Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Why Mobile was King of 2013


In 2013, smartphone usage finally reached more than half of the U.S. population with 139 million users.


Rise of M-Commerce

While businesses continue to shore up e-commerce efforts, significant mobile and tablet growth continues to push sales on mobile devices to the forefront of online sales activity. According to Groupon, for example, 45% of their sales occurred on mobile devices including tablets over the last year. While 

And with the average user looking at their phone over 150 times a day, marketers need to make m-commerce a top priority.



This video shows how m-commerce will not just be an online experience, as Google Wallet will make POS transactions easier for consumers in-store, while they use their mobile devices for research and coupons.


Growth of Apps

With the growth of mobile the growth of apps must follow, obviously. According to Flurry Analytics, most new apps are entering the retail market, coinciding with the significant rise in m-commerce. (see below) 

It's amazing how may people are surfing throughout the ENTIRE day. The chart below shows time spent on iOS devices in the US. 

Marketers: 9:00 PM is mobile primetime, but really, someone will be browsing anytime of the day or night. 


In 2013, the big winner was Vine, growing by 403% between Q1 and Q3 


Conclusion

Marketers need to be thinking mobile. They need to know who is using which apps on what device. Technology is leading to greater segmentation, which will help marketers reach their targets and businesses find their niche. 

Check out our mobile solutions at chromatic-solutions.com.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Best Fall Colors, 2013


Old Mission Point Lighthouse
Old Mission Point Lighthouse, Traverse City, MI (courtesy: michigan.org)
















It's November, and the vibrant colors of autumn are beginning to wane in many parts of northern America. Hopefully you had ample time to take plenty of photos of all the bright chromatic foliage. But if you didn't have time to take a color tour, here's a small sample of 2013's brilliant display. 

Virginia
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Blue Ridge Moutains, VA (courtesy: Getty Images)

Colorado
Come see beautiful fall foliage on Kebler Pass near Crested Butte in Colorado.
Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, CO (courtesy: Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Assoc.)

The Colorado autumn aspen show typically begins in mid-September and runs through mid-October. Last Dollar Road, a winding dirt road from Telluride to Ridgway, is one of Colorado's best aspen-viewing spots.
Last Dollar Road, CO (courtesy: Vic Schendel)

Oregon
Drake Park, Bend, OR (courtesy: visitbend.org)