Every day in Charlotte, more and more smartphone users search for products and services while on the go. The iOS and Android mobile software allows for full web browser experiences to support streaming video, rich media advertisements, and click-to-call interactivity.

"While mobile devices have not replaced desktop PCs in Charlotte yet, the surging growth in mobile use by customers and consumers opens up new channels and opportunities to reach out and engage new customers and clients," said Jay Joyce with The Idea People. "Here at The Idea People, we have seen an exciting evolution with more and more clients moving emphasis onto the mobile marketing platform."

Google is at the forefront of driving consumers to their smartphones and building engaging mobile marketing programs for businesses to build their brands. According to Google, 46% of U.S. consumers in 2012 own a smartphone. By 2013, more people will use mobile phones than PCs to get online. And by 2015, there will be one mobile device for every person on earth. Pretty big statistics, but this probably will not shock or surprise anybody.

"How often do you check email, play games, use social media, or surf the web via your smartphone," said Joyce. According to the same Google report, mobile searches have grown by 400% since 2010. Here are some other statistics that encourage and support mobile marketing: 61% of smartphone users call a business after searching with their mobile phone and 59% visit the location. And 70% of mobile users have compared product prices via their smartphones.

Mobile Marketing & Advertising Options

1. Google AdWords – create text ads and place these ads in mobile search results. This process is similar to traditional AdWords. Also use a mix of text and image ads through the Google Display Network to appear inside mobile web pages.

2. AdMob - AdMob is new from Google. Place image and rich media ads inside mobile apps.

3. YouTube Mobile – create and place image ads within the mobile YouTube site.

Mobile Web Design Advice

1. Mobile Web Design – The Idea People design mobile websites to feature and present company branding but sized correctly to display properly in the mobile environment. Clunky mobile websites that are not designed or built for mobile are a complete turnoff to customers.

2. Keep the Web Design Clean – Because of the small screen size and more limited data connectivity, your company mobile web design should be clean, easy to select buttons and text, and easy to dial a number, visit a link or submit a contact form. Always include a link to your main business website.

3. Mobile Apps – creating and developing mobile apps will be the “race to the marketplace” for 2012 and beyond. "What type of mobile application can we create to easily connect your customers and clients to your brand," says Joyce. Mobile relationships will be key to brands owning mobile marketplaces.

The Idea People create and develop mobile marketing campaigns, mobile website designs, and mobile apps. Call Jay Joyce with The Idea People at 704-398-4437 or email Jay Joyce at jay@theideapeople.com to schedule a private meeting to discuss how building your business brand via the mobile marketing network can grow your business.