driven world that a company operates a well-developed mobile optimized site.
Today, most consumers conduct searches online prior to looking at rental properties, and more and more people are choosing to do it on their mobile devices. Because of this new trend, property managers must maintain a competitive advantage by utilizing their mobile websites to market their community. Not having a website optimized for mobile devices would be largely disadvantageous to a property manager, as they would potentially lose business to other competing properties which have better functioning mobile websites.
If an apartment community’s mobile site is difficult to navigate, it is likely that consumers will quit their search completely, which, in turn, loses prospective renters. It is essential that the properties’ contact number is large enough on the screen and that the phone number can be called when touched by the user. It would also be beneficial to make sure the text and photos fit the mobile screen so it is convenient for the user to view. The most important aspect of the mobile site should be easy navigation. The consumer should be able to search through the site with minimal stress.
Property managers should assure that they are constantly updating their properties mobile site to fit customers needs and to stay updated with the times. Mobile sites allow community advertisements to run 24/7 while reaching a vast amount of consumers.
Is your community taking advantage of having its site accessible on mobile devices?
This is a guest post from Gabrielle Castaneda, who is currently enrolled at the University of South Florida pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in marketing, a minor in international business and a minor in management. In her spare time she enjoys doing outdoors activities.
