2011 Mobile Marketing Statistics

Mobile Moxie on the Road, Part 8
Presented in Sydney, Australia; April 2011

Mobile communication has emerged as an important, if not vital, tool worldwide.  Mobile content and communication is an important source of news and information.  It develops communities and fosters communication.  It can also be used to promote assimilation with a culture or ideal.  Mobile phones are also effecting economies.  The growth in online banking, online payment, and the benefits mobile marketing provides for small businesses are making a profound impact on the global economy.  In terms of safety and security, mobile applications provide access to more information in a more timely manner than ever before.  With weather alerts, crime alerts and drug verification, governments and the private sector are utilizing mobile platforms to keep the public more safe and informed.  Mobile web browsing and applications also make limitless information and educational tools available at all times.

As you can see, mobile phones and web browsing technologies have a major impact on the world we live in.  Imagine what an effect mobile marketing can have on your business.  Make sure you capitalize on the differences between mobile marketing and traditional marketing in order to ensure that this platform works for you at the top of its potential.  Mobile technology is different than other technology when it comes to delivering marketing messages.  It is the most personal marketing medium ever.  The interactive and instant marketing possibilities are endless, so make sure you take advantage of those opportunities. Understand that the mobile Internet is even more interactive than the traditional web. It is a social tool and users expect immediacy when interacting with your brand on their mobile devices.

So, what makes now the time to enter into the world of mobile marketing?  There is mass evolution and dissemination of mobile technology, and the adoption rate is only growing.  Flat-rate data plans are becoming the norm, so users will be accessing the mobile web, applications, and email boxes via mobile devices more than ever.  Download speeds are increasing, leading to more widespread usage of smart phones and mobile web browsers. Mobile devices are getting better, faster, and more efficient. And finally, true web browsing is becoming more and more possible, beginning with the launch of the iPhone and continuing with many other mobile phone manufacturers.  Now is the time to get into mobile marketing; master the medium before your competitors do and you will quickly become the one setting the standard and innovating in your industry.

Let’s examine some statistics on the global proliferation of mobile phone and mobile web usage:

• The Middle East and Africa have the highest projected growth rate (133%) from 2009-2014 (Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index, VNI)

• Western Europe will encompass nearly ⅓ of all mobile data traffic by 2014 (Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index, VNI)

• Mobile access may be 10 times greater by 2020 than access to desktop Internet in the 2000’s [source slide 8 from your presentation]

• Mobile phone penetration is estimated at 76.2% globally (Source: International Telecommunication Union, 2010)

ο In developed nations, this jumps to 116.1%
ο In developing nations, the penetration is estimated at 67.6%

• Smart phone penetration has grown tremendously over the past 2 years and is projected to continue growing: (Source: www.emarketer.com)

ο In North America, from 32% in 2009, to 54% in 2014
ο In Western Europe, from 25% in 2009 to 49% in 2014
ο In Asia-Pacific, from 8% in 2009 to 16% in 2014
ο In Central and Eastern Europe, from 6% in 2009 to 16% in 2014
ο In Japan, from 4% in 2009 to 8% in 2014
ο In the Middle East and Africa, from 3% in 2009 to 6% in 2014
ο In Latin America, from 1% in 2009 to 3% in 2014
ο And, Worldwide, from 9% in 2009 to 17% in 2014

• Worldwide, there are an estimated 1.2 billion PC owners, 2.2 billion bank account holders, and 5.0 billion mobile phone subscriptions

• Users of mobile social networks have increased from approximately 76 million in 2008, to 318.3 million in 2011, and a projected 760.1 million users in 2014 (Source: www.emarketer.com)

Learn more and view the charts and graphs on mobile marketing statistics by viewing the entire mobile stats slide show.