Wherever you might be in the world, and whatever your business, chances are you have not missed the most important prediction since the internet first appeared – the internet will be mobile.
You've probably seen all of them; the handsets and other devices that let their users log in and browse the web at the click of a key or even a tap on a display (as is the case with the latest uber hyped device: the iPhone). People are today checking emails or browsing for the latest cinema listings, wherever you turn. The internet is simply on its way to become something you can access wherever you are.
How does this apply to you though, as a small or medium sized web owner, you ask?
The answer is quite simple. Once the growing ache of the mobile internet has started to settle, and people get more comfortable with their mobile internet features they will start also to demand that they can do their shopping on the road.
For those web businesses who have already stepped out into the "unknown" of mobile interfaces and development difficulties, you may learn that it is not an easy time to enter, unless you are ready for a bit of an uphill struggle.
While we know that the mobile devices are out there and ready to b used (actually, more people in Europe and Asia have mobiles than have desktops and notebooks), the web businesses are not quite ready to step up to the challenge it seems.
Why?
Because while there seems to be an urgent demand or even requirement for businesses to sign up for a mobile domain, many have no idea how to go from there. Developing a mobile site, optimizing it and then promoting it seems like a whole new science to most.
Around the creative agencies, you are starting to see the service of "creating mobile presences" show up. But it is not yet in the mainstream offering. Maybe because it is a process that requires skill in using applications to deliver real time mobile content, or displaying current offerings of services or products in an entire new kind of interface.
Today there is probably no emergency-like requirement for an online business owner to get a mobile domain (like .mobi). But, the benefits of having a mobile domain is that a very savvy mobile audience will recognize your efforts. And, you may boost your image significantly as a result.
But is it really that different from just building a website? Can't I just use what I already have?
Yes and no. It is different. And you should (if you are smart and serious about taking the leap) start from scratch with a new site, just for mobile users. Kick and scream all you want, there are no shortcuts.
Now, I'm not saying that the processes or technologies are any different from the traditional world-wide-web, but if you will to sell goods or services through a mobile interface you need to make sure all your ecommerce processes are quick enough for the mobile devices, and of course accessible. You also need to make sure the wireless transport layer security provides enough encryption and that your servers (hosting your commerce) support the WTLS protocol.
So, you're thinking now that you can get help with all of the above – what next?
Don't forget to make sure your site is optimized for mobile search – and of course that it is compliant with mobile standards (not too heavy site, jump links that work etc etc). Then go ahead, hit the ground running with your marketing and PR efforts like you would to any of your media or customer interfaces.
Sure, it's early. Sure, it's still in a very emerging phase. And sure, it's hard to find the tools and skills you may need to get there and be successful. But what's more sure than anything else, is that the mobile internet is coming. The question is just when, and if you are going to be there or not.
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