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ProSocialTools.com Introduces $99 Mobile Websites for Small Business OwnersNov 26, 2012 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- The explosion of smartphones in recent years has dramatically shifted the landscape of internet traffic. Smartphones are used to search for local information, replacing more traditional resources such as telephone directories. According to Google, 94% of smartphone users have searched for local business information, often resulting in either a call or visit to the business they located. But local retailers are not keeping up with the change. Tim Piazza, President of ProSocialTools, believes the reason most businesses lag behind the trend may be due to confusion over options. According to Piazza, business owners are overwhelmed with the amount of technology thrown at them. "They have been hearing about sms messaging, QR codes, mobile apps, and now, mobile websites. They really don't have a clear picture of how they will benefit. Not every new thing works for everyone, but when you consider that 20% of all internet traffic is conducted on mobile phones, ignoring the need for a mobile-optimized website is truly a bad business decision." Cost is another issue that leads business owners to hesitate when retail has been slow in recent years. Fortunately, a mobile website doesn't have to be costly, according to Piazza. "We offer a $99 mobile website starter solution that covers the essentials and can be expanded later. What most business owners need is contact and location information, business hours, a little about products and services, and maybe a promotion. That is more than enough to satisfy most of the mobile users looking for a local business. We're even providing lifetime hosting for free as a part of our introductory offer." Jason Fell, Technology Editor for Entrepreneur.com, says that only around 26% of local businesses have a mobile website, and it is hurting their business. Fell explains what often happens, with a personal experience. "We were on the move, looking for a particular restaurant. We used my Motorola Droid Razr to look up the restaurant's website, but all I saw was a white screen with links to download PDF files of the lunch and dinner menus. No contact information. No hours. No easy to read menu. Sorry, no business from me." Of the 26% of small businesses who have mobile websites, 84% cited growth stemming from their mobile presence. Darrin Lewis, owner of The Answerman Auto Repair noted that 50% of his website's search engine traffic is coming from mobile devices. "It really opened my eyes. I was just using an old phone, but when I saw how many people were visiting my mobile website, I went out and got a smartphone just so I could keep up with them." Lewis launched his website earlier this year, and having a mobile-ready online presence immediately led to new customers. Mobile consumers prefer mobile websites when using their smartphones. In a survey conducted by Google, 57% of mobile users said they would not recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site, and 40% turned to a competitor's business after a bad mobile experience. According to the research firm comScore, mobile web traffic has grown 1,800% over the past 5 years, and there are currently 119 million U.S. smartphone owners. With so many customers using the mobile web, it is no surprise that businesses who have added a mobile website to their marketing program are getting positive results. Several companies now offer "build-it-yourself" mobile solutions where the business owner can create their own site and then pay a hosting or service fee. Others, like ProSocialTools.com, offer a "built-for-you" solution tailored to your budget and customized to meet your needs. To learn more about mobile solutions from ProSocialTools, visit their website at http://ProSocialTools.com/mobisite/ or contact Tim Piazza at (877) 800-1236. ProSocialTools was launched in late 2010 to help main street business owners get more customers through affordable and effective online marketing solutions. ProSocialTools is based in Evansville, Indiana and can be reached toll-free by calling 877-800-1236. You can learn more about ProSocialTools by visiting their website at http://ProSocialTools.com Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10165979.htm PRWeb.com |