According to a new study from the International Data Corporation, tablets are expected to outsell PCs for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2014. While mobile device sales have been trending this way for years, this is the first time the mighty PC will be dethroned by a gadget. What does this mean for your business?
Website Design
One of the biggest impacts this trend will have on your business is in regard to marketing. You will want to design your website to be mobile friendly, which means it's easy to navigate and looks good when it's displayed on the small screen. One way you can optimize your website for mobile media is to use HTML tags so that mobile browsers know how to render your page to your liking.
Using QR Codes
If you're not doing it already, you will want to include QR codes with your print advertisements and company newsletters. QR codes bridge the gap between the digital and the print world by letting a user scan an image of a blurry looking box with the device's camera. Upon scanning a QR code, the user will be taken directly to your website, receive directions to your location (via a mapping application), download your organization's contact information, and much more.
The Importance of Social Media
As the use of smartphones and tablets continues to skyrocket, so too does the use of social media. Social media websites like Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus are a big part of the mobile device experience as most users always keep their favorite social media application open. With all the attention that device users give to their mobile social media apps, it's important for your business to have a social media presence in order to connect with your clients and find new customers.
Mobile Devices as a Business Tool
With tablets projected to outsell PCs, you will see more of your workers getting a tablet of their own and using it for their everyday tasks. These workers will grow to become more dependent upon their personal devices and want to use their smartphones and tablets in the office. This mobile trend is called Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and has the potential to make your workforce more productive, yet it comes with a unique set of security challenges that a business will need to address before allowing everybody to connect their device to the company's network.
While there will always be a place for the PC in the workplace, mobile devices are maturing and becoming powerful business tools, giving PCs a run for their money. In fact, thanks to services like cloud computing and data hosting, we have reached a point where it's entirely possible for businesses to replace their workstations with tablets.
It's exciting to watch this technology transition take place and see how new technology helps companies connect better with their customers, and become more productive, just as employees are that are armed with mobile devices. If you would like assistance in using mobile devices to enhance your company, then give Heart of Texas Network Consultants a call at (254) 848-7100.
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