From the Business Insider presentation we know that the number of smartphones is increasing and it will continue to increase. Blodget also tells us that everything people did online with their PCs they are doing on their smartphones. They are listening to music, reading ads, writing reviews, playing games, and looking up information. The only thing is now they are mobile. From MarketResearch 2.0 we are seeing what foodies are doing with their smartphones.
Now if you are thinking that these percentages are too low to bother about remember that in the U.S. about 24% of people online are creators and 37% are critics (Forrester Research) and that small group of young people texting in your restaurant are the influential trend setters telling their friends, and complete strangers, what they think about your food, service and establishment. The study from MarketResearch 2.0 also shows that 85% of respondents trust online reviews from fellow diners more than reviews from professionals and food sites. Not everybody in your restaurant is actually online while they are there but it is likely, especially if your clientele is under 45, that more than half of them read online restaurant reviews. What will they find out about you?
The mobile and social media revolution is well on its way. There are still some details about the best platform or what apps work best but these details are not excuses for non-action.
Ask your customers what they want. 13% of your customers clicking away at their smartphones while they are waiting for the check are looking for a place to go next. Partner with a nearby business and give them suggestions and incentives. Perhaps a QR Code with the bill that when scanned suggests an after dinner club with a coupon.
There are a lot of ideas that could take up several more blogs. What are you doing? What can you do? Let me know in the comments below. It is important to be creative but it is more important to do something.
Infographic: marketresearch-2.0
Photo: John Caples Awards