Going MobileAccording to the Mobile Marketing Association, more people worldwide own mobile devices than own a toothbrush…roughly 90% of the American population.

Smartphones are expected to pass the 50% market penetration mark by the close of 2011.

Some experts forecast that the use of mobile devices may overtake conventional desktop computers as early as 2014.

Top Operating Systems:

1.Android2.iPhone/iPad3.BlackBerry

Follow the research – what are users searching for? Go mobile or build an app? Build for planning or in-market use?

2010

2011

Mobile Users

What’s the big deal?Full websites accessed from a mobile device have a number of limitations which vary depending on device used:

• Small screen sizes make it difficult to see text and graphics• Limitations in navigation functionality• Many devices cannot access pages created in Flash • When viewing full websites on a mobile device pages are compressed into an order different from how they are intended to be viewed on a desktop computer

…and the list goes on

.Mobi vs. Mobile enabled

• Sites are optimized for mobile viewing

• Utilize data, content and assets from your existing website CMS. No new additional or customized data feeds are required for this mobile website solution.

• User automatically forwarded to mobile version based on browser detection

Sites require separate admin platforms.Mobi

Mobile enabled

charlottesgotalot.com Mobile siteDesigned primarily for ‘in destination’ use, only offering pertinent information: Upcoming Events, Hotel, Dining, Shopping, Nightlife and Attraction listings, Visitor Info Center information, Hot Deals and access to request an Official Visitors Guide.

Links to access our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube sites…with the 800 # to call for immediate assistance.

All Smartphone users are able to access our mobile site, whether using a BlackBerry, iPhone, Android or other device.

iPhone AppApp identifies your location and maps nearby partner Restaurants, Hotels, Attractions and more. Advertisers on charlottesgotalot.com receive enhanced visibility through the Mobile App ‘featured’ search.

Pros and Cons• App development over three platforms can be time consuming and pricey

• Negative feedback in ratings/comments; Exposes ‘holes’ in area content for partner-based DMOs

• Rapidly changing technology

• ROI on customer experience resource

• U.S. Travel Association mobile destination web site usability survey