 Mobile usage is experiencing explosive growth worldwide. In the United States, 56% of adults own a smart phone. And they aren’t just using their phones for calls and email. Recent surveys show that 79 percent are using their phones to help them make buying decisions, while 74 percent are actually making purchases on their devices.
The widespread use of mobile devices presents one of the most significant opportunities for small business marketing in recent years, and small business owners seem to know it. A 2012 survey by Web.com Group found that 69 percent of the small business owners surveyed consider mobile marketing to be a critical area of growth for them over the next few years. But while they recognize mobile marketing as a key growth area, few have pulled the trigger on ensuring their business’ websites are mobile-friendly. Having a mobile or responsive design website is absolutely essential. It is a fundamental requirement. You cannot get out of it. To not have a mobile-friendly site is to ignore a rapidly growing segment of your customer base and potential customer base that wants to connect with your business online. If you are still not sure you need one, check out your business’ website statistics to find out what kind of traffic your site is getting from mobile users. Let’s say your site had 100 visitors last month, and eight of those visitors were viewing your site from a mobile device. Eight people out of 100 might not seem like that many, but it’s important to remember, they aren’t just faceless users, they are people - customers or potential customers. We’ve all experienced the frustration of pinching and zooming our way around a website to try to get the information we need into the view of our tiny mobile screens. If your business’ website isn’t mobile-friendly, those eight potential customers likely had a less than satisfying experience. Now, if eight people walked into your business last month and had a frustrating customer service experience, that would be bad wouldn’t it? But if eight people last month had a poor experience on your website, that’s ok? Of course not! You must have a mobile-friendly website. It is non-negotiable. Of course there is more to mobile marketing than just having a mobile-friendly site. Social media, text messaging, directory websites, review-based sites and other tools can work together to create a successful strategy to help your business reach mobile users. But a mobile-friendly website is a critical component. You want your customers to have an effortless experience as you drive them from your mobile marketing platforms to your website. If your site is not mobile-friendly, that experience could be a little bumpy. Make it easy for them to do business with you by providing them with a website that works for them. Copyright - Chamber Speak LLC 2014
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 When I first thought about what my article would be about this month I figured I would tell you all more information about the Healthy Workplace survey that you received last month, or what the status of the Business Resource Center is; however, then I received a phone call from Erin.
Congratulations is in order once again to our organization, as we have been named as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry! While the official press release will come out later today, this honor looks at what our organization is doing to make our community stronger, including workforce development, transportation, advocacy, and staying responsive to you, our membership. Needless to say, I am honored to be a member of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries, and I hope you are too! I assure you that while these accolades are a great achievement, we are still pushing to continue to serve you and the community in the best way possible. I started this by referring to the survey that was put out by our Healthy Workplace committee. This group has been working for months to learn what these kind of initiatives mean to employers’ bottom line, and how we can bring those kind of results to all of our businesses. Our Business Resource committee is almost ready for an unveiling as well. This group has been working on a website that will help to bring the resources needed for businesses to start on the right foot, and stay there. Although I don’t serve on that committee, from the updates given at our Board meetings, I can tell you that this website will be a top tool for businesses to use. Finally, if you are interested in serving the membership of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries as a member of the Board of Directors, this is the time of year we begin taking applications. Brenda Lowder, our incoming Chairwoman, will be giving more details on becoming a Board member at the membership meeting this month. If you have any questions about what Board service entails, please feel free to contact any of your Board members or Erin. Once again, Congratulations on being named as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year! Mark Crank 2016 Chairman of the Board These O’Fallon Chamber members celebrated opening their doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries.  August 15, 2016 18 North Central 18 North Central O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-1800  August 5, 2016 Fit Goddess 1376 South 5th St St. Charles, MO 63301 314-221-4101  August 2, 2016
Monical's Pizza 1224 Hwy K O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-980-1212  The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries will host its 7th annual Trivia Night on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Trigg Banquet Center located at 300 O'Fallon Plaza in O’Fallon, Missouri. Doors open at 6:00 pm and Trivia starts at 7:00 pm.
Everyone, including the public, is invited to attend the O'Fallon Chamber’s Trivia Night presented by Country Side Flooring America. The theme will be "Through the Decades" and the event promises to be an evening full costumes and questions that span many decades. The early bird price of $175 is for a table of eight people and is available until September 30th, after that the price increases to $200 per table. Tables include 10 rounds of trivia, two mulligans, beer and soda; you may also bring in your favorite snacks. The evening will be packed with cash, prizes, 50/50, special games & drawings, a prize for the best decorated themed table and best group costume will all be part of the fun. This event will sell out at 30 tables so get your tickets today! The 7th Annual O’Fallon Chamber Trivia Night is proudly sponsored by Country Side Flooring America, Peoples Savings Bank, Quintessential Catering, Extreme Electrical, City of O’Fallon, Wingate St. Charles, Krey Distributing, and Favazza & Associates. For more information or to register your table visit www.OFallonChamber.org/trivia or call 636-240-1818 to reserve your spot. Trivia proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is committed to promoting the economic vitality of O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region by engaging its members in networking and educational opportunities, while advocating for pro-business public policy. |
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